Logic errors on Facebook: Therefore you should check your privacy settings immediately
A logic error has been discovered on Facebook that makes your mobile number public. However, the problem can be quickly remedied in the privacy settings. We'll show you how it's done.
Facebook: logic error in the privacy settings
Many users have their own mobile phone number on Facebook. Either you made the entry yourself, Facebook Messenger added your number later or you use the number for security functions.
- As a rule, the cell phone number is kept private. Open your Facebook profile and switch to the category "Info" above, you will find the item "Contact information and general information" on the left. If you move the mouse over the lock symbol, "Only I" is usually displayed here.
- However, "I only" usually does not remain. Even if you only share the number with your friends, the number can be found publicly on Facebook. In the test, we were able to find several people on Facebook using their cell phone numbers with whom we are not friends.
- The reason for the problem is a small logic error. Facebook lets you select the "Only I" option in your profile, but there are also options available in the privacy settings. If the wrong setting was selected here, your cell phone number will still remain public.
Protect your mobile phone number in Facebook settings
Facebook seems to have added the mobile search function a long time ago. The option was set so that privacy was not protected from the start. With just a few clicks you can keep your mobile number private:
- Open the Facebook website and click on the small arrow in the top right corner.
- Select the "Settings" here and switch to the "Privacy" category on the left.
- Next to "Who can search for me?" you will now find the point "Who can search for you using the phone number you provided?"
- Select "Friends" or "Friends of Friends" instead of "All".
- If you have entered a mobile phone number on Facebook, at least your friends can use it to search for you. A complete deactivation of the search is only possible by removing your number.
