How To Recover Hacked Facebook Account
Recover a Hacked Facebook Account: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Imagine waking up one morning, opening your Facebook app, and realizing you’re locked out. Even worse, someone else is now in control of your profile—messaging your friends, posting content, and possibly accessing sensitive data. If this sounds like a nightmare, you’re not alone. Thousands of users experience Facebook account hacks every day.
The good news? You can fight back. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to recover a hacked Facebook account, what to do if your email or password was changed, and how to prevent future hacks. Whether you're in the U.S., UK, or anywhere else, this guide has your back.
Why Facebook Accounts Get Hacked
Before diving into recovery steps, let’s briefly understand why Facebook accounts are targeted. Knowing this helps you secure your account better in the future.
- Weak Passwords: Using easy-to-guess passwords like "123456" or "password".
- Phishing Attacks: Clicking fake Facebook login pages or malicious links.
- Public Wi-Fi: Logging in from unsecured networks can expose your credentials.
- Data Breaches: If other services get hacked, reused passwords may be exploited.
Hackers usually want access to your personal data, friends list (for scams), or ad accounts. That’s why it’s essential to act fast.
Step 1: Confirm That Your Facebook Account Was Hacked
Before taking action, make sure your account was actually hacked. Sometimes login issues are just forgotten passwords or technical glitches.
Signs Your Facebook Has Been Hacked:
- You’re suddenly logged out of your account.
- Your email address or phone number has been changed.
- Friends report receiving strange messages or posts from you.
- You see login activity from unknown devices or locations.
If any of these have happened, move on to the recovery steps right away.
Step 2: Try Facebook’s Official Recovery Process
Facebook has a built-in tool specifically for compromised accounts. Here’s how to use it:
Visit the “Hacked” Page
Go to facebook.com/hacked. This is Facebook’s dedicated support page for compromised accounts. Click the “My Account Is Compromised” button.
Follow the Prompts
- Enter your email address, phone number, full name, or username to find your account.
- Facebook will guide you through a series of steps to verify your identity.
- If successful, you’ll be able to change your password and secure your account.
Pro Tip: If you no longer have access to your original email or phone number, click “No longer have access to these?” and follow the on-screen options to submit a report or upload ID verification.
Step 3: Reset Your Password (Even If You Can’t Log In)
Can’t access the recovery page? Try the manual password reset method:
Resetting Your Facebook Password:
- Go to the Facebook login page.
- Click “Forgotten password?”
- Enter your registered email or phone number.
- Follow the reset instructions sent to your email or phone.
If the hacker changed your contact info, you’ll need to click “No longer have access to these?” and verify your identity another way. This may include uploading a photo ID or answering account-specific questions.
Step 4: Secure Your Account After Recovery
Recovering your account is only the beginning. Once you’re back in, take immediate steps to secure it from future attacks.
1. Change Your Password
- Use a strong, unique password you’ve never used before.
- Include a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.
2. Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
2FA adds a second layer of security by requiring a code sent to your phone.
- Go to Settings > Security and Login.
- Scroll down to “Use two-factor authentication.”
- Follow the setup process using your phone number or an authenticator app.
3. Review Devices and Sessions
Kick out any suspicious sessions:
- Go to Settings > Security and Login.
- Under “Where You’re Logged In,” review devices.
- Click the three dots next to suspicious sessions and select “Log Out.”
4. Check Authorized Apps
Sometimes, malicious apps are used to maintain backdoor access.
- Go to Settings > Apps and Websites.
- Remove any unfamiliar apps or websites.
5. Update Contact Information
Make sure your recovery email and phone number are up to date.
Step 5: Report the Hack to Facebook (If Needed)
If you’re still locked out or something feels off, don’t hesitate to report the issue directly to Facebook:
Use These Forms:
Attach any relevant documents, like a driver’s license or passport, if requested. Facebook takes security seriously, but human verification might take a few days.
What to Do If the Hacker Used Your Account for Scams or Ads
If your account was used to post scams, send messages, or run ads, you’ll want to take a few extra steps:
Check Ad Activity
- Go to Settings > Ads > Payment Settings.
- Look for any unauthorized ad charges.
If you notice suspicious charges, contact your bank and report the activity to Facebook through the billing support page.
Tips to Prevent Future Hacks
Once your account is secure, stay vigilant. Prevention is your best defense.
Here’s What You Can Do:
- Use a Password Manager: Never reuse passwords across sites.
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Or use a VPN if you must connect.
- Don’t Click Unknown Links: Even if sent by a friend—especially in Facebook Messenger.
- Regularly Update Security Settings: Facebook often adds new security features.
Don’t Panic—Take Action
Getting your Facebook account hacked can feel like a violation of your personal space—but you’re not powerless. With the right steps and a calm approach, most users can regain control quickly and strengthen their account against future attacks.
Have you ever experienced a hacked Facebook account? How did you recover it? Share your story in the comments below—your experience might help someone else.
And if you found this guide helpful, consider bookmarking it or sharing with a friend who might need it one day. Stay safe out there!
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