How to Make Your Facebook Friends List Private

Facebook's default setting allows everyone to view who you are friends with, but if you like, you may limit who can access your Facebook friends list. Additionally, you may choose who is allowed to try to add you as a friend on Facebook. In the Friends area of your profile, you may control who can view your friends' list.

Creating a Private Friends List

On Facebook, you may decide who can view your friend list. Go to your profile page and select the “Friends” tab there to accomplish this. The “Edit Privacy” button may be found by clicking or tapping the pencil-shaped edit button. The audience for your friend list may be selected in the privacy drop-down menu.

Anyone may view your friend list if you select “Public,” which is probably the default setting when you first created your friend list. If you decide on “Friends,” only your pals will be able to see your list of friends. Only you can view your list of pals if you select “Only Me.” You can also hide your friend using the features of Facebook.

Even if you restrict your friend list, others could still be able to determine who you are connected with through other means. For instance, when someone visits your Facebook profile page, they might be able to discover who your mutual friends are if you have any. They could also be able to read information about your friendships on your news feed and someone else's list of pals.

They could also be able to infer that a person who commented on your timeline or tagged you in a post is one of your Facebook friends.

Choosing Who You Can Friend

You may wish to restrict who is permitted to add you as a friend if you frequently receive bothersome or harassing friend requests on Facebook. To accomplish this, open the Facebook main menu by clicking the downward-pointing arrow, then select “Settings.” To access the privacy menu, select “Settings.” Click the “Edit” button next to “Who may send you friend requests?”

You have the option of selecting “Everyone” or “Friends of Friends” from that menu. You may not receive friend requests from individuals you know if you choose friends of friends, since only those who are friends with someone you are friends with may add you. This can decrease spam and harassment.

You can friend someone on Facebook if you meet him, and he requests it. You may go back to not allowing any more Facebook friends after changing your Facebook settings to enable him to become a friend.