Facebook Account Recovery 2026: 7 Easy Ways to Get Back In

Locked out of Facebook because you forgot your password, lost access to your phone number, or someone hacked your account? Facebook account recovery can feel confusing, but Meta provides several official ways to get back in – using your email, mobile number, trusted devices, identity verification and the hacked account tools. The key is to use only official Facebook pages and act quickly, especially if your account was hacked.

This guide explains every Facebook account recovery method step by step, what to do if your email and phone number were changed, how to recover a hacked or disabled account, how to protect your account afterwards, and common mistakes to avoid.

Common Reasons You Need Facebook Account Recovery

• You forgot your password and can’t log in.
• You no longer have access to the email or mobile number linked to the account.
• Someone hacked your account and changed the password, email or phone number.
• Your account was disabled or suspended by Facebook.
• Two-factor authentication codes are not reaching you because you changed phones.

Method 1: Facebook Account Recovery Using “Forgotten Password”

1. Open the Facebook app or go to the official Facebook login page.
2. Tap Forgotten password?
3. Enter your email address, mobile number, username or full name to find your account.
4. Select your account from the results.
5. Choose where to receive the code – email or SMS to your phone.
6. Enter the 6-digit code and create a new strong password.

This is the fastest Facebook account recovery method if you still have access to your email or phone.

Method 2: Recover Using a Trusted Device

If you are still logged in to Facebook on another phone, tablet or computer, you can use that device to reset your password or approve the login. Open Facebook on the logged-in device, go to Settings & privacy > Settings > Accounts Centre > Password and security > Change password, and set a new password. Facebook may also show a recovery prompt on devices you’ve used before.

Method 3: When You Can’t Access Your Email or Phone

1. On the “Forgotten password” screen, after finding your account, tap No longer have access to these? or Try another way.
2. Follow the prompts to provide a new email address or phone number that you can access.
3. Facebook may ask you to confirm your identity by uploading a photo of an ID or taking a video selfie, depending on your account.
4. Wait for Facebook to review your request. You’ll receive instructions at the new contact address.

Use a recovery email or phone you have never used on another Facebook account, so that the request is not confused.

Method 4: Facebook Account Recovery for Hacked Accounts

If you think your account was hacked, go to the official hacked account page at facebook.com/hacked.

1. Select the reason, such as “Someone else got into my account without my permission” or “I found a post, message or event that I didn’t create”.
2. Enter your email, phone number or old password to find your account.
3. Follow the steps to secure your account, change your password and review recent activity.
4. If the hacker changed your email, check your inbox for an email from Facebook security about the change – it often includes a link to reverse it (“If you didn’t make this change, secure your account”).
5. Remove unknown devices, apps and recovery contacts that the hacker may have added.

Method 5: Identity Verification and Video Selfie

In some cases, Facebook asks for identity confirmation before restoring access. You may be asked to:

• Upload a photo of a government ID such as Aadhaar, PAN, passport or driving licence (you can cover numbers not needed for verification).
• Record a short video selfie turning your head in different directions so Facebook can compare it with photos on your profile.

Facebook says it uses these only to verify identity and deletes them after review. Upload clear images in good lighting to avoid rejection.

Signs That Your Facebook Account Was Hacked

• Your password, email or phone number was changed without your knowledge.
• Friends receive strange messages or links from your account.
• Posts, stories or ads appear that you did not create.
• You see unknown login locations or devices in “Where you’re logged in”.
• Your name, birthday or profile photo was changed.
• You get emails from Facebook about login attempts or security changes you didn’t make.

If you notice any of these, start Facebook account recovery immediately through facebook.com/hacked before the hacker locks you out completely.

Facebook Account Recovery When Two-Factor Codes Don’t Arrive

Two-factor authentication (2FA) protects your account, but it can also lock you out if you change phones. Try these options:

1. Use a saved recovery code: If you saved recovery codes when setting up 2FA, enter one of them.
2. Approve from a logged-in device: Facebook may send a login approval notification to a phone or computer where you’re still logged in.
3. Authentication app: If you used Google Authenticator or another app, restore it on your new phone using its backup.
4. Try another way: On the code screen, tap “Try another way” to see other verification options, including identity confirmation.

