How to Recover a Hacked Facebook Account

Losing access to your Facebook account can be frustrating, especially if hackers have changed your password, email address, or phone number. With cybercriminals increasingly targeting social media users, knowing how to recover a compromised account quickly can help prevent identity theft, scams, and unauthorized access to your personal information.

Fortunately, Meta provides official recovery tools that allow users to regain control of hacked accounts.

Signs Your Facebook Account Has Been Hacked

You may have been hacked if you notice any of the following:

• Your password no longer works.
• Your email address or phone number has been changed without your permission.
• Posts, messages, or comments appear that you didn’t create.
• Friends report receiving suspicious messages from your account.
• You receive login alerts from unfamiliar devices or locations.

If any of these happen, act immediately to reduce the damage.

Step 1: Visit Facebook’s Official Recovery Page

The first step is to use Facebook’s official hacked account recovery tool.

You can access it here:

Facebook Hacked Account Recovery

For the best chance of success, use a device and internet connection you’ve previously used to log into your account. Facebook may recognize the device and make verification easier.

Step 2: Secure Your Account

If you can still log in:

• Change your password immediately.
• Choose a strong, unique password you haven’t used elsewhere.
• Review your recent login activity.
• Log out of any unfamiliar devices.
• Remove any email addresses or phone numbers you don’t recognize.

These steps can help stop hackers from accessing your account again.

Step 3: Recover Your Email or Phone Number

If the hacker changed your recovery information, Facebook may ask you to verify your identity using:

• Your previous email address.
• Your mobile phone number.
• A government-issued ID if required.

In some cases, Facebook sends a notification to your original email address with a link to reverse unauthorized email changes. If you receive such an email, act on it as soon as possible.

Step 4: Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Once you’ve recovered your account, strengthen its security by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds an extra verification step whenever someone tries to log in from a new device.

Using an authenticator app is generally more secure than relying solely on SMS verification.

Check for Other Changes

Hackers may also:

• Create fake Marketplace listings.
• Send scam messages to your contacts.
• Change your privacy settings.
• Add unknown payment methods or run unauthorized ads.
• Link other Meta accounts without your permission.

Review your account carefully after regaining access and remove anything suspicious.

Avoid Recovery Scams

Be cautious of people on social media claiming they can recover hacked Facebook accounts for a fee. Meta does not authorize third-party recovery agents, and many of these offers are scams designed to steal money or personal information. Always use Facebook’s official recovery tools.

Final Word

Recovering a hacked Facebook account is often possible if you act quickly. Use Facebook’s official recovery page, verify your identity if requested, update your password, and enable two-factor authentication to keep your account secure.

Taking these steps not only helps you regain access but also reduces the risk of future attacks, ensuring your personal information and online connections remain protected.