How to Recover a Hacked Facebook Account 2024: A Step-by-Step Guide

In today’s digital age, Facebook is an integral part of our daily lives. From staying connected with loved ones to managing business profiles, the platform plays a significant role. However, falling victim to hacking is a growing concern. If your Facebook account gets hacked, your personal information, private messages, and even financial details might be at risk. Quick action is essential to recover the account and secure it from further breaches.

This article offers a detailed guide on how to recover a hacked Facebook account and implement safety measures to prevent future attacks.

1. Identifying the Signs of a Hacked Facebook Account

The first step in recovery is identifying whether your account has been hacked. Here are common signs to watch for:

Unauthorized password changes: If you cannot log in with your usual password, it may have been altered.

Unusual activity: Posts, messages, or friend  that you didn’t send may appear.

Login alerts from unknown locations: Facebook often notifies users about new login attempts.

Account lockout: You’re completely locked out of your account.

Recognizing these signs early will help you act quickly.

2. Change Your Password Immediately

If you still have access to your account, changing your password should be your first step:

Log in to your Facebook account.

Go to Settings & Privacy > Security and Login.

Under Login, select Change Password.

Enter your current password and set a new, strong password.

If you can’t log in, proceed to the Forgot Password option to reset it. Ensure the new password is unique and not used on other platforms.

3. Log Out of All Devices

Hackers often exploit ongoing sessions to maintain access. To remove them:

Navigate to Settings & Privacy > Security and Login.

Under Where You’re Logged In, review all active sessions.

Use Log Out Of All Sessions to end access on all devices.

Follow this by changing your password for added security.

4. Use Facebook’s Account Recovery Tool

Facebook offers a dedicated recovery tool for compromised accounts. Follow these steps:

Visit the Facebook Account Recovery page.

Click on My Account Is Compromised.

Enter the email address or phone number linked to your account.

Follow the on-screen prompts to verify your identity and regain access.

This method is especially useful if hackers have changed your login credentials.

5. Verify Your Identity

In cases of severe hacking, Facebook may request proof of identity. Here’s how to complete the process:

Visit the Identity Verification page.

Upload a government-issued ID, such as a passport or driver’s license.

Submit the form and wait for Facebook’s response.

Once your identity is verified, you’ll be granted access to your account with a new password setup option.

6. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security, requiring a verification code along with your password to log in. To enable 2FA:

Go to Settings & Privacy > Security and Login.

Select Two-Factor Authentication and follow the prompts.

Choose between a text message, authentication app, or security key for verification.

This reduces the likelihood of future hacks by ensuring only you can log in.

7. Remove Suspicious Apps and Permissions

Hackers often exploit third-party apps to gain access to your account. To secure your account:

Go to Settings & Privacy > Apps and Websites.

Review all connected apps.

Remove any unfamiliar or unnecessary applications.

Avoid clicking on suspicious links or granting unnecessary permissions to apps.

8. Alert Your Friends and Family

Once your account is hacked, your friends and family may also be targeted through phishing links or fake messages sent from your account.

Inform them about the situation.

Warn them not to click on any suspicious links or accept unusual requests from your profile.

Being proactive helps minimize further damage.

9. Check for Malware on Your Devices

Hacks are sometimes caused by malware installed on your devices. To ensure your system is clean:

Run a comprehensive scan using trusted antivirus or anti-malware software.

Remove any identified threats.

Regularly update your operating system and software to patch vulnerabilities.

10. Contact Facebook Support

If the usual recovery methods fail, contact Facebook directly:

Visit the Help Center and submit a support ticket.

Provide details of the hack, including the changes made to your account and any suspicious activity observed.

frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. What should I do if I can’t access my email or phone number linked to my Facebook account?

If you can’t access the email or phone number linked to your Facebook account, you can still try to recover your account using Facebook’s Help Center. You may need to answer security questions or provide identity verification documents. You can also submit a request to Facebook support, where they may ask for more information to confirm your identity and restore your access.

2. How can I tell if my Facebook account has been hacked?

Signs that your Facebook account may have been hacked include:

• Your password no longer works.
• You notice unfamiliar posts, messages, or friend requests on your account.
• You receive an email stating that your email address or password was changed.
• You receive alerts from Facebook about logins from unfamiliar devices or locations.

3. Can I recover my Facebook account without a phone number or email address?

Yes, you can recover your Facebook account without access to your phone number or email by using Facebook’s account recovery tool. If you don’t have access to the linked email or phone number, Facebook may allow you to identify your account through other means, such as trusted contacts or your profile information. If that doesn’t work, contacting Facebook support is the next best step.

4. How do I prevent my Facebook account from being hacked again?

To prevent your Facebook account from being hacked in the future:

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for added security.
• Use a strong, unique password that combines letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Be cautious of phishing scams, and never click on suspicious links or share your login credentials.
• Review third-party apps linked to your Facebook account and remove any that you no longer trust or use.

5. How can I contact Facebook if I can’t recover my hacked account?

If you're unable to recover your hacked account using the available tools, you can contact Facebook directly by visiting the Help Center and searching for "hacked account." There, you'll find instructions on how to submit a report. In some cases, Facebook may ask for identification to verify your identity and assist in restoring access. Be patient, as response times can vary.

Facebook’s team will review your case and guide you through recovery.