Securing Your Facebook Account on an Apple Device, Android, or Computer

Unlocking the Secret of Secure Profiles: A How-To Guide

Hey there! If you've stumbled upon a Facebook profile with a blue shield and keyhole, you know that user has activated a profile lock, making most of their content and activity visible only to friends. But what if this feature isn't available in your country? No worries! I've got you covered with an easy guide to help you secure your Facebook profile and protect your privacy.

First, the Lowdown on Locked Profiles

Activating a locked profile quickly converts all content to friends-only, restricting past and future posts, photos, and stories.
Only friends can click the profile or cover photo to view the full-sized versions.
Profile and tag review are enabled to prevent unwanted tagged content.
Most of the About section of your profile is only visible to friends.

The Skinny on Where Locking is Available

While profile locking isn't yet available in most countries, including the United States and Canada, users in countries such as Afghanistan, Australia, Egypt, India, Iraq, Morocco, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Turkey, UAE, and Ukraine can lock their profiles.

If profile locking isn't an option for you, don't sweat it! You can still take steps to secure your profile and enjoy many of the benefits of a locked profile.

Steps to Secure Your Profile When Locking Isn't Available

Here's a simple breakdown of the steps you can take to secure your Facebook profile:

Make your past posts friends-only:
On mobile, tap the three-line menu and go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Posts > Limit who can see past posts.
On a computer, click the menu at the top-right and go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Posts > Limit Past Posts and then again to confirm.
Make future posts friends-only:
On mobile, tap the three-line menu and go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Posts > Who can see your future posts? and select Friends.
On a computer, click the menu and go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Posts, then select "Friends" from the menu next to "Who can see your future posts?".
Hide the information on your profile:
Go to your profile on your computer, phone, or tablet.
Click on "About" and select "Contact and Basic Info".
Click the pencil icon next to each bit of information and set the privacy to Friends or Only me.
Save when you're finished.
Make future stories friends-only:
Each time you share a photo or video for your story, tap the gear icon or the word "Privacy" at the bottom, then choose "Friends".
Turn on Profile and Tag Review:
On mobile, tap the three-line menu and go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Profile and Tagging. Set all options under "Viewing and Sharing" and "Tagging" to Friends, then turn both "Reviewing" options On.
On a computer, click the menu at the top-right and go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Privacy > Profile and tagging. Go through all options on the page and set them all to Friends, then switch the two "Reviewing" sliders to On.
Control who can add you as a friend:
On any version of Facebook, click the menu, go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > How People Find and Contact You > Who can send you friend requests?, and select "Friends of friends".
Prevent people from finding your profile:
In any version of Facebook, open the menu and go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > How people find and contact you. Tap each option in the list, then choose Friends or Only me.
To prevent people from finding your profile by Googling you, toggle off the switch next to "Allow search engines outside of Facebook to link to your profile."

Expert Insights

If you're still concerned about your privacy, you might consider adding an extra layer of security and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA). By following these simple steps, you can significantly enhance the privacy and security of your Facebook profile even if profile locking isn't available in your country.

Even though Facebook profile locking might not be accessible in your country, you can still achieve a similar level of privacy by making all your past, future posts, stories, and profile information visible only to friends.
Leveraging technology to its full potential, you can fortify your social-media entertainment experience without profile locking by following a series of steps to secure your Facebook profile, such as restricting who can see your posts, controlling who can add you as a friend, and turning on profile and tag review.