How to Transfer Facebook Page Ownership: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
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Transferring Facebook page ownership is a common need when employees leave, businesses change hands, or responsibilities shift. This guide walks you through the safe, official process step by step.
Before You Start: Important Requirements
Who Can Transfer Ownership
Only current Page admins can transfer ownership to another person. If you're not an admin, you'll need to ask someone with admin access to help.
New Owner Requirements
The person receiving ownership must:
- Have an active Facebook personal account
- Accept your invitation to become an admin
- Wait 7 days after becoming admin before ownership can be transferred
What You'll Need
- Access to the Facebook page as an admin
- Email address of the new owner
- Patience (the process can take 24-48 hours to complete)
Step-by-Step Transfer Process
Step 1: Add the New Owner as Admin
First, make the new owner an admin of the page.
- Go to your Facebook page
- Click Settings in the left sidebar
- Select Page Roles from the menu
- In the "Assign a New Page Role" section:
- Enter the person's name or email
- Select Admin from the dropdown
- Click Add
The person will receive a notification and must accept the admin role.
Step 2: Wait 7 Days
Facebook requires a 7-day waiting period before ownership can be transferred. This security measure prevents unauthorized transfers.
During this waiting period:
- The new admin can perform all admin functions
- You remain the page owner
- Both admins can add/remove other roles
Step 3: Transfer Primary Admin Role
After 7 days, transfer the primary admin role.
- Return to Settings > Page Roles
- Find the new admin in the existing roles list
- Click Edit next to their name
- Change their role to Primary Admin
- Click Save
Facebook will ask you to confirm this action.
Step 4: Confirm Transfer
You'll receive a confirmation dialog:
- Review the transfer details carefully
- Enter your Facebook password when prompted
- Click Confirm to complete the transfer
The new owner will receive a notification about their new role.
Alternative Method: Business Manager Transfer
For business pages managed through Business Manager, use this method:
Step 1: Access Business Settings
- Go to business.facebook.com
- Click Business Settings
- Select Pages from the left menu
Step 2: Transfer Page
- Find your page in the list
- Click Assign Partner
- Enter the new owner's Business Manager ID
- Select Transfer ownership option
- Click Send Request
The new owner must accept the transfer request.
What Happens After Transfer
For the Previous Owner
- You lose all admin access to the page
- You're automatically removed from page roles
- You can't undo the transfer yourself
- You must request access if you need it back
For the New Owner
- You gain full control of the page
- You can add/remove other admins
- You manage all page settings and content
- You're responsible for page compliance
Common Issues and Solutions
Problem: "Can't Find User" Error
Causes:
- The person hasn't accepted your friend request
- Their privacy settings restrict page invitations
- They've blocked page role invitations
Solutions:
- Ask them to send you a friend request first
- Have them check their privacy settings
- Use their email address instead of name search
Problem: 7-Day Waiting Period
Why it exists: Facebook's security measure to prevent unauthorized transfers.
What to do:
- Wait the full 7 days, there's no way to skip it
- The new admin can still help manage the page during this time
- Use this time to train them on page management
Problem: Transfer Button Not Available
Possible reasons:
- You're not the current primary admin
- The new admin hasn't been admin for 7 days
- The page has policy violations
- Technical issues with Facebook
Solutions:
- Verify your admin status
- Check if 7 days have passed
- Contact Facebook support if technical issues persist
Problem: New Owner Can't Accept Role
Common causes:
- They're not logged into the correct Facebook account
- Their account has restrictions
- They've reached the page limit (200 pages maximum)
Solutions:
- Confirm they're using the right account
- Check for any account restrictions
- Ask them to remove some pages if at the limit
Security Best Practices
Before Transferring
- Remove sensitive content like private messages or confidential posts
- Download page data for your records
- Document current settings and configurations
- Revoke access to any connected apps or tools
Verify the New Owner
- Confirm identity through multiple channels
- Use official company email addresses when possible
- Meet in person for high-value pages
- Get written authorization for business transfers
After Transfer
- Change passwords on any connected accounts
- Update business records with new contact information
- Inform team members about the ownership change
- Update access permissions on related tools
Special Situations
Business Sale or Acquisition
When a business changes hands:
- Include Facebook page ownership in sale agreements
- Transfer during the official transition period
- Update Business Manager ownership if applicable
- Coordinate with legal teams for compliance
Employee Departure
When an employee who owns the page leaves:
- Transfer ownership before their last day
- Remove their access to all related accounts
- Update page contact information
- Change passwords on connected tools
Agency to In-House Transfer
When moving from agency management to internal:
- Coordinate with your agency contact
- Set up internal Business Manager first
- Transfer during a quiet period
- Test all integrations after transfer
Preventing Future Issues
Set Up Multiple Admins
Always have multiple people with admin access:
- At least 2-3 trusted admins
- Include internal team members
- Document who has access
- Regular access reviews
Use Business Manager
For businesses, use Facebook Business Manager:
- More professional account structure
- Better access controls
- Easier to manage multiple pages
- More transfer options
Document Access
Keep records of:
- Who has admin access
- When access was granted
- Business justification for access
- Regular access review dates
What If Something Goes Wrong
Contact Facebook Support
If you encounter issues:
- Use Facebook's Business Help Center
- Submit a support ticket with details
- Include page ID and screenshot of errors
- Be patient, as responses can take time
Gather Documentation
Prepare:
- Screenshots of error messages
- Email confirmations
- Business documentation proving ownership
- Timeline of actions taken
Related Tasks After Transfer
Update Page Information
New owners should:
- Review and update contact information
- Check page settings and permissions
- Update connected apps and integrations
- Review advertising accounts connected to the page
Team Communication
Inform relevant parties:
- Team members about the change
- Marketing agencies or partners
- Anyone who manages content or advertising
- Customer service teams who respond to messages
Related Resources
- Facebook Business Manager Guide
- Facebook Marketing Strategy
- Social Media Team Structure
- Social Media Management Tips
Facebook page ownership transfer is straightforward when you follow the official process. Plan ahead, verify all parties, and maintain security throughout the process.
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