Where Facebook Stores Your Email
Facebook keeps your email address in your account settings, not in a separate inbox. When you log into Facebook, the email on file is the one Facebook uses to send you notifications, password reset links, and security alerts. You can see this address and change it whenever you want — it takes about two minutes.
The email Facebook has for you might not be the one you use most often. Many people set up Facebook years ago with an old email address and never update it. If you've changed email providers or switched jobs, your Facebook email could be out of date. Checking it regularly helps make sure you receive important security notifications.
Key Takeaways
- Your Facebook email address is stored in account settings under "Personal Information," not in a message inbox.
- You can view your email on any device — computer, phone, or tablet — by logging into Facebook and opening settings.
- Facebook uses this email to send you login alerts, password resets, and security warnings, so keeping it current matters for account safety.
- You can add a backup email address to your account so Facebook can reach you if your primary email stops working.
- Changing your Facebook email takes effect immediately and does not affect your login password or username.
How to Check Your Email on a Computer
Open Facebook in your web browser and log in if you are not already signed in. Look for the downward-pointing arrow or menu icon in the top right corner of the page — this is usually next to your profile picture. Click it to open a dropdown menu.
From that menu, select "Settings and privacy," then click "Settings." On the left side of the screen, you will see a list of options. Click "Personal information." Your email address appears under the "Email" section. This is the address Facebook has on file for your account.
If you want to add a backup email or change your primary email, click the pencil icon next to the email field. You can add a second email address that Facebook will use if your main one becomes unavailable. Facebook will send a confirmation link to any new email you add before it becomes active.
How to Check Your Email on a Phone or Tablet
Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) at the bottom right of the screen. Scroll down and tap "Settings and privacy," then tap "Settings." Look for "Personal information" and tap it.
Your email address appears on this screen. The layout is the same as the computer version — you will see your current email and an option to edit it. Tap the pencil icon to make changes, add a backup email, or remove an old one. Any changes you make on your phone will show up immediately on your computer and vice versa.
What to Do If You Do Not Recognize the Email
If the email address in your settings is not one you recognize or no longer have access to, change it right away. This could mean someone else set up the account, or it could be an old address you forgot about. Either way, you need an email you can actually check.
Click or tap the pencil icon next to the email field and enter a new email address that you use regularly. Facebook will send a confirmation link to that new address. Click the link in the email to confirm the change. Until you confirm, Facebook will still use the old email for notifications.
If you cannot access the email currently on your account and cannot remember your password, you will need to use Facebook's account recovery process. Go to facebook.com/login/identify on a computer or use the "Forgot password?" link on the app. Facebook will ask you to identify yourself using other information on your account, like your phone number or a trusted contact.
Why Facebook Sends Emails to This Address
Facebook uses your email address for security and account management. When someone tries to log into your account from a new device or location, Facebook sends a notification to this email. If you did not make that login attempt, you can use the email to tell Facebook and secure your account immediately.
Password reset links also go to this email. If you forget your password, Facebook sends a link to reset it — but only to the email on file. This is why keeping your email current is important. If you cannot access the email in your settings, you cannot reset your password if you get locked out.
Facebook also sends notifications about account activity, friend requests, messages, and comments to this address. You can control which notifications Facebook sends by going to Settings and clicking "Notifications." But all of these messages go to the email address in your Personal Information section.
Adding a Backup Email to Your Account
A backup email gives Facebook another way to reach you if something goes wrong with your primary email. To add one, go to Settings, click "Personal information," and click the pencil icon next to your email. You will see an option to add another email address.
Type in a second email address you have access to and click "Add." Facebook will send a confirmation link to that address. Open the email, click the link, and the backup email becomes active. Now Facebook can use either email to send you security alerts and password resets.
You can have up to two email addresses on your Facebook account at the same time. If you want to remove one, click the X next to it in the Personal Information section. You must always have at least one email address on your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a phone number instead of an email address?
Facebook lets you add a phone number to your account, but you still need an email address. The phone number is a backup for password resets and security alerts. You can add a phone number in the same Personal Information section where your email appears.
What happens if I change my Facebook email?
Changing your email does not affect your password, username, or any of your posts or photos. Facebook immediately starts sending notifications to the new email address. The old email stops receiving Facebook messages, but you can still use your old email to log in if you set it up that way.
Can someone else see my Facebook email address?
Your email address is private by default. Other Facebook users cannot see it unless you change your privacy settings or add it to your public profile. You can check who can see your email by going to Settings, clicking "Privacy," and reviewing what information is visible to friends or the public.
What if Facebook is sending emails to the wrong address?
Check your Personal Information section to confirm the email on file. If it is wrong, update it immediately. If you updated it but still receive emails at the old address, the old email might still be listed as a backup. Remove any email addresses you no longer use by clicking the X next to them.
How do I know if my Facebook account has been hacked?
Check your email for login alerts from Facebook. If you see notifications about logins you did not make, change your password immediately and review your active sessions in Settings. You can also check the email address in your Personal Information to make sure it has not been changed without your permission.