Your Facebook account is more than just a social profile — it’s your personal space for memories, messages, and connections. But when hackers take over, it can feel like losing a part of your digital identity.
The good news? You can recover your hacked Facebook account quickly and safely — if you act fast and follow the right steps.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to regain access to your account, secure it from future attacks, and protect your personal information.
1. Confirm That Your Facebook Account Has Been Hacked
Before you start the recovery process, it’s important to confirm that your account has truly been hacked. Sometimes login issues can happen for simple reasons like password errors or technical glitches.
Here are the most common signs your Facebook account has been compromised:
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You can’t log in with your correct password.
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Your email address or password was changed without your permission.
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Posts, ads, or messages appear that you didn’t create.
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Friends report receiving strange or spam links from your account.
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You receive login notifications from unfamiliar locations or devices.
If one or more of these signs sound familiar, your account may have been accessed by someone else. The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovery.
2. Try Resetting Your Password
The first and fastest step to regain access is to reset your password.
Follow these steps:
1. Go to facebook.com/login/identify.
2. Enter your email, phone number, or name linked to your account.
3. Click Search to locate your profile.
4. Choose your preferred method to receive the reset link — via email or SMS.
5. Open the message from Facebook and follow the link to set a new password.
When creating your new password, avoid reusing any old passwords. Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to make it strong.
If you don’t receive a password reset email or your recovery information has been changed, continue to the next step.
3. Use Facebook’s Official Hacked Account Recovery Page
Facebook has updated its recovery process for hacked accounts. When you visit facebook.com/hacked, you’ll see the message:
“If you’re worried about the security of your account, we can help you.”
You’ll get five options — select:
“Someone else got into my account without my permission.”
Then follow these steps:
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Enter your email, phone number, or username.
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Facebook will send a verification code via email or SMS.
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Create a new password and remove any unfamiliar devices.
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Review your recent activity to make sure everything is secure.
Quick Tips:
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Use a desktop browser to see all recovery options.
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Never share your verification code with anyone.
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Check your Spam or Junk folder if you don’t receive the recovery email.
4. Recover with Trusted Contacts (If You Set Them Up)
Facebook’s Trusted Contacts feature can help you get back into your account if you lose access.
If you set up Trusted Contacts previously:
1. Go to the Facebook login page and click “Forgot password?”
2. Follow the prompts until you see “Reveal my trusted contacts.”
3. Enter the full names of your trusted friends.
4. Facebook will give you a special recovery link.
5. Send that link to your friends and ask them to open it.
6. They’ll receive a code that you can use to unlock your account.
This is one of the most secure recovery methods — but it only works if you’ve set up Trusted Contacts before the hack occurred.
5. Secure Your Account After Recovery
Once you’ve regained access, you need to lock down your account immediately to stop hackers from getting back in.
Take these steps:
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Change your password again to something completely new.
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Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) under Settings → Security and Login. This requires a code each time someone logs in from a new device.
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Review active logins in Where You’re Logged In and log out of unfamiliar devices.
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Remove suspicious apps or browser extensions that have Facebook access.
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Update your recovery email and phone number to make future recovery easier.
These steps help ensure your account remains protected.
6. Strengthen Your Facebook Security Settings
Now that your account is secure, it’s time to prevent future hacks.
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Turn on login alerts to receive notifications when someone logs in from an unrecognized device.
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Use a strong, unique password that you don’t reuse on other platforms.
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Avoid clicking on suspicious links, even if they come from friends.
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Be cautious with third-party apps that request Facebook access.
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Keep your devices and browsers updated to close any security vulnerabilities.
Consistent security habits will reduce your risk of being hacked again.
7. Report the Hack to Facebook
If you’ve tried all the steps above but still can’t access your account, you should report the issue directly to Facebook.
Go to https://www.facebook.com/hacked and choose “I think my account was hacked or someone is using it without my permission.”
Follow the instructions to submit a report. Facebook will review your information and may ask for additional details, such as proof of identity, to confirm that you’re the rightful owner of the account.
Once verified, they’ll help you restore access.
8. Protect Yourself Beyond Facebook
Hackers often target multiple accounts once they’ve compromised one. Protect your digital life with these additional precautions:
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Change passwords on all connected social accounts and your email.
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Run a malware or antivirus scan on your devices.
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Avoid storing passwords in web browsers — use a trusted password manager instead.
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Enable two-factor authentication for all your major online accounts.
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Stay cautious about sharing personal information online or via direct messages.
By taking these steps, you’ll strengthen your overall online security.
Final Thoughts
Getting hacked can feel stressful and even frightening, but it’s not the end of the world. By acting quickly and following the right recovery steps, you can recover your hacked Facebook account safely and securely. Always use official Facebook tools, set up two-factor authentication, and stay alert for suspicious activity. With a few protective habits, you’ll not only recover your account but also safeguard your online presence for the future.
FAQs: Recover a Hacked Facebook Account
1. Can I recover my Facebook account without my email or phone number?
Yes, you can. Visit facebook.com/hacked and follow the instructions. Facebook may verify your identity using your name, profile photo, or answers to security questions. If you have Trusted Contacts set up, they can also help you recover access by providing a recovery code.
2. How long does Facebook account recovery take?
Most users can regain access within a few hours if they have valid recovery information. However, if Facebook needs to manually verify your identity (for example, using your ID or photos), it could take several days. Make sure to check your email regularly for updates during this process.
3. What should I do if the hacker changed both my email and password?
Go directly to facebook.com/hacked and select “My account is compromised.” Even if your credentials have been changed, Facebook can help verify your ownership using previous login activity, ID verification, or associated devices.