Facebook Keyboard Shortcuts: 30+ Shortcuts to Browse Facebook Faster
If you use Facebook from a computer, you probably spend a lot of time reaching for the mouse.
That is fine for normal browsing, but keyboard shortcuts can make some everyday tasks much quicker.
Facebook has supported keyboard based navigation for years, although the available shortcuts can change as the website and browsers change.
Some shortcuts are Facebook specific. Others are ordinary browser shortcuts that are just as useful when you're using Facebook.
Here are some Facebook keyboard shortcuts worth trying.
Facebook Navigation Shortcuts
Facebook has traditionally provided numbered navigation shortcuts on desktop.
The exact key combination depends on your operating system and browser.
On many Windows and Linux setups, you may need the Alt key.
On some browsers, an additional key may be required.
1. Alt + 1
Go to the Facebook home page.
This can be useful when you've been browsing different pages and want to get back to your main feed quickly.
If the shortcut doesn't work, simply use the Facebook logo or Home option.
2. Alt + 2
Open your Facebook profile.
This shortcut can save a few clicks when you're checking your own profile.
3. Alt + 3
Open friend related navigation.
The exact destination may depend on Facebook's current interface.
4. Alt + 4
Open messages.
This shortcut is associated with Facebook messaging on supported desktop configurations.
5. Alt + 5
Open notifications.
Useful if you want to quickly check recent activity.
6. Alt + 6
Open account or settings related navigation.
Facebook has changed this area several times, so don't be surprised if the result differs from older shortcut lists.
7. Alt + 7
Open privacy related navigation on supported versions.
The shortcut may not be available in every browser.
8. Alt + 8
Open Facebook related navigation.
Again, this is one of the shortcuts whose behavior can change when Facebook redesigns its interface.
9. Alt + 9
Open terms or policy related navigation on some versions.
You may find that newer versions of Facebook handle this differently.
10. Alt + 0
Open Facebook help related navigation on supported configurations.
If it doesn't work, use Facebook's Help option instead.
Useful Browser Shortcuts for Facebook
You don't actually need a Facebook specific shortcut for everything.
Your browser already gives you a large collection of useful keyboard commands.
11. Ctrl + L
Move the cursor to the address bar.
This is useful when you want to quickly enter another website.
12. Ctrl + T
Open a new browser tab.
13. Ctrl + W
Close the current tab.
14. Ctrl + Shift + T
Reopen the last closed tab.
This is one of those shortcuts you don't appreciate until you accidentally close a tab you needed.
15. Ctrl + F
Find text on the current page.
For example, if you're looking through a long Facebook page and want to find a particular word, Ctrl + F can help.
16. Ctrl + R
Reload the current page.
Useful when Facebook isn't loading properly or the page appears stuck.
17. Ctrl + D
Bookmark the current page.
18. Ctrl + Plus
Zoom in on the page.
19. Ctrl + Minus
Zoom out.
20. Ctrl + 0
Return browser zoom to its normal setting.
This is handy if you accidentally zoom in while browsing.
Scrolling Shortcuts
Facebook feeds can get very long.
These basic commands make scrolling easier.
21. Space
Scroll down.
22. Shift + Space
Scroll upward.
23. Home
Move toward the beginning of the page.
24. End
Move toward the bottom of the page.
25. Page Up
Scroll upward by roughly one screen.
26. Page Down
Scroll downward by roughly one screen.
Text Editing Shortcuts
These aren't Facebook shortcuts, but they are extremely useful when writing comments, messages, or posts.
27. Ctrl + C
Copy selected text.
28. Ctrl + V
Paste copied text.
29. Ctrl + X
Cut selected text.
30. Ctrl + Z
Undo the previous text change in supported fields.
31. Ctrl + A
Select all text in the active field.
Be careful with this one.
If you're writing a long Facebook post, pressing Ctrl + A can select everything in the current text area.
What About Mac Users?
Apple keyboards use a different modifier key for many common browser shortcuts.
For example:
Windows / Linux
Ctrl + C
Mac
Command + C
The same general idea applies to many other commands.
Why Facebook Shortcuts Sometimes Stop Working
This happens quite often.
Facebook changes its interface regularly.
A shortcut published years ago might no longer work today.
Your browser can also make a difference.
Other things that can interfere include:
Browser extensions.
Keyboard layout.
Operating system.
Accessibility settings.
Focus being inside a text box.
Facebook interface changes.
So don't assume that every shortcut listed online is guaranteed to work.
A Better Way to Use Facebook on Desktop
If you're a heavy Facebook user, start by learning the shortcuts you actually need.
For example:
Ctrl + F
Ctrl + T
Ctrl + W
Ctrl + Shift + T
Ctrl + L
Space
Home
End
These work across many websites, not just Facebook.
Then experiment with Facebook's own navigation shortcuts.
Final Word
You don't need to memorize thirty shortcuts.
Pick three or four that save you time and use them regularly.
After a few days, they become automatic.
And if a Facebook specific shortcut stops working, don't worry. Facebook's interface changes often, so use the current navigation options instead.