Where to find the anonymous posting setting
To turn off anonymous posts in a Facebook group you manage, go to your group's settings and find the Member Approval section. The anonymous posting toggle sits in the same area where you control who can post and whether posts need your approval before they go live.
Open the group, click the three dots or gear icon at the top right, then select Edit Group Settings. Scroll down until you see options for post moderation and member permissions. The Allow Anonymous Posts toggle will be there — it is usually on by default for new groups.
If you do not see this option, make sure you are logged in as a group admin or moderator. Members cannot change this setting, and Facebook only shows it to people with permission to edit the group.
Key Takeaways
- Anonymous posting is turned on by default in most Facebook groups, but you can disable it from the group settings menu in seconds.
- Only group admins and moderators can change the anonymous posting setting — regular members cannot turn it off themselves.
- Turning off anonymous posts means all future posts will show the poster's name, but it does not delete or hide posts that were already made anonymously.
- Some groups keep anonymous posting on to encourage people to share sensitive topics, while others turn it off to reduce spam and hold members accountable.
What happens when you turn it off
Once you toggle off Allow Anonymous Posts, new posts from group members will display their real name or profile name. Members will no longer see the option to post anonymously when they create a new post in your group.
Posts that were already made anonymously before you turned off the setting will stay anonymous — turning off the feature does not retroactively reveal who posted them. If you want to remove those old anonymous posts, you will need to delete them individually.
Why groups turn anonymous posting off
Many group admins disable anonymous posting to reduce spam and low-effort comments. When people know their name is attached to what they write, they tend to think twice before posting off-topic content or being rude to other members.
Turning it off also makes it easier to enforce group rules. If someone breaks the rules, you can see who they are and take action — warn them, remove them, or ban them if needed. With anonymous posts, you have no way to follow up with a repeat offender.
Some groups keep it on intentionally because the topic is sensitive — mental health support groups, addiction recovery groups, or spaces for people dealing with stigma often let members post anonymously so they feel safer sharing.
If members complain about the change
Let members know why you made the change in a pinned post or group announcement. Explain that accountability helps keep the group on topic and respectful. If the group's purpose is sensitive, you might explain that you are turning it off to reduce spam while still encouraging people to share openly under their own names.
Some members may leave if they preferred the anonymity, but most groups find that removing anonymous posting improves the quality of discussion. You can always turn it back on later if the change does not work for your group.
Turning it back on if you change your mind
If you decide anonymous posting was better for your group, go back to Edit Group Settings and toggle Allow Anonymous Posts back on. The setting takes effect immediately for new posts.
Members will see the anonymous option again the next time they create a post. Turning the feature back on does not affect posts that were made while it was off — those will still show the poster's name.
Other moderation tools that work with this setting
Turning off anonymous posts works best when combined with other moderation features. You can require that all posts be approved before they appear, set up a list of words that trigger automatic review, or restrict who can post at all.
If spam is your main problem, you might also consider turning on Membership Approval so new members cannot post until you approve them. This stops bots and throwaway accounts from flooding your group with ads or off-topic content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see who made an anonymous post if I turn off the setting later?
No. Once a post is made anonymously, Facebook does not store the connection between the post and the person who made it. Even admins cannot see who posted it, even if you turn off anonymous posting afterward. The post stays anonymous permanently.
Will members get a warning before they post anonymously and it does not work?
Yes. When a member tries to create a post, they will see the anonymous option only if it is turned on. If you have turned it off, the anonymous checkbox will not appear, so they will know right away that they cannot post that way.
Do I have to turn off anonymous posting to moderate my group?
No. You can moderate a group with anonymous posting on by deleting posts that break the rules, removing members who cause problems, or using word filters. Turning it off just makes it easier to follow up with repeat offenders since you can see who they are.
What if only some members should be able to post anonymously?
Facebook does not have a setting to let only certain members post anonymously. The feature is either on for everyone or off for everyone. If you want to restrict anonymous posting, you have to turn it off entirely.
Can members turn off anonymous posting in their own posts?
No. If anonymous posting is turned on in the group, members can choose to post anonymously or with their name. They cannot force their post to be anonymous if they do not want it to be, and they cannot force it to be named if they want it anonymous.