You can easily see how your Facebook profile appears to people you are not friends with by using the "View As" feature.
Understanding how your profile looks publicly is crucial for managing your online privacy and ensuring you're sharing only what you intend to. Facebook provides a built-in tool that allows you to step outside your account and see your profile through the eyes of a public viewer.
Steps to View Your Profile as Public
The process differs slightly depending on whether you are using the Facebook website on a computer or the mobile app.
On the Facebook Website (Facebook.com)
Follow these steps when accessing Facebook via a web browser:
- Go to your Facebook profile page.
- Look just below your cover photo. You will find a row of buttons and options.
- Select the three dots (...) next to buttons like "Edit Profile" or "Add Story".
- From the dropdown menu that appears, select "View As".
Your profile page will reload, showing you exactly how it looks to someone who is not logged into Facebook or is not your friend. This allows you to see what information, posts, and photos are visible publicly.
On the Facebook Mobile App
If you are using the Facebook app on your smartphone or tablet, use these steps:
- Navigate to your profile within the app.
- Look to the right of the blue "Add Story" button (or potentially the "Edit Profile" button).
- Select the three dots (...).
- From the options presented, select "View As".
Just like on the website, your profile will display how it appears to the public, according to the reference provided: "Your profile will be shown to you as if you were viewing it as a public user."
Why Use the "View As" Feature?
Using the "View As" feature helps you:
- Check Privacy Settings: Verify that your posts, photos, and personal information are shared only with the intended audience (e.g., Friends, Friends except, Only Me).
- Control Public Appearance: See what first impression someone searching for you on Facebook would get.
- Review Profile Sections: Ensure that sections like your About information, Friends list, or Photos tab are visible or hidden as per your preference.
Summary Table
| Method | Location of "..." Button | Action After Clicking "..." | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Website | Under your cover photo | Select "View As" | View profile as a public user |
| Mobile App | To the right of the "Add Story" button | Select "View As" | View profile as if you were viewing it as a public user |
By regularly using this tool, you can maintain better control over your Facebook privacy and ensure your public profile reflects how you want to be seen online.