How to Recover a Disabled Facebook Account

If Facebook disabled your account for violating its Community Standards, you’ll see a message when you try to log in. In many cases you can request a review:

1. Log in and follow the on-screen instructions to appeal the decision.
2. Provide accurate information and, if requested, confirm your identity.
3. Wait for Facebook to review your appeal. You’ll be notified of the decision.

Note that appeals are not always possible, and the time limit to request a review may be limited. Read the message carefully and act promptly.

Recovering a Deleted Facebook Account

If you requested account deletion, Facebook gives a short grace period – typically 30 days – during which you can cancel the deletion by logging in and choosing Cancel deletion. After that period, the account and its data are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. Deactivated accounts, on the other hand, can be reactivated anytime simply by logging in.

Secure Your Account After Facebook Account Recovery

Getting back in is only half the job. Secure your account so it doesn’t happen again:

• Create a strong, unique password: Use at least 12 characters with letters, numbers and symbols, and don’t reuse passwords from other sites.
• Turn on two-factor authentication: Go to Accounts Centre > Password and security > Two-factor authentication and choose an authentication app for best security.
• Save recovery codes: Store them safely offline.
• Review login activity: Log out of devices you don’t recognise.
• Turn on login alerts: Get notified when someone logs in from a new device.
• Check connected apps: Remove third-party apps you no longer use.
• Update your email and phone: Make sure they are current so future Facebook account recovery is easy.
• Run Security Checkup: Use Facebook’s built-in security checkup to review all settings.

Step-by-Step Example: Recovering an Account After a Number Change

Consider Rahul, who changed his mobile number last year and forgot to update Facebook. Now he has forgotten his password, and the recovery code goes to his old number. Here’s how his Facebook account recovery works:

1. He opens Facebook on his old laptop, where he had logged in before, and taps “Forgotten password”.
2. He searches for his account using his email address, which is still linked to the profile.
3. He chooses to receive the code by email instead of SMS, enters it and sets a new password.
4. After logging in, he immediately updates his mobile number in Accounts Centre and turns on two-factor authentication with an authenticator app.
5. He saves the recovery codes in his password manager and removes old devices from the login list.

If Rahul had also lost access to his email, he would have used “No longer have access to these?” and completed identity verification. His example shows why keeping at least one contact method updated makes Facebook account recovery much simpler.

Facebook Account Recovery Scams to Avoid

Scam	How it works	What to do
Fake helpline numbers	Scammers pose as Facebook support and ask for money or OTP	Facebook has no phone helpline for recovery; never call such numbers
“Hackers for hire”	People on social media promise to recover accounts for a fee	They usually take money and disappear, or steal more data
Phishing emails and messages	Fake “Meta security” emails with login links	Check the sender; log in only through the official app or website
Copyright or ban warnings on Messenger	Fake notices asking you to “verify” your page	Ignore and report; Facebook doesn’t ask for passwords in messages

Real emails from Facebook appear under Settings > Accounts Centre > Password and security > Recent emails, which helps you check whether a message is genuine.

Facebook Account Recovery for Business Pages

If you manage a business page and lose access to your personal account, the page is also at risk. Recover your personal account first. Then review page roles and admins in Meta Business Suite. Always keep at least two trusted admins on important pages, each with two-factor authentication, so that losing one account doesn’t lock you out of the business.

Lost access to other accounts too? Read our guides on Gmail account recovery, Instagram account hacked recovery and WhatsApp account hacked recovery.

Facebook Account Recovery: Which Method Should You Use?

