How to lock Facebook profile in Australia
Social media has reached the point of ubiquity, but with the benefits comes the necessity of having more control over our own data. For Australians concerned about online privacy, particularly on Facebook, having the freedom to restrict who is able to view your material is increasingly vital. So, how do you lock a Facebook profile in Australia? While the “Facebook profile lock” feature is present in most countries, its presence and enforcement in Australia are slightly different. In this article, we’ll guide you through how to lock your Facebook profile in Australia and explore other ways to protect your privacy.
What does locking my Facebook profile mean?
When your profile is locked:
- Your photos, posts, and full profile information can only be viewed by your friends
- Your profile and cover photos can’t be saved or enlarged
- Privacy settings for tagging, reviewing, and post sharing are tightened automatically
This feature is especially useful to those concerned with stalking, online harassment, or identity theft.
Is the Facebook profile lock available in Australia?
Yes, as of 2025, the ‘Lock Profile’ feature is officially available in Australia. This means you no longer need to rely on VPNs, workarounds, or third-party apps. Australians can now access this feature directly within the Facebook mobile app or via desktop.
How to lock Facebook profile in Australia
How to lock your Facebook profile on mobile (iOS/Android)
- Open the Facebook app on your device.
- Tap on your profile picture or name to visit your timeline.
- Tap the three dots (menu) next to the “Add to Story” button.
- Tap Lock Profile.
- A confirmation screen will appear. Tap Lock Your Profile to finalise.
If you do not see the option, try switching your account to “personal mode” and ensuring your app is updated to the latest version.
How to lock your Facebook profile on desktop
- Go to facebook.com and log in.
- Click on your profile picture or name to open your timeline.
- Click the three dots next to “Add to Story.”
- Select Lock Profile from the dropdown.
- Click Confirm to enable the feature.
What if the option doesn’t show?
If you’re unable to see the option (due to app version or device limitations), make sure to:
- Update your Facebook app to the latest version
- Log in via a mobile browser or desktop to check for the option there
- Check under Settings & Privacy > Profile Settings
Manual steps to protect your Facebook profile
If the profile lock isn’t available to you, follow these steps to strengthen your privacy:
1. Block view on your posts
- Navigate to Settings & Privacy > Settings
- Click Privacy > Your Activity
- Set “Who can see your future posts?” to Friends
- Use “Limit Past Posts” to hide older public content
2. Lock down your profile picture and cover photo
- Tap on your profile picture
- Click Edit Privacy
- Make Friends only visible
- Do this same thing for your cover photo, although Facebook will still allow a blurred public look at it.
3. Turn on profile and tag review
- Go to Settings > Privacy
4. Remove yourself from search engines
- Go to Settings > Privacy
- This keeps Google or Bing from showing your Facebook page in search results.
5. Send friend requests to “friends of friends”
- Put “Who can send you friend requests?” to Friends of Friends
- This keeps random users from sending you friend requests.
Use Facebook’s privacy check-up tool
Facebook offers a built-in Privacy Check-Up tool that guides you through key privacy controls.
How to get to it:
- Open the Facebook app
- Go to the bottom right menu (three lines)
- Go to Settings & Privacy > Privacy Check-Up
This tool helps you manage:
- Who can see what you post
- How do you secure your account
- How do others view you
- Your Facebook data controls
Do you lock your profile with third-party apps?
No. Some third-party apps describe having features like “Lock Profile in Australia,” but these are misleading and compromise your data.
The threats are:
- Account hacking or phishing
- Malware installation
- Permanent loss of access to your account
Stick to official Facebook settings and never share your login credentials with untrusted platforms.
Alternate methods of locking your profile
Where Facebook lacks a complete locking function in your nation, these options can still serve to secure your online trail:
- Use Facebook lists: Create friend lists and create a custom audience for each posting
- Don’t post sensitive information: Carefully consider what you post to the public
- Audit your profile regularly, removing old posts, photos or friends
- Disable facial recognition features
- Enable two-factor authentication for account protection
Conclusion
Australians can now officially lock their Facebook profiles—a long-awaited feature that makes protecting your personal information far easier. Whether you’re concerned about digital safety, social boundaries, or simply value your privacy, locking your profile is a smart move. Combine this feature with manual privacy settings to gain full control over your Facebook presence and enjoy peace of mind in today’s online world.