Ready to Make it Facebook Official? A Simple Guide to Updating Your Relationship Status
So, you're ready to take the plunge and update your Facebook relationship status? Whether it's celebrating a new relationship, marking a milestone anniversary, or simply keeping things private, this guide will walk you through the process on both the mobile app and the desktop website. Let's get started!
Updating Your Relationship Status on the Facebook Mobile App: A Step-by-Step Guide
First things first, open the Facebook app on your phone. The interface is pretty consistent, but small variations exist between Android and iOS. Don't worry, I've got you covered.
1. Open Your Profile
Launch the Facebook app and tap on your profile picture. This is your starting point.
- Android Users: Look for the three-lined menu button (☰), usually in the top right. Tap it, then tap your name at the top to go to your profile.
- iOS Users: The menu button (☰) is typically in the bottom right. Tap it, then tap your name.
2. Find "About" or "Update Info"
Once you're on your profile, find either the "About" or "Update Info" section. Facebook likes to shuffle things around from time to time, but it's usually pretty easy to spot. This is where the magic happens!
3. Scroll Down to Relationship Status
Now for the fun part (or maybe not!). Scroll down until you find your relationship status. It’s usually under "About" or "Update Info", depending on how Facebook is configured at the time.
- Android Tip: It’s usually near the bottom of the first section under "About."
- iOS Tip: You might need to scroll down a bit further – it can sometimes be a little hidden.
4. Time to Edit!
Found it? Tap either the "Edit" button or the pencil icon (✏️). Facebook seems to change the button design regularly!
5. Choose Wisely (Your Relationship Status, That Is!)
This is the big moment: tap your current status to open the dropdown menu and select your new one.
- You'll see the usual suspects: "Single," "In a relationship," "Engaged," "Married," "In a civil partnership," "It's complicated," and more. Facebook covers a lot of ground!
- Pro Tip: Want to keep it private? Select "---" to remove your relationship status entirely. Perfect if you're going through a transition and need some space. Been there, done that!
6. Tag Your Partner (If Applicable)
If you're choosing a relationship status with someone, Facebook will prompt you to enter their name. Start typing, and if they're on Facebook, their name will appear as a suggestion. Double-check you've got the right person – you don't want any awkward mix-ups! Think of it as a digital "Are you my person?" moment!
7. Anniversary Time (Optional!)
Want to share your anniversary? Use the year, month, and day dropdown menus. Totally optional, but a nice touch! I personally think it’s sweet to see those dates.
8. Privacy Settings are Key!
This is crucial. Look for the privacy settings (usually near the bottom). You can control exactly who sees your relationship status.
- Default: Your Facebook friends will see it by default.
- Options: You can change this to "Public," "Only Me" (completely hidden), "Friends," "Custom" (select specific people), or use any custom lists you've created. The "More Options" menu usually holds the Custom and List settings. Choose wisely! I've used "Custom" before to share only with close family.
9. Save Your Changes!
Once you're happy, tap "Save."
- Important Note: If you're setting your status with another Facebook user, they'll get a notification asking them to confirm. It's like a digital "Will you be my...?" moment. Only after they confirm will the status appear on your profile.
- Heads Up: Facebook won't let you make the change if the person is already in a relationship with someone else (makes perfect sense!). Also, Facebook currently only supports one relationship status at a time.
Updating Your Relationship Status on the Facebook Website (Desktop): A Quick Guide
For those who prefer the big screen, here's how to update your status on the Facebook website:
1. Log In and Go to Your Profile
Log into Facebook and click your name in the top right corner to go to your profile.
2. Click "Update Info"
Find that "Update Info" button and click it. This opens your profile editor.
3. Find "Family and Relationships"
Look for the "Family and Relationships" section in the left sidebar. Clicking it takes you straight to the relationship section.
4. Choose Your Status
Haven't set a status yet? Click "Add your relationship status." Otherwise, you can edit your existing status. The options are the same as on the app ("Single," "In a relationship," etc.), and remember, "---" removes your status.
5. Tag, Date, and Set Privacy (Same as the App)
Follow steps 6-8 from the app instructions above for tagging your partner, adding an anniversary, and setting your privacy preferences.
6. Save and Confirm!
Click "Save" when you're all set.
- Remember: Facebook will send a confirmation request to your partner. You need to be Facebook friends with them, and they can't already be in a relationship with someone else on Facebook. No digital relationship juggling allowed!
Common Questions Answered
- Can I hide my relationship status completely? Absolutely! Choose "Only Me" in the privacy settings, or select "---" from the status options.
- What if I want to tag someone who isn't on Facebook? You can't. They need a Facebook account to be tagged in your relationship status.
- Can I list multiple relationships? No, Facebook only allows for one active relationship status at a time.
- My partner hasn't confirmed the relationship. Why? They might not have seen the notification, they might be ignoring it (awkward!), or they might not be on Facebook anymore. Check with them!
A Final Thought
Updating your relationship status is a personal choice. Don't feel pressured to do it just because others are! And always double-check your privacy settings. What you share (or don't share) is entirely up to you. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other Facebook questions!