How to Get Into a Facebook Account

Getting locked out of your Facebook account can feel like losing a set of essential digital keys, cutting you off from friends, family, customers, and communities. Whether you've forgotten your password, can't access your recovery email, or suspect your account has been compromised, the situation is stressful. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step walkthrough of the official and legitimate methods Facebook offers to help you regain access to your own account and secure it for the future.

The First Step: Standard Password Reset

Forgetting a password is the most common reason for being locked out. The good news is that it's also the easiest problem to solve, as long as you still have access to the email address or phone number linked to your account. Follow these steps carefully.

Finding Your Account

You can't reset your password if Facebook can't find your account first. The platform offers a dedicated tool to help with this.

1. Navigate to Facebook's Find Your Account page. You can do this from any web browser on a computer or mobile device.
2. In the search box, enter the email address or the mobile phone number associated with your account. If you've set up a vanity URL or username for your profile, you can sometimes use your full name to search, but email or phone is much more reliable.
3. Click the Search button. Facebook will display a list of accounts that match the information you provided. Find your profile in the list - it should show your name and profile picture.

Choosing Your Recovery Method

Once you’ve confirmed your identity by selecting your account, Facebook will present several options to prove you're the owner. This is where your recovery information comes into play.

• Send code via email: This is the default option for most people. Facebook will send a six-digit security code to the primary email address on file. You’ll have a few minutes to retrieve this code from your email inbox (check the spam or junk folder if you don’t see it) and enter it on the recovery page.
• Send code via SMS: If you have a phone number linked to your account, you can have the code sent as a text message instead. This is often faster and can be a lifesaver if you're logged out of your email.

After receiving and entering the code, you'll be prompted to create a new, strong password. Make sure it's something unique that you don't use on other websites. Once set, you'll be able to log back into your account immediately. We recommend selecting the option to "Log me out of other devices" to ensure that anyone who might have had access is kicked out.

What If You've Lost Access to Your Recovery Email and Phone?

This is where things get more complicated, but don't lose hope. If you can't access the email or phone number associated with your account, a simple code reset won't work. Facebook has deeper recovery protocols for this exact scenario, though they require more effort to prove your identity.

Using "Trusted Contacts" for Recovery

Trusted Contacts is a feature you need to set up before you get locked out, but it's incredibly powerful if you did. It allows you to designate between three and five friends who can help you regain access to your account.

How to Use Trusted Contacts:

1. On the "Find Your Account" page, after you've identified your profile, click on the link that says "No longer have access to these?".
2. Facebook will ask you for a new email address or phone number where they can contact you about your account recovery. Enter one you can access now.
3. Next, you’ll be prompted to Reveal My Trusted Contacts. You'll need to type the full name of one of your designated contacts to see the full list.
4. Facebook then generates a special recovery link. You need to send this link to all of your trusted contacts. Each one will receive a security code. You must collect all the codes from your friends and enter them on the Facebook recovery page to unlock your account.

This method relies on your real-world connections. It’s designed so that no single person can get you into your account, adding a layer of security. If you haven't set this up yet, do it as soon as you get back in - it’s one of the best safety nets available.

Verifying Your Identity with an ID

If Trusted Contacts isn't an option, you'll have to fall back on proving your identity with official documentation. This process is handled securely and is your last resort for getting back in.

Steps for ID Verification:

1. Follow the same initial steps by clicking "No longer have access to these?" on the password reset page.
2. When prompted, follow the next steps that lead to the ID upload form.
3. Facebook asks you to upload a photo of a government-issued ID. This can be a driver's license, passport, birth certificate, or state-issued ID card. The name on your ID must match the name on your Facebook profile for this to work.
4. Make sure the photo is clear, well-lit, and shows all four corners of the document. Blurry or cropped images will be rejected, forcing you to start over.

After you submit your ID, Facebook's team will review it. This can take anywhere from a day to a couple of weeks, depending on their volume of requests. Once they verify your identity, they'll send a password reset link to the new contact email you provided. Facebook states they delete your ID information within 30 days of submission for privacy reasons.

My Account Was Hacked: A Special Case

If you suspect someone has taken over your account - for example, if you see posts you didn't make or your password has been changed without your knowledge - you need to act fast. Facebook has a specific recovery funnel for this scenario.

1. Go directly to facebook.com/hacked.
2. You’ll be asked a series of questions to identify what's happening, such as "I found a post, message, or event that I didn't create" or "Someone else gained access to my account." Select the most relevant option.
3. Facebook will then guide you through a comprehensive security check-up. This process will help you:
   • Change your password immediately.
   • Review your recent login activity to see if there are any suspicious locations or devices.
   • Check recent activity like posts, comments, or friend requests that may have been made by the hacker.
   • Review the apps connected to your account and remove any you don't recognize.

Going through the /hacked flow is the most direct way to report unauthorized access and lock down your account before more damage is done.

Proactive Steps to Keep Your Account Secure

Once you've regained access, the last thing you want is to be in this position again. Taking a few proactive steps can save you a massive headache down the line. Treat this as a non-negotiable checklist.

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

This is the single most effective thing you can do to protect your account. With 2FA enabled, even if someone steals your password, they can't log in without a secondary code from your phone. You can set up 2FA using:

• An Authenticator App: Apps like Google Authenticator or Duo are the most secure method. They generate a time-sensitive code on your device.
• SMS Codes: You can have codes sent to your phone via text. This is convenient but slightly less secure than an authenticator app.

Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Security and Login > Use two-factor authentication to get started.

2. Set Up Trusted Contacts

As mentioned earlier, this feature is your best alternate recovery option. Navigate to Security and Login > Setting Up Extra Security > Choose 3 to 5 friends to contact if you get locked out and add people you trust implicitly.

3. Regularly Review Where You're Logged In

Under the "Security and Login" section, you'll find a list called "Where you're logged in." This shows every device currently signed into your account. If you see a device or location you don't recognize, select it and click "Log Out." This can alert you to a problem before it gets worse.

4. Use a Strong, Unique Password

Avoid common words, names, or birthdays. Your password should be long (at least 12 characters) and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. A password manager is an excellent tool for creating and storing complex passwords for all your online accounts, so you only have to remember one master password.

Final Thoughts

Regaining access to a locked Facebook account is almost always possible as long as you can follow the official procedures and prove your identity. The key is understanding which recovery method fits your situation, from a simple password reset to identity verification. More importantly, investing a few minutes in proactive security measures like two-factor authentication and setting up Trusted Contacts is the best way to prevent yourself from ever needing this guide again.

Once you have your account access sorted out, managing your social media presence doesn't have to be a source of stress. At Postbase, we understand the daily chaos that comes with juggling multiple platforms, trying to keep schedules straight, and engaging with audiences across every app. That's why we built a tool centered on reliability and simplicity. We built Postbase with rock-solid account connections that don't constantly break and scheduling designed for modern content like Reels and Shorts, so you can focus on building your brand instead of fighting with your software.