The first priority is to regain control through Facebook’s official recovery process. The second is to determine whether the attacker changed anything else and secure the account so the same access cannot easily be used again.

Facebook provides an official recovery route for people who believe their account has been compromised. Meta’s guidance directs affected users to its hacked-account recovery process and recommends starting from a device that has previously been used to log into the account.

This 2026 guide explains what to do in different situations, including when your password was changed, your email or phone number was removed, you can still log in, or you are completely locked out.

Because Facebook can change its menus and recovery options, the exact screens you see may differ from the instructions below. Always follow the recovery options currently displayed by Facebook.

How to Tell If Your Facebook Account Has Been Hacked

Not every unfamiliar login automatically means your account was hacked. Facebook may display approximate locations, and devices or browsers can sometimes appear differently from what you expect.

However, several unexpected changes together are a strong reason to investigate.

Possible warning signs include:

• Your Facebook password suddenly no longer works.
• Your email address or phone number was changed without your permission.
• You receive a security notification about an activity you did not initiate.
• Posts, comments, or stories appear that you did not create.
• Messages are sent from your account without your knowledge.
• Your profile name, photo, or other information has changed.
• You discover an unfamiliar device or active login session.
• New friends, groups, or connected accounts appear unexpectedly.
• Your Facebook Page has unfamiliar administrators or people with access.
• Advertising or payment activity appears that you do not recognize.

The more important question is not simply whether a location looks unfamiliar. Ask whether there is an action or account change that you know you did not perform.

What to Do Immediately After Discovering the Hack

Do not panic and start clicking recovery links sent by strangers.

The first few minutes should be focused on containing the problem.

1. Stop using suspicious links.

If you believe the compromise started after clicking a link or entering your Facebook password on another website, do not return to that website.

2. Secure your email account.

Your email may be one of the most important recovery channels connected to Facebook. If you use the same password for Facebook and email, change the email password immediately.

3. Use Facebook’s official recovery process.

Go directly to Facebook’s official hacked-account recovery page:

facebook.com/hacked

Facebook’s recovery guidance recommends beginning the process from a device you have previously used to access your account when possible.

4. Warn contacts if necessary.

If the attacker is sending messages or publishing suspicious content, tell friends, family, customers, or coworkers not to click links or send money in response.

5. Do not hire an unknown “Facebook recovery expert.”

Someone asking for your password, verification code, or remote access to your device is not a legitimate substitute for Facebook’s account-recovery process.

How to Recover a Hacked Facebook Account

Start with Facebook’s official hacked-account recovery process rather than trying random password-reset websites.

Depending on the condition of the account, Facebook may present different recovery options.

You may be asked to:

1. Identify the affected account.
2. Confirm information associated with the account.
3. Select an available recovery method.
4. Enter a security code if one is provided.
5. Create a new password.
6. Complete additional security checks if Facebook requires them.

The recovery experience is not necessarily identical for every user. The options available can depend on what information remains connected to the account and what security checks Facebook determines are appropriate.

This is why old screenshots from previous years should not be treated as guaranteed instructions. If Facebook’s current interface looks different, follow the current instructions shown by Facebook.

If the Hacker Changed Your Password

A changed password is one of the most obvious signs of an account takeover.

If your previous password no longer works, avoid repeatedly guessing passwords or using unofficial websites that claim to bypass Facebook’s security system.

Instead, begin with Facebook’s hacked-account recovery process.

If Facebook allows you to recover the account through an email address or phone number that you still control, use the available option.

If a security code is supposed to arrive but does not, check the email’s spam or junk folder and verify that your phone has a working connection. Avoid repeatedly requesting codes in rapid succession.

If the hacker also changed your recovery information, continue through the recovery options Facebook provides.

The goal is not to bypass Facebook’s security controls. It is to prove ownership through the legitimate recovery process.

If the Hacker Changed Your Email Address

Changing the email address can make an account takeover more difficult to reverse because the attacker may be trying to control the recovery channel.

Check the email account that was previously connected to Facebook for security notifications about account changes.

If Facebook notified you that your email address was changed, carefully review the message and any available security option for reversing the change.

