How to Remove Your Phone Number From Facebook

Last week it was revealed that not only was Facebook affected by a massive data breach, but that it had been taking the phone numbers provided by users for two-factor authentication and using them to target advertising toward those users.

Maybe this doesn't bother you at all, or maybe you're fed up with Facebook and plan to delete your account. But if you don't want to or are unable to quit Facebook, there are a few things you can do to help improve your privacy on the social networking site, according to CNET. 

To remove your phone number on mobile, go to the Facebook app and from the menu select "Settings and Privacy." From there, select "Settings and Personal Information," Go to the phone number field and click remove. Facebook will require you to re-enter your password to confirm this. 

To remove your phone number on your desktop, go to the settings menu. From there go to "Your Facebook Information" and then choose "Access Your Information." From there, click "Personal Information" and select "Your Contact Information." There you will see your phone number and you can choose to remove it.

Security experts still recommend using two-factor authentication as one of the best ways to bolster account security.

That means if you want to stay secure, but don't want to let Facebook target you with additional advertising, you have a few options. You can download a third-party authentication app, like Google Authenticator or Duo Security. A physical security key is also an option.