Facebook is by far the most popular social networking platform used around the world, with an estimated 2.7 billion daily users. With this volume of users, Facebook has implemented some strict security measures to help protect their users’ accounts and sensitive data. and more importantly, being hacked or having account takeovers. One of these security measures is to automatically lock users’ accounts if an action is triggered. There are a variety of reasons that can lead to being locked out of your account, which can range from violating one of its rules to suspicious logins. It’s also possible that someone reported your account as fake and requested its removal, reported your content as abusive, or marked it as spam. If you were recently locked out of Facebook due to a technical glitch, user error, or compromised account, then you can use Facebook’s automated compromised reporting tool. In most cases, you’ll regain access to your account within a few minutes.
Common Reasons for Being Locked Out of Facebook
Understanding why you’ve been locked out can help you determine the best recovery path. Here are the most common reasons:
- Incorrect login details (forgotten password or email address)
- Account temporarily locked due to suspicious activity
- Hacked or compromised account
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) issues
- Facebook policy violations
Step-by-Step Guide to Regain Access
1. Use the “Forgot Password” Option
If you’re having trouble logging in with your usual credentials:
- Go to the Facebook login page.
- Click on “Forgotten password?”.
- Enter your registered email address, mobile number, or full name.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to reset your password.
Make sure to check your spam/junk folder if you don’t see the recovery email or SMS.
2. Confirm Your Identity
If Facebook detects unusual activity or if your account was reported, you may be asked to confirm your identity.
You might be asked to:
- Identify friends from photos.
- Enter a code sent to your email or phone.
- Upload a photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport).
Be sure to provide accurate and clear documentation if ID verification is required.
3. Recover Using Trusted Contacts
If you’ve previously set up Trusted Contacts, you can ask them to help you regain access.
- On the login page, go to “Forgotten password?” and follow the recovery steps.
- If prompted, select “Reveal My Trusted Contacts” and follow the instructions to get recovery help from them.
4. Check Your Email for Alerts
If your account was hacked, Facebook often sends an alert to your registered email. Look for messages about unusual login attempts or changes to your profile information.
If you see a message like “We noticed a login from a new device…” and didn’t authorize it, you might find a link to secure your account.
5. Use a Different Device or Network
Sometimes, Facebook locks accounts based on suspicious behavior from a specific IP address or device. Try logging in from a device or network you’ve used before.
6. Wait It Out
Temporary locks can sometimes be lifted automatically after 24–48 hours. If you’ve triggered Facebook’s security checks unintentionally, it might resolve itself with time.
What to Do If Your Account Was Hacked
If someone else gained control of your account:
- Attempt password recovery immediately.
- Use any links Facebook emailed you to secure your account.
- Change your password and enable two-factor authentication once you regain access.
Report a Compromise to Facebook
Step 1
Type “facebook.com/hacked” in the address bar of a Web browser. Press “Enter” on your keyboard.
Step 2
Click the “My Account is Compromised” button to continue.
Step 3
Fill in the form on the next page by choosing one of three identification methods: email address or phone number, Facebook username, or your name along with a friend’s name. Then click the “Continue” button to continue onto the next page
Step 4
Enter your Facebook account’s password, and click “Continue.” On the next page, the website notifies you that your account is locked out, which it may or may not have already been.
Step 5
Type a “New Password” and “Confirm Password.” When done typing, click the “Change Password” button.
Step 6
Click the check box for each email address associated with your account, confirming you have changed the password for your email address. This is a security precaution. Click “Continue” to move to the next step.
Step 7
Review if there were changes to Account Settings, and then click “Continue.”
Step 8
Click the “Log In” button. Your Facebook account is unlocked, and you may proceed to use it as normal.
Prevention: Activate Two Factor Authentication
An important security step that can reduce the chances that your account is ever taken over by a malicious actor is to activate two-factor authentication, which can be found in your account settings in the ‘Security and Login’ menu.
You will be asked to register your phone number with Facebook as the rightful owner of the account. Whenever you log into your account, you will be sent a code to the number associated with your account to verify the login. Two-factor authentication is one measure that is highly recommended because it would mean that a thief would not only have to steal your username and password, but they would also have to get their hands on your phone while trying to log in.
Prevent Future Lockouts
After you’ve regained access, take these steps to prevent future issues:
- Set up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) using an authenticator app or SMS.
- Update your recovery email and phone number so you always have access.
- Enable login alerts so you’re notified of any suspicious login attempts.
- Use a strong, unique password and avoid using it across multiple platforms.
- Review third-party app access to ensure no suspicious apps are linked to your account.
When All Else Fails
If you’ve tried everything and still can’t access your account, you may need to create a new Facebook account. While this isn’t ideal, especially if your old account held important contacts or business assets, it’s sometimes the only solution if recovery options have been exhausted.
Final Thoughts
Getting locked out of Facebook is inconvenient, but not necessarily permanent. With the right recovery steps, most users can regain access in minutes or days. The key is to act quickly, follow the proper recovery methods, and secure your account once you’re back in.
