To add rules to a Facebook group, open your group, tap Manage, then See all tools, then Group rules. Tap Get Started to write your own rule or pick an example, tap Add rule, then tap Review and Publish. A group can have up to 10 rules, and you can edit, reorder or delete them later.
Rules do two jobs in a group: they set the tone, and they head off arguments between members before they start. Writing them takes a few minutes, and they become a tool you'll use every time you moderate.
Writing and publishing your first rule
- Tap Menu in the top left of Facebook, then Groups, then Your groups, and select your group. If you can't see Groups, tap See more.
- Tap Manage, then tap See all tools.
- Tap Group rules.
- Tap Get Started to write your own rule, or tap one of the example rules.
- Tap Add rule.
- Tap Review, then Publish.
The example rules are a decent starting point if you're staring at a blank box. Edit them so they sound like your group, rather than everyone else's.
Changing a rule that's already live
To edit a rule, open Group rules, tap the rule you want to change, make your changes and tap Add rule. Facebook's help centre also covers adding another rule after an edit: tap Create another rule, pick an example or Write your own rule, then tap Next, Review and Publish.
Reordering rules on iPhone and Android
Order matters, because members read the first rule more closely than the last. The controls differ by phone:
| Phone | How to move a rule |
|---|---|
| iPhone | Tap Move, then drag and drop the rules into place. |
| Android | Tap Up or Down next to a rule. |
Deleting rules and pointing members to them
- To delete a rule, open Group rules and tap Delete.
- To remind someone of a rule, tag one or more rules in a comment or post.
- When you remove a post, you can select the rule or rules it broke, so the member knows why.
That last point is where rules earn their keep. A removal tied to a named rule feels fair; a removal with no reason feels personal. If you're still deciding what your group's for, start with setting up a Facebook group for your business and write the rules once the purpose is clear.
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What to do with your 10 rule slots
You don't have to use all 10. Five clear rules people remember beat ten nobody reads. Put the one you'll enforce most at the top, keep each rule to one idea, and make sure your group description and your rules tell the same story. Then use them: tag the rule in a comment before you reach for removal.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I delete a group rule?
Open Group rules from Manage, See all tools, then tap Delete next to the rule.
Can I remind members of the rules?
Yes. Tag one or more rules in a comment or post.
