How to Recover a Hacked Facebook Account: Step-by-Step Guide

Losing access to a Facebook account can be frustrating, especially when someone else may have changed the password or other account details. A compromised account can also expose personal information, photos, messages, and contacts.

The good news is that Facebook provides account recovery tools that can help users regain access and secure their accounts. If you believe someone has accessed your account without permission, it is better to start the recovery process as soon as possible.

Also read: How to Turn On Two-Step Verification for Your Google Account

Signs That Your Facebook Account May Have Been Hacked

Some changes can indicate that another person has accessed your Facebook account. For example, you may notice:

• Posts or comments that you did not create
• Messages sent without your knowledge
• A changed profile picture or other profile information
• An unfamiliar email address or phone number added to the account
• Your password no longer working
• Login alerts from devices or locations you do not recognize
• Problems using two-factor authentication
• Unexpected changes to your account settings

Not every unusual activity necessarily means your account was hacked, but these signs are worth checking if you do not recognize them.

How to Recover a Hacked Facebook Account

Facebook has a dedicated recovery page for accounts that may have been compromised. Follow these steps:

1. Open Facebook’s Hacked Account Recovery Page

Visit facebook.com/hacked using a phone, computer, or another device that you have previously used to access Facebook.

Using a familiar device may make it easier for Facebook to identify your account.

2. Try to Find Your Account

Follow the instructions shown on the recovery page. If Facebook asks for an email address or phone number, enter one that may be connected to your account.

If you are using a phone number, include the appropriate country code if necessary.

If you can no longer access the email account connected to Facebook, you may also need to contact your email provider and try to recover that email account first.

If You Can Log Back Into Your Account

Once you regain access, change your Facebook password immediately.

You can generally find the password settings through:

Profile picture → Settings & privacy → Accounts Centre → Password and security → Change password

Choose a strong password that you have not used for another online account.

It is also a good idea to review your account information and security settings to make sure the hacker has not added or changed anything.

What If You Still Cannot Access Your Account?

Facebook provides another account-identification option that may help you locate your profile.

Open:

facebook.com/login/identify

Try entering an email address or mobile number that may have been associated with your Facebook account.

If you cannot find the account using those details, you can also try your Facebook name or username if the option is available.

For the best chance of completing the recovery process, use a device that you have previously used to log into Facebook. This could be your regular smartphone, computer, an older device, or another familiar device.

What to Do After Finding Your Account

Once Facebook identifies your account, follow the recovery instructions displayed on the screen.

If you see an option such as “No longer have access to these?”, select it and continue with the available instructions.

Depending on the recovery process, Facebook may ask you to provide new contact information. If requested, follow the instructions carefully and provide information that meets Facebook’s requirements.

You may also have to complete additional security checks to confirm that you are the legitimate account owner.

After successfully completing the available verification steps, follow Facebook’s instructions to reset your password and regain access.

Secure Your Facebook Account After Recovery

Getting back into your account is only part of the process. After recovery, check the account carefully for changes you do not recognize.

Consider reviewing:

• Your email addresses and phone numbers
• Recent login activity
• Connected devices
• Two-factor authentication settings
• Recent posts and comments
• Messages that were sent from your account
• Other security settings

Remove or change anything that you do not recognize.

If two-factor authentication is available on your account, enabling it can add another layer of protection against unauthorized access.

What If Facebook’s Recovery Options Don’t Work?

Facebook recommends using its standard self-service recovery options first.

If you are unable to recover the account through the available recovery process, additional support or grievance mechanisms may be available depending on your location and circumstances.

For users in India, Facebook/Meta has published information about its grievance redressal mechanism. However, contact details and support procedures can change, so it is best to verify the latest information through Meta’s official help resources before sending sensitive account information.

Avoid sharing your Facebook password, login codes, or other confidential security information with people who claim they can recover your account for a fee.

Also read: How to Check iPhone Warranty Status: Easy Step-by-Step Methods

Frequently Asked Questions