Losing access to your Facebook account can be a frustrating experience, but fortunately, there are several methods you can use to recover it. Whether you’ve forgotten your password, lost access to your email or phone number, or believe your account has been hacked, this guide will walk you through the steps to regain control.
1. Recovering Using Your Email or Phone Number
If you still have access to the email address or phone number associated with your Facebook account, this is the easiest method to recover your account.
- Go to the Facebook Login Page: Open your browser and navigate to the Facebook login page.
- Click on “Forgotten account?” This link is located below the password field.
- Enter Your Email Address or Phone Number: Provide the email or phone number you used to register your account.
- Follow the Instructions: Facebook will send a link to your email or a code to your phone. Follow the provided instructions to reset your password and regain access to your account.
2. Recovering Using a Trusted Contact
If you have set up trusted contacts, they can help you recover your account.
- Go to the Facebook Login Page: Open the Facebook login page in your browser.
- Click on “Forgotten account?” Follow the link below the password field.
- Click “No longer have access to these?” when asked to enter your email or phone number.
- Enter a New Email or Phone Number: Provide a new email or phone number that you can access, then click “Continue.”
- Reveal Your Trusted Contacts: Click “Reveal My Trusted Contacts” and enter the full name of one of your trusted contacts.
- Get Recovery Codes: Follow the instructions to get the recovery codes from your trusted contacts and use them to recover your account.
3. Recovering Using Your Username
If you can’t access your email or phone number, try using your username.
- Go to the Facebook Login Page: Open the login page.
- Click on “Forgotten account?”
- Enter Your Username: If you don’t know your username, you can find it on a friend’s account under the friends list or by visiting your profile.
- Follow the Instructions: Follow the steps to reset your password.
4. Recovering via Identity Verification
If other methods fail, you might need to verify your identity with Facebook.
- Go to the Facebook Login Page: Open the login page.
- Click on “Forgotten account?”
- Click “No longer have access to these?”
- Click “I cannot access my email account.”
- Upload ID Documents: Follow the instructions to upload an ID document for verification. Facebook will review your submission and contact you.
5. Recovering a Hacked Account
If you suspect your account has been hacked:
- Visit the Facebook Help Center: Go to the Help Center.
- Select “Get Help” with login and enter the email address or phone number associated with your account.
- Follow the Instructions: Follow the provided steps to secure your account.
6. Contacting Facebook Support
If none of the above methods work, you may need to contact Facebook support directly:
- Visit the Facebook Help Center: Go to the Help Center.
- Search for Account Recovery Options: Follow the relevant instructions to get in touch with support.
Tips to Avoid Future Issues
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your account.
- Update Your Contact Information Regularly: Ensure that your email and phone number are up to date.
- Be Cautious of Phishing Attempts: Always verify the authenticity of emails and messages you receive.
- Secure Your Email Account: Use a strong, unique password for your email account and enable two-factor authentication if possible.
Recovering a Facebook account can seem daunting, but by following these steps, you should be able to regain access. Remember to take preventive measures to secure your account and avoid future issues.