Facebook Groups are amazing way to have topic-based discussion with like-minded people in an organized way. Not only you can have a discussion with the group members but can also share files, photos, message other group members etc.
Facebook provides three types of Privacy Settings for Groups that can be selected by the Group Admin while creating group or Group admin can change it later depending upon the size of group. The Privacy settings for groups are Open/Public, Close and Secret.
If you're creating a group whether just to chill out with your close buddies or to keep your family members connected at one place, then select secret Group privacy settings and if you're creating a group for your organization or school mates select 'Close' Group Privacy settings. And in case you don't have any issue with anyone can join and see the group members post then use 'Open/Public' Group Privacy settings. This table from Facebook Help Center explains everything you need to know about the privacy settings for Groups.
Privacy Settings for Facebook Groups.
| Public/Open | Closed | Secret | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who can join? | Anyone can join or be added or invited by a member | Anyone can ask to join or be added or invited by a member | Anyone, but they have to be added or invited by a member |
| Who can see the group's name? | Anyone | Anyone | Current and former members |
| Who can see who's in the group? | Anyone | Anyone | Only current members |
| Who can see the group description? | Anyone | Anyone | Current and former members |
| Who can see the group tags? | Anyone | Anyone | Current and former members |
| Who can see what members post in the group? | Anyone | Only current members | Only current members |
| Who can find the group in search? | Anyone | Anyone | Current and former members |
| Who can see stories about the group on Facebook (like in News Feed and search)? | Anyone | Only current members | Only current members |
How to Check Privacy Setting of a Group
Before joining any Group, you must check its Privacy settings, to check the Privacy, just go the group and you'll see the privacy settings at the top right side of group. Check out the below screenshot from our Facebook Group, you can join Facebook Experts & Resources from here.
How to Change Privacy Settings Of a Group?
If you're an admin of the Group, you can change its Privacy settings anytime depends on the size. To change the privacy settings go to your Group you're admin of and click the gear button from right side of the group and select 'Edit Group Settings' and change Group Privacy option in 'Privacy section' and hit save. One thing to keep in mind here, if you're changing Privacy Options of Groups having 250 or more members then you're allowed only 'once' to change Privacy settings. And all members of the Group will be notified once you make changes to Privacy settings i.e Changing Open Group to Close or vice-versa.
Have any query about Facebook Groups Privacy? Drop it in the comment section, we'll reply as soon as possible.
Hello my friend created group on Facebook and she added me as administrator as well. We was changing the group settings and I accidentally changed from closed into secret we have members of 335 people. We need your help as son as possible thanks
Kind Regards
Hey Lisa,
You can again change the Group Privacy Settings by going to Group and then click on [...] button near Notifications at the top right corner. Check this help center page for more info > https://www.facebook.com/help/286027304749263