Do not automatically trust an email simply because it contains the Facebook name or logo. Phishing messages can imitate legitimate security notifications.

If you are uncertain, open Facebook directly through the official website or app rather than clicking an unfamiliar link in an email.

Also secure the email account itself. If the attacker has access to your email, recovering Facebook without securing the email can leave the account vulnerable to another takeover.

If the Hacker Removed Your Phone Number

If your phone number was removed from the Facebook account, do not assume that creating a new Facebook account is your only option.

Start with the official recovery process and use whatever verification methods Facebook currently makes available.

If your number is still attached to the account, it may remain available as a recovery method. If it has been removed, Facebook may provide other options depending on the account and recovery situation.

After recovering the account, verify that the correct phone number and email address are associated with your account.

If You Can Still Log In

Being able to log in does not necessarily mean the account is completely secure.

An attacker could still have an active session or could have changed security settings without immediately locking you out.

If you still have access, act before the attacker does.

Start by:

• Changing your Facebook password.
• Using a password that has never been used elsewhere.
• Reviewing active login sessions.
• Removing devices or sessions you do not recognize.
• Checking your email address and phone number.
• Reviewing two-factor authentication settings.
• Checking connected apps and accounts.
• Inspecting recent posts, comments, and messages.

If you manage Facebook Pages, also review Page access.

The objective is to remove unauthorized access rather than simply change one password.

If You Are Completely Locked Out

If the password, email address, or phone number has been changed and you cannot log in, begin with Facebook’s hacked-account recovery process.

Using a previously trusted device can be useful because Meta specifically recommends starting recovery from a device that has previously been used to log into the account.

Before starting, gather information that may help you recognize the account:

• Your previous email address.
• Your previous phone number.
• Your Facebook profile name.
• Your profile URL, if available.
• A device you previously used to access Facebook.
• Any recent Facebook security notifications.

Do not send this information to random people offering recovery services.

Use it only when required through Facebook’s legitimate recovery process.

What to Do After You Recover the Account

Getting back into Facebook is only the first stage.

A proper recovery should include a security cleanup.

Think of it as checking the doors and windows after discovering that someone entered your house. Changing one lock is useful, but you also need to determine whether another way in was left open.

Change Your Facebook Password

Create a completely new password.

Do not reuse a password from another website, email account, shopping service, or financial account.

Avoid passwords based on information that is easy to guess, including:

• Your name
• Birthday
• Phone number
• Address
• Children’s names
• Partner’s name
• Favorite sports team
• Common phrases

A password manager can generate and store unique passwords for different services.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication adds another security layer beyond the password.

Facebook provides two-factor authentication as one of its account-security features. Available methods can vary, so use the options currently offered in your account.

The important principle is simple: even if someone obtains your password, they should face another security barrier before gaining access.

Do not share authentication codes with another person.

A person who asks you to forward a Facebook security code is effectively asking for one of the keys protecting your account.

Review Active Login Sessions

Check the devices and sessions currently associated with your Facebook account.

Look for anything you do not recognize.

Pay particular attention to:

• Devices you never owned.
• Browsers you never use.
• Locations that are clearly inconsistent with your activity.
• Sessions that remained active during the period when your account was compromised.

Sign out of suspicious sessions.

Remember that location information should be treated as a clue rather than absolute proof. The strongest evidence is an unfamiliar device combined with activity you did not perform.

Secure Your Email Account

This step is frequently overlooked.

If your Facebook account is secure but your email is compromised, an attacker may still be able to interfere with future recovery attempts.

Review your email account for:

• Unknown login activity.
• Password changes.
• Changed recovery information.
• Unknown forwarding rules.
• Unfamiliar connected applications.
• Suspicious security alerts.

Change the email password if there is any reason to believe it was exposed.

Enable two-factor authentication on the email account when available.

Check Your Facebook Activity

After regaining access, inspect the account as though you were looking for evidence of what the attacker did.

Review:

• Recent posts.
• Comments.
• Stories.
• Messenger conversations.
• Friend requests.
• New friends.
• Groups.
• Profile information.
• Connected applications.
• Login activity.

