How to Upload a Profile Picture to Facebook

This Mahalo page can be used as a guide on how to upload a profile picture to Facebook.

On February 4, 2004, Mark Zuckerberg launched Facebook. Running the social network application started out as just a hobby to the Harvard student. It wasn't long after the launch that Zuckerberg with the help of two fellow students, took Facebook to the next level. To manage the social network properly he dropped out of school. With over 8 million users in the United States, Facebook is currently the second largest social networking website on the Internet, right after MySpace.¹

After signing up for a Facebook account you will have to option to make your profile. The Mahalo page how to customize your profile on Facebook can provide more information on the topic. One thing that you can choose to do is to upload a photo of yourself to your Facebook account. This way, when people search for you, they will be able to determine that they have found the right person. Some people prefer to upload a cartoon or animated picture. However, Facebook users all have to agree to the Statement of Rights and Responsibilities when using the social networking website. Not all photos are accepted. Pornography and photos that are considered abusive are not allowed and other Facebook users are able to report these photos anonymously.²

How to Upload a Profile Picture to Facebook

This video demonstrates how to upload a profile picture to Facebook. Remember that Facebook profile images can only be select formats, and must also be within the size limitation. Some content, such as pornographic images, can cause you to be banned from Facebook.

Step 1: Sign Up For A Facebook Account

Before you can upload a profile picture to your Facebook account, you will have to create the account. Facebook requires members to be at least 13 years of age and to have a working email account. The following steps should be taken to set up the account:

1. Go to Facebook.com.
2. Fill out the form page that asks for your first name, last name, email, password, sex and date of birth. After filling out the form click 'Sign Up'.
3. Check your email for a registration email from Facebook.
4. Confirm receipt of the email by clicking on the link in the email.
5. Now you have created a Facebook account and can start personalizing it.³

Step 2: Adding A Profile Photo

To add a Photo to your Facebook profile, you can take the following steps:

1. Log into your Facebook account.
2. In the upper right hand corner click on the tab that says 'Profile'.
3. To the left of the page, click on the option that says 'Upload a Photo'.
4. A pop-up box will show up which will allow you to browse your computer for the photo you want to upload.
5. Find a photo on your computer and click 'Open'.
6. The photo will automatically be downloaded.

Step 3: Changing Your Profile Picture

If you want to update or change your current profile picture you can do this using the following steps:

1. Log into your Facebook account.
2. Click on 'Profile' in the upper right hand corner.
3. Choose 'Edit My Profile' on the left hand side of the screen underneath your current photo.
4. A list of editing options will show up on the left side of the screen. Make sure to choose the one that says 'Profile Picture'.
5. Here you can once again browse and download another photo from your computer. The photo will automatically replace your current profile picture.
6. If you have a camera attached to your computer, you will also have the option to take a photo of yourself while behind your computer. You can do this by clicking on the 'Take A Picture' tab.