Discovering that your profile has been compromised can feel overwhelming. If you’re searching for How to Recover a Hacked Facebook Account, you need clear, practical steps you can take immediately.
With billions of active users worldwide, Facebook remains one of the most widely used social media platforms in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia. That scale also makes it a common target for unauthorized access attempts.
The good news? In most cases, you can regain access—if you act quickly and follow the correct recovery process.
This comprehensive guide walks you through:
- Immediate actions to take
- Step-by-step account recovery methods
- What to do if your email or password was changed
- How to secure your account permanently
- Tools and best security alternatives
Let’s get started.
Signs Your Facebook Account Has Been Hacked
Before you begin recovery, confirm the warning signs:
- You can’t log in with your usual password
- Your email or phone number has been changed
- You see messages you didn’t send
- Unfamiliar posts appear on your timeline
- You receive login alerts from unknown locations
If any of these apply, act immediately.
Step 1: Go to the Official Facebook Recovery Page
Visit the official account recovery portal:
👉 https://www.facebook.com/hacked
This page is specifically designed to help users recover compromised accounts.
Avoid third-party “recovery services.” These are unnecessary and may put your data at further risk.
Step 2: Try Resetting Your Password
If your email and phone number are still connected to your account:
- Click Forgot Password?
- Enter your email, phone number, or username
- Select your account from the list
- Choose how you want to receive the reset code
- Create a new, strong password
Pro Tip: Create a Secure Password
Use:
- At least 12–16 characters
- A mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
- A password manager for safe storage
Trusted password managers such as 1Password or LastPass can help generate and store secure credentials.
Step 3: If the Hacker Changed Your Email Address
If your email was replaced, check your inbox for a message from Facebook stating:
“Your primary email was changed.”
Inside that email, click “Secure Your Account” or “Revert this change.”
Act fast—these links may expire.
If you no longer have access to the original email, proceed to identity verification.
Step 4: Verify Your Identity
Facebook may request identification if login recovery fails.
Accepted documents may include:
- Government-issued ID
- Driver’s license
- Passport
- Other official photo identification
Upload documents through the official secure portal only.
⚠ Important: Never send personal documents through unofficial links or private messages.
For additional cybersecurity guidance, you can review best practices from the Federal Trade Commission or the National Cyber Security Centre.
Step 5: Secure Your Account After Recovery
Once access is restored:
1. Change Your Password Immediately
Even if you reset it during recovery, change it again from your settings.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
This adds an extra security layer. With 2FA enabled:
- You’ll need a code sent to your phone
- Or generated via an authentication app
Recommended authenticator apps:
- Google Authenticator
- Microsoft Authenticator
3. Review Active Sessions
Go to:
Settings → Security and Login → Where You’re Logged In
Log out of unknown devices.
4. Check Connected Apps
Remove suspicious third-party apps from:
Settings → Apps and Websites
What If You Can’t Access Email or Phone?
This is common but solvable.
Try:
- Recovering your email account first
- Contacting your email provider’s support
- Using trusted contacts (if previously set up)
If your account was fully locked, Facebook may offer identity confirmation via:
- Facial verification
- Trusted device recognition
- Previously used browser confirmation
Recovery Timeline: What to Expect
| Scenario | Typical Recovery Time |
| Simple password reset | 5–15 minutes |
| Email reversion | 1–24 hours |
| ID verification | 24–72 hours |
| Complex cases | Up to 7 days |
Timelines vary based on verification requirements and regional review volume.
Best Security Tools to Prevent Future Hacks
Here’s a quick comparison of popular security tools:
| Tool | Best For | Free Version | Premium Pricing | Platform |
| 1Password | Advanced password management | No | Yes | All major devices |
| LastPass | Budget-friendly password storage | Yes | Yes | All major devices |
| Google Authenticator | 2FA codes | Yes | No | iOS & Android |
| Microsoft Authenticator | 2FA + backups | Yes | No | iOS & Android |
Using a password manager significantly reduces the risk of reused passwords.
Pros and Cons of Facebook’s Account Recovery System
Pros
- Official recovery portal
- Multiple verification options
- Strong post-recovery security tools
- Trusted contact feature
Cons
- Recovery can be delayed during high demand
- Identity verification may feel time-consuming
- Limited live support in some regions
How Hackers Typically Gain Access
Understanding risk factors helps prevent recurrence.
Common causes include:
- Weak passwords
- Reused credentials
- Phishing emails
- Fake login pages
- Unsecured public Wi-Fi
- Malicious browser extensions
Always double-check URLs before entering login details.
Official Facebook URLs will begin with:
https://www.facebook.com/
How to Protect Your Facebook Account Long-Term
1. Enable Login Alerts
Get notified when someone logs in from a new device.
2. Use a Password Manager
Never reuse passwords across platforms.
3. Update Recovery Information
Keep your email and phone number current.
4. Secure Your Email First
Your email account is the gateway to password resets.
5. Avoid Suspicious Links
Never click login links from unknown messages.
When to Contact Facebook Support
If you experience:
- Repeated lockouts
- Identity verification failures
- Account impersonation issues
Visit the official Help Center:
https://www.facebook.com/help
Avoid unofficial forums promising instant recovery.
Important Reminder
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long does it take to recover a hacked Facebook account?
Simple cases may take minutes. Identity verification cases may take 24–72 hours or longer.
2. Can I recover my account without email or phone access?
Yes, but you may need to verify your identity using official documents.
3. What if the hacker enabled two-factor authentication?
You may need to submit identification through Facebook’s secure recovery system.
4. Is it safe to use third-party account recovery services?
No. Only use the official Facebook recovery portal.
5. How can I tell if someone is trying to hack my account?
Look for unexpected login alerts, password reset emails, or unfamiliar activity.
6. Should I create a new account instead?
Only as a last resort. Recovery is usually possible with proper verification.
