Key takeaways:
- Updating your Facebook profile picture and cover photo is a quick way to refresh your profile
- You can change your profile picture without notifying friends by adjusting privacy settings
- Uploading a new cover photo is simple and can be done from your profile page
- Frequently updating your profile and cover photos keeps your profile looking fresh
Facebook is all about sharing and connecting with friends and family. One of the first things people notice when they visit your profile is your profile picture and cover photo. These images are a great way to express your personality, interests, and what’s going on in your life. In this article, we’ll walk through the steps to update both your profile picture and cover photo, including how to change your profile picture without notifying everyone.
Table of Contents
Updating Your Profile Picture
Your profile picture is the main image that represents you on Facebook. It appears next to your name in comments, posts, and in search results. Here’s how to change it:
- Open the Facebook app on your mobile device (make sure you have the latest version installed)
- Tap the three lines in the top right corner to open the menu
- Tap on your profile to view your profile page
- Tap the camera icon under your current profile picture
- Select “Select Profile Picture”
- Choose a photo from your camera roll or take a new one
- Adjust the photo and tap “Save” in the top right corner
That’s it! Your new profile picture is now updated.
Changing Your Profile Picture Without Notifying Friends
If you want to update your profile picture without posting about it or notifying your friends, here’s what to do:
- Follow steps 1-6 above to select a new profile picture
- Before tapping “Save”, look for the “Share your update to News Feed” option
- Uncheck this option if you don’t want to post about your new profile pic
- Tap “Save”
Your profile picture will update without generating a post on your timeline or in your friends’ News Feeds. If you accidentally posted the profile picture change:
- Go to the profile picture post on your timeline
- Tap the three dots in the top right corner of the post
- Select “Edit Privacy”
- Change the privacy setting to “Only me”
Now the post about your profile picture change will only be visible to you.
Updating Your Cover Photo
Your cover photo is the large, horizontal image at the top of your profile page. It’s a great opportunity to showcase a favorite photo or something that reflects your current interests. Here’s how to change it:
- Go to your profile page
- Tap “Edit” in the top right corner of your current cover photo
- Select “Upload Photo”
- Choose a photo from your camera roll or take a new one
- Adjust the photo by dragging it into position
- Tap “Save”
Your new cover photo will now appear at the top of your profile page. Similar to profile pictures, cover photo changes generate a post by default. To avoid this:
- Scroll down to the cover photo post on your timeline
- Tap the three dots in the top right corner
- Select “Hide from profile”
This will remove the cover photo update post from your timeline so your friends won’t see it.
Tips for Choosing Profile and Cover Photos
When selecting profile and cover photos, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose high-quality images: Blurry or pixelated photos don’t make a great impression. Use clear, crisp images that will look good even when displayed at a small size.
- Express yourself: Your profile and cover photos are an opportunity to show off your personality, so choose images that reflect who you are and what you care about.
- Keep it appropriate: Remember that your profile and cover photos are public, so avoid anything too controversial or revealing. Stick to images you’d be comfortable with anyone seeing.
- Update regularly: Changing your profile and cover photos every few months helps keep your profile looking fresh and engaging. Consider updating them to reflect seasons, holidays, life events, or your latest hobbies and interests.
FAQ
How often should I change my Facebook profile and cover photos?
There’s no hard and fast rule, but updating your photos every few months is a good guideline. This keeps your profile looking current and interesting.
What’s the ideal size for a Facebook profile picture?
Facebook recommends using a profile picture that’s at least 180×180 pixels. However, using a larger square image (at least 500×500 pixels) will ensure your picture looks great even if Facebook changes its layout.
What should I avoid putting in my cover photo?
Avoid using images that are too busy or have a lot of small text, as these can be hard to read. Also steer clear of anything offensive, misleading, or copyrighted.
Can I use a GIF as my profile picture?
Yes! Facebook supports GIFs as profile pictures. Just upload a GIF file the same way you would a regular photo.
Will my friends be notified if I change my profile picture multiple times in one day?
Nope! Facebook only generates one story per day about profile picture updates, no matter how many times you change it that day.
Updating your Facebook profile and cover photos is a quick and easy way to freshen up your profile and express your personality. By following the steps outlined above, you can update your images in just a few taps – and even do so without notifying all your friends. So go ahead and show off that new selfie or scenic shot! Your Facebook profile will thank you.
