Change Your Profile Picture on Facebook
You've had the same Facebook picture for way too long and it's time for a change. First, you have to choose the perfect photo to show who you really are, and then you have to figure out how to upload it to Facebook. Follow these easy steps to find out how to choose and upload the perfect photo.
Contents
Steps
Uploading a Profile Picture via Facebook’s Website
- Go to Facebook. You can use any web browser on your computer to visit this site.
- Log in. Use your Facebook account and password to log in. The login fields are found on the upper right corner of the page. Click the “Log in” button to proceed.
- Go to your Timeline page. Click your name on the header to reach your Timeline page. Your current profile picture is clearly enlarged towards the top left part of the page.
- Open the Upload Photo window. Hover over your current profile picture, and click the “Upload Profile Picture” link that will appear. A window will appear.
- Decide whether you want to choose from your photos, take a photo, or upload a photo.
- If you want to choose from your photos, click on the option and sort through your photos to choose the best one.
- If you choose to take a photo, tap the camera button, press "take photo" and then click "set as profile picture."
- If you choose to upload a photo, click the “Upload Photo” box at the top of the window. The file explorer window will open. Select the photo from your local computer that you want to use as your new profile picture, and click on it. The selected image file will be uploaded to Facebook.
- Crop, resize, and reposition. Once it’s uploaded, you will be presented with the Crop Photo window. Here you can resize and reposition the photo to fit the profile picture box. Click the “Crop and Save” button to commit to your new profile picture.
- Resizing—Use the scroll bar below the photo to zoom in or out of your photo. Use this to enlarge or minimize the area to be covered in the profile picture box.
- Repositioning—There’s a box on the photo you’ve uploaded to show you the area being covered in the profile picture box. Click and drag it to reposition the picture.
- Skip Cropping—If you want your profile picture as it is, automatically cropped by Facebook, click the “Skip Cropping” link at the bottom left corner of the window.
- View new profile picture. Go back to your Timeline, or any page on Facebook, and you will see your profile picture updated. The photo will also be added to your “Profile pictures” album on Facebook.
Uploading a Profile Picture via the Facebook Mobile App
- Launch Facebook. Look for the Facebook app on your mobile device and tap on it.
- Go to your Timeline page. Tap your name on the header toolbar, and you will be brought to your Timeline screen. Your current profile picture is clearly enlarged towards the top part of the screen.
- Upload a new photo. Tap your current profile picture, and short menu will appear. Tap on “Upload Photo”. Your mobile device’s media gallery or camera roll will be brought up.
- Tap the folder where the photo you want to be used as your new profile picture is located. Browse through your pictures and tap the one you want to use.
- Resize and reposition. Once it’s uploaded, you will be presented with the “Set Profile Picture” window. Here you can resize and reposition the photo to fit the profile picture box. Use your fingers to scale and reposition the profile picture.
- Tap the “Done” button to commit to your new profile picture.
- View the new profile picture. Go back to your Timeline, or any screen on Facebook, and you will see your profile picture updated. The photo will also be added to your “Profile pictures” album on Facebook.
Choosing the Perfect Photo
- Decide on the look you want. Before you sort through your photos, have your mind on a look you're going for. Do you want it to be sexy, mature, professional, fun, sporty, or just plain silly?
- There's a fine line between sexy and provocative. Make sure not to make your picture look too illicit or people may get the wrong impression of you.
- You can look professional while smiling and showing your fun side.
- Sporty photos can be a great way to boast your accomplishments. Just don't pick one that makes you look too sweaty or worn, unless you're really proud of your hard work.
- Your photo can include a close friend or family member. Just make sure you stand out in some way so people know which person in the photo you are.
- If you want the world to know that you love your significant other, choose a picture of the two of you. However, avoid posting anything too mushy or people may roll their eyes.
- Examine your photos. Sort through your existing photos to see which one is best. Some places to look include:
- Your treasure trove of Facebook photos. You may be inspired to use an older photo if you're feeling nostalgic or if it's for a special reason.
- For example, if it's the holiday season, you may play around with the old photo of you at the ugly Christmas sweater party from the year before.
- If you're feeling nostalgic, look through your photo album. Yes, there was a time when you could find photos between the pages of a real book--not Facebook.
- If it's Mother's Day, or your father's birthday, post a photo of yourself as a little kid with your family. These photos are a big hits and get a lot of "likes."
- Your friends' photos. Your closest friends may have captured some great memories while you were hardly paying attention.
- Your treasure trove of Facebook photos. You may be inspired to use an older photo if you're feeling nostalgic or if it's for a special reason.
- Choose the best one. Once you find the photo that gives you the look you were going for, you're almost ready to go.
- Sometimes you may not end up with the photo that shows the look you were going for. You don't have to stick to your original plan if something sparks your fancy.
- Don't overthink it. Remember that you can change your photo any time you want--and it only takes a minute.
- If you don't have any pictures you like, take a new one. If none of the photos you have are doing the trick, try your hand at taking a new photo.
- Ask a friend or roommate to take a picture of you.
- You can also try your hand at a self-pic. Before you do, though, learn how to Take Flattering Photos of Yourself.
- It may be easier to use a web cam for the photo, but using a camera may give you a higher-quality photo.
- Get a second opinion. After you take or find the perfect photo, ask a trusted friend what he or she really thinks. Don't be afraid of the truth.
- See if your friend understands what look you're going for in the photo. If you think the photo is mature and your friend thinks you look like you're twelve years old, you may want to try again.
- Not everyone has to be pleased with your photo. Your mother, for example, may have a different idea of how you should represent yourself. However, your photo shouldn't be so extreme or provocative that it makes your parents cringe.
Tips
- If you want your Facebook friends to see your photo right away, don't post it too early in the morning or too late at night. Pick a time when people are likely to be on Facebook.
- If you're in a new relationship, it may not be the best time to post a photo of you and your significant other together. You may be embarrassed if the relationship ends abruptly after everyone knows you're seeing someone, or your new catch may think you're moving too fast.
Warnings
- If you're on the job market, remember that potential employers may Facebook you and could be put off by your photo. Maybe you had the time of your life at your sorority's champagne extravaganza, but is that the picture you want to show your future boss?
Related Articles
- Change Your Profile Picture on wikiHow
