You might not be able to, but it’s worth a try.
![Facebook sign in complaining of an incorrect password.](https://cdn-0.askleo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/fb-bad-password-1200x630.jpg)
Facebook accounts get hacked or stolen frequently.
I need to be clear from the start: I can’t guarantee you’ll get it back. Much depends on how well you prepared and how well you kept things up-to-date.
Let’s walk through the process.
Become a Patron of Ask Leo! and go ad-free!
![TL;DR: TL;DR:](https://img.askleomedia.com/2021/inshortv.png)
Recovering a hacked Facebook account
Recovering a hacked Facebook account involves using the “Forgot password?” link, entering your account details, and using recovery options like email or phone. If these fail, Facebook may give you additional verification steps, which are not always successful. Preparation, such as maintaining up-to-date recovery information and enabling two-factor authentication, is crucial to ensure account safety and recovery.
Recovery
Underneath the password field of the Facebook login, there’s a “Forgot password?” link.
![Forgot password? link on the Facebook sign in page.](https://cdn-0.askleo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/fb-forgot-password-600x341.png)
Click that.
You’ll then be asked to find your account.
![Facebook Find your account dialog.](https://cdn-0.askleo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/fb-find-account.png)
Assuming the account is found, you’ll be presented with a new login dialog. (If it’s not found, double check the email address. If you’re certain that the email address is correct, then the account simply no longer exists. There’s nothing to be done.) Assuming that your password isn’t working, click on Try another way.
![Facebook log in page.](https://cdn-0.askleo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/fb-login.png)
Depending on the recovery information you’d previously configured for the account, you may have additional options. In my case, since the password isn’t working, I’ll have it send a code to the listed alternate email address.
![Facebook password reset.](https://cdn-0.askleo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/fb-password-reset.png)
After hitting Continue in the prior dialog, you’ll receive the code in an email like this:
![Facebook recovery code in email.](https://cdn-0.askleo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/fb-code.png)
Back in your web browser, you’ll be presented with the screen to enter the code.
![Facebook recovery code entered.](https://cdn-0.askleo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/fb-code-entered.png)
Click Continue, and you’ll be given the opportunity to set a new password.
![Facebook setting a new password.](https://cdn-0.askleo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/fb-choose-password.png)
Once that’s entered, you should be good to go.
What if?
What happens if that path doesn’t work? What if, for example, you hadn’t configured a recovery email address or no longer have access to the one you set up?
Then things get messy.
Visit https://facebook.com/hacked.
Account recovery is a multi-step process that can take some time.
![Facebook account recovery process.](https://cdn-0.askleo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/fb-recovery.png)
This process asks you for additional information that will be used, presumably by a real person, to confirm whether you should be allowed back into this account.
Important: This process may not work. I’ve had many reports where individuals claiming to be the rightful account holder are denied access even after jumping through these hoops.
All I can say is to follow these steps as carefully and as completely as you can.
But what if…
The scenario above represents the best-case scenario: you still have access to the email account, mobile number, or other information associated with your Facebook account.
But what if you don’t?
The sad truth is you may never get your Facebook account back.
- If you no longer have access to the email account associated with your Facebook account
- and you never set up additional email accounts associated with your Facebook account
- and you never set up a mobile phone associated with your Facebook account
- and you no longer have access to phone numbers or email accounts you did set up
- and your account is hacked or you lose your password…
- then you cannot prove to Facebook that you have any right to access that account.
Facebook will not give it back to you; they have no way to know that you’re not just another hacker trying to steal the account.
As you proceed through the recovery process, make sure to read all the instructions that Facebook gives you completely. On several of the items, there’s an “I don’t have access to this anymore” link that may take you to additional options. If you can’t use those, however, you may be out of luck.
Preparation is key
As you can see from the prior list, preparation and maintenance are key.
- Make sure you always have access to the email address associated with your Facebook account.
- Make sure you always have access to the phone number associated with your Facebook account.
- Set up multiple recovery email addresses.
- Set up a mobile number if your account doesn’t have one.
- Keep those recovery email addresses and mobile numbers up to date so you always have access to them.
Setting and keeping recovery information up to date is key to recovering your account later should you ever need to.
Add two-factor
Facebook supports two-factor authentication.
Turn. It. On.
It’s a minimal inconvenience on your part and stops hackers in their tracks. Your account likely never would have been hacked in the first place if you’d had two-factor enabled.
Do this
Follow all account recovery steps as carefully and as completely as possible.
Set and keep your recovery information up-to-date.
Add two-factor authentication to your account.
Subscribe to Confident Computing! Less frustration and more confidence, solutions, answers, and tips in your inbox every week.