Facebook has been around for a long time, and many adults use it every day to connect with family, share photos, and stay in touch with old friends.
But here’s what most people don’t realize: the platform quietly updates its features, sometimes turning on settings you never asked for. Those “updates” can leave private details open to scammers without you noticing.
Think about it like this: you wouldn’t leave your house unlocked just because you’ve lived in the same neighborhood for 20 years. The same goes for your online life.
A few quick changes in Facebook settings can keep your personal moments, family history, and identity safe — while still letting you enjoy everything Facebook has to offer. So let’s dive right in.
Table of Contents
Setting #1. Stop Facebook from Peeking at Your Photos
How this setting works:
In 2025, Facebook introduced “camera roll sharing suggestions.” It quietly scans all the photos in your phone’s gallery — even pictures you never uploaded.
Why changing it matters:
Think of it like leaving your photo album on the kitchen table for anyone to flip through. Private medical papers, your grandkids’ school photos, even a snapshot of your driver’s license could be sitting in your gallery.
You didn’t give Facebook permission to look — but the setting may be on by default.
What happens if you ignore this change:
- Facebook could use your private pictures to suggest posts.
- If a scammer got into your account, they’d instantly have access to sensitive photos.
How to change it:
- Open the Facebook app.
- Tap the menu (☰) → Settings & Privacy → Settings.
- Find Camera Roll Sharing Suggestions.
- Turn every switch off (gray).
This step makes sure Facebook only sees the photos you choose to post.
Setting #2. Lock Down Your Old Posts
How this setting works:
Everything you ever posted on Facebook — from 2009 vacation photos to your kids’ names — may still be public.
Why changing it matters:
Scammers scroll through your history like detectives. They piece together details — birthdays, family names, even pet names (which many people use in passwords).
This is the info criminals use to trick senior adults with “grandparent scams” or identity theft.
What happens if you ignore this change:
- A stranger can know your full family tree without ever meeting you.
- Posts you forgot about years ago can suddenly resurface.
How to change it:
- Go to Settings & Privacy → Settings → Privacy.
- Under Your Activity, tap Limit Past Posts.
- Confirm the change.
That’s it. From now on, only your friends can see your older posts — strangers are locked out.
Setting #3. Control Who Sees Your New Posts
How this setting works:
Every post you share has a “default audience.” If it’s set to “Public,” then anyone on Facebook can see it.
Why changing it matters:
It might feel harmless to post a vacation photo, but when it’s public, strangers know your house is empty. Or if you post about your birthday, scammers learn your exact age.
What happens if you ignore this change:
- Criminals can track your habits and location.
- You might get friend requests or messages from people you don’t know, just because of a public post.
How to change it:
- Go to Settings → Privacy → Your Activity.
- Under Who Can See Future Posts, pick Friends.
- You can also choose Friends Except… to hide posts from certain people.
This keeps your everyday updates safe, just between you and the people you trust.
Setting #4. Hide Your Profile from Google
How this setting works:
Google (and other search engines) can list your Facebook profile in search results.
Why changing it matters:
That means someone can type your name into Google and instantly find your Facebook page — even if they don’t use Facebook themselves. For senior adults, this can lead to fake “long-lost friend” requests or scams targeting widows and retirees.
What happens if you ignore this change:
- Strangers can find your account just by Googling your name.
- It makes it easier for scammers to build a fake story about you.
How to change it:
- Go to Settings → Privacy → How People Can Find and Contact You.
- Find “Do you want search engines outside Facebook to link to your profile?”
- Switch it off.
Now, your profile is hidden from Google searches — only Facebook friends can see it.
Setting #5. Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
How this setting works:
2FA is like a lock on top of your password. With 2FA, when you log in, Facebook sends a code to your phone. You need both the password and the code to get in.
Why turning it on matters:
Hackers love breaking into senior adults’ accounts to send scam messages like, “Hi, it’s me, can you send money?”
If they get your password, they’re in. But with 2FA, they’d also need your phone — which they don’t have.
What happens if you ignore this change:
- If someone guesses or steals your password, they can take over your account.
- Your friends and family could get tricked by messages “from you” that aren’t really you.
How to set it:
1. Open Your Facebook Settings
- On desktop (computer): click the downward arrow in the top‑right corner → select Settings & Privacy → Settings
- On the mobile app: tap the menu button (☰) → tap Settings & Privacy → Settings
2. Go to Security Section
- Look for “Security and Login” (on web) or “Accounts Center → Password & Security” (mobile).
3. Find Two-Factor Authentication
- Scroll to locate “Two‑Factor Authentication” and click Edit or Set Up.
4. Choose Your Method
Facebook gives a few secure options:
- Text Message (SMS): Sends a code to your phone each time.
- Authenticator App (like Google Authenticator): Generates codes on your phone even without the internet.
- Optionally, you can later add a Security Key (like a USB key) for even stronger protection.
5. Follow Prompts
- If using SMS, Facebook will send a code — type it in to confirm setup.
- If using an Authenticator App, Facebook will display a QR code or setup key. Open your app, scan it or enter the key, and it will generate a 6-digit code to verify.
6. Save Backup Codes
Facebook may offer a set of backup codes — print or write these down somewhere safe. If you lose access to your phone, they can help you log in.
With 2FA, even if your password leaks, your account stays safe.
Extra Step: Review Your Facebook Friends List
Over the years, many of us add people on Facebook without thinking much about it. Old coworkers, distant relatives, even people we met just once. But here’s the catch — every “friend” can see a lot more about you than strangers can.
Why this matters:
- A scammer pretending to be friendly could already be on your list.
- Some old connections may no longer need access to your photos, personal updates, or contact info.
- The more people on your list, the harder it is to notice if a fake account slips in.
How to clean it up:
- Open your Facebook profile and tap Friends.
- Scroll through — if someone seems unfamiliar or you haven’t spoken to them in years, tap the Friends button next to their name and select Unfriend.
- If you’re not ready to remove them entirely, that’s okay — but remember, anyone still on your friends list can access what you share with the “Friends” category in settings.
Think of it like tidying up your address book. Fewer, trusted people on your list means less chance of your personal life landing in the wrong hands.
Quick Recap: Your Short To-Do List
- Camera Roll → Stop Facebook from scanning private photos
- Past Posts → Hide your old history from strangers
- Future Posts → Share only with friends
- Search Engines → Block Google from showing your profile
- 2FA → Add a strong lock on your account
Final Thought: A Few Minutes Can Protect Years of Memories
Don’t let careless settings turn your Facebook account into an open book for scammers. By taking just 10–15 minutes to adjust these five settings, you’re putting strong locks on the doors of your digital life.
This way, you can scroll, share, and connect with confidence, knowing your online world is yours to control.
Keep these tips handy, share them with the ones you care about, and follow us on Facebook to learn more pieces of advice that help you stay safer online.
At Futureproof, Kevin makes online safety feel human with clear steps, real examples, and zero fluff. He holds a degree in information technology and studies fraud trends to keep his tips up-to-date.
In his free time, Kevin plays with his cat, enjoys board-game nights, and hunts for New York’s best cinnamon rolls.