Your situation	Best Facebook account recovery method
Forgot password, have email/phone	Forgotten password with code
Still logged in on another device	Change password from trusted device
Lost email and phone	“No longer have access” + identity verification
Account hacked, details changed	facebook.com/hacked + security email link
2FA codes not arriving	Recovery codes, login approval or “Try another way”
Account disabled	Appeal through on-screen review request
Account deleted within 30 days	Log in and cancel deletion

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Successful Recovery

• Use a familiar device and network: Try Facebook account recovery from a phone or computer you’ve used before, on your usual home Wi-Fi. Facebook recognises familiar devices and locations.
• Don’t make too many attempts: Repeated failed attempts can temporarily block recovery. Wait 24 hours if you see a “too many attempts” message.
• Match your profile details: When verifying identity, the name and birthday should match what’s on your profile.
• Use clear photos: For ID and video selfie checks, use good lighting and avoid filters.
• Check spam folders: Facebook emails sometimes land in spam or promotions folders.
• Keep the old password handy: Facebook may accept an old password you used before as part of verification.

Meta Verified and Account Support

Meta offers a paid subscription called Meta Verified in many countries, including India, which includes a verified badge and access to account support. If you are a creator or business owner who depends on Facebook, this may give you a faster route to human support when you face login problems. For regular users, the free self-service Facebook account recovery tools described above remain the main option.

How to Prepare Now So You Never Lose Access

The best time to plan Facebook account recovery is before you need it. Take these steps today:

1. Add both an email address and a mobile number to your account, and keep them updated when you change numbers.
2. Turn on two-factor authentication with an authenticator app and save the recovery codes in a safe place.
3. Note which devices you are logged in on – one trusted device can save you later.
4. Use a password manager to store a strong, unique password.
5. Download a copy of your Facebook information occasionally from Accounts Centre > Your information and permissions, so your photos and memories are backed up even if something goes wrong.

Facebook Account Recovery on Android vs iPhone vs Computer

The Facebook account recovery steps are similar on all devices, but each has small differences. On Android and iPhone apps, the “Forgotten password” link appears below the login button, and the app may detect accounts previously used on that phone, making recovery faster. On a computer browser, you get the full recovery flow, and some users see more options – such as identity confirmation – than in the app. If one device doesn’t show the option you need, try another device where you’ve logged in before. Always make sure you are on the real Facebook website by checking the address bar, and avoid logging in through links in emails or messages.

For extra official guidance, visit the Facebook Help Centre, which explains the latest recovery options and security features.

What to Tell Your Friends If Your Account Was Hacked

Hackers often use stolen accounts to message friends asking for money or sharing scam links. While you work on Facebook account recovery, inform friends and family through WhatsApp or another platform that your account was compromised. Ask them not to click links or send money, and to report suspicious messages from your profile. Once you regain access, post a short update so everyone knows the account is safe again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does Facebook account recovery take?

If you have access to your email or phone, recovery is instant. Identity verification reviews can take from a few hours to several days.

Can I recover Facebook without email and phone number?

Yes, by using a trusted device, the “No longer have access” option, or identity verification, depending on what Facebook offers for your account.

Is there a Facebook customer care number for account recovery?

Facebook does not provide phone support for general account recovery. Beware of fake “Facebook helpline” numbers on the internet – they are scams.

Can I do Facebook account recovery on the website if the app fails?

Yes. Try the Facebook website on a computer browser if the app keeps failing. Sometimes the web version shows additional recovery options.

Why does Facebook say my identity verification was rejected?

Blurry images, mismatched names or birthdays, or too many attempts can cause rejection. Wait, then try again with clear photos and correct details.

Will Facebook ask for my password by email or message?

No. Facebook never asks for your password through email, Messenger or phone calls. Any such request is a phishing attempt.

Can I recover my old Facebook account that I forgot about years ago?

Yes, if the account still exists. Search for it using your old email, phone number or full name on the “Find your account” page, then follow the recovery steps. If you no longer have access to the old contact details, use identity verification where offered.

Does Facebook account recovery work if I changed my name on the profile?

Yes. Search using your email or phone instead of your name. If identity verification is required, Facebook may compare your ID with the name on the profile, so use an ID that matches.

Conclusion

Facebook account recovery is possible in most cases if you use the official tools. Start with the “Forgotten password” option, use a trusted device if available, try identity verification when you’ve lost access to email and phone, and visit facebook.com/hacked if someone took over your account. Once you’re back in, secure your account with a strong password and two-factor authentication.