If you discover messages sent to friends, tell those people that the messages were unauthorized.

This is especially important if the attacker asked anyone for money, payment information, passwords, or verification codes.

Check Facebook Pages and Business Accounts

If you use your personal Facebook account to manage a Page, recovering your personal profile may not be enough.

Review the people and permissions associated with the Page.

Look for unfamiliar users or unexpected changes in access.

This is particularly important for:

• Business Pages.
• Creator Pages.
• Community Pages.
• Advertising accounts.
• Shops and commerce activity.

If you use Facebook for business, also inspect advertising campaigns, payment activity, and business-related permissions.

A personal account takeover can have consequences beyond the personal profile when that account has administrative access to other Facebook assets.

Watch for Facebook Recovery Scams

A hacked account creates an opportunity for another type of scam: fake recovery services.

Be extremely cautious if someone contacts you and claims they can recover your account for a fee.

Warning signs include requests for:

• Your Facebook password.
• Your email password.
• A Facebook verification code.
• A two-factor authentication code.
• Screenshots containing security codes.
• Remote access to your computer or phone.
• Cryptocurrency.
• Gift cards.
• Payment in exchange for “inside access” to Meta.

Do not provide these details.

The fact that someone knows your name, profile URL, or other public information does not prove that they work for Meta.

How to Recognize a Facebook Phishing Attempt

Phishing is one of the most important risks to understand after recovering an account.

A typical phishing attempt tries to create urgency.

For example, a message may claim:

• Your account will be deleted.
• Your Page violated a policy.
• You received a copyright complaint.
• Your account is about to be disabled.
• Someone reported your profile.
• You need to verify your identity immediately.

The message then directs you to a website designed to collect your login information.

The safest response is to avoid the provided link and access Facebook directly through the official app or website.

Urgency is a common social-engineering technique. A message that pressures you to act immediately deserves additional scrutiny.

Why Password Reuse Can Lead to Facebook Account Takeovers

Using the same password across several websites creates a chain reaction when one account is compromised.

For example, imagine using the same password for:

• Facebook
• Email
• An online shopping account
• A gaming account

If the password becomes exposed through another service, attackers may attempt to use it on other websites.

That is why changing your Facebook password after a hack is only part of the solution.

The new Facebook password should be unique.

Your email password should also be unique.

What If the Hacker Used Your Account to Scam Friends?

If your account was used to send fraudulent messages, act quickly.

Tell affected contacts that your account was compromised and that suspicious messages should be ignored.

If someone already sent money because of the attack, they should contact their bank, payment provider, or financial service immediately using its official contact information.

Do not attempt to recover stolen money by paying another person who claims they can trace the attacker or retrieve the funds.

Document important evidence such as:

• Screenshots.
• Suspicious messages.
• Transaction records.
• Security notifications.
• Unrecognized login information.
• Dates and times of suspicious activity.

This documentation can be useful when reporting the incident to the relevant service providers or authorities.

What If Your Facebook Account Is Connected to a Business?

Business owners and creators should take additional steps after a Facebook compromise.

Review access to:

• Facebook Pages.
• Business-related accounts.
• Advertising accounts.
• Payment methods.
• Commerce tools.
• Connected Instagram accounts.

Do not remove legitimate employees or business partners simply because you do not recognize a name at first. Verify who should have access before making changes.

At the same time, unfamiliar access should not be ignored.

The goal is to restore the correct permission structure, not simply remove everyone.

What If Facebook Asks You to Wait?

Account recovery can sometimes involve additional security checks or temporary restrictions.

If Facebook tells you to wait, follow the instructions shown by Facebook rather than repeatedly attempting different recovery methods.

Avoid websites claiming that they can bypass Facebook’s security process.

Repeatedly trying unofficial methods can make it harder to determine which recovery information is legitimate.

If the official process requires additional verification, complete the requested steps as accurately as possible.

Our Practical Recovery Framework

Based on a review of Facebook’s recovery and security guidance, the most useful way to approach a compromised account is to divide the problem into four stages:

Stage 1 — Contain

Stop suspicious activity, avoid phishing links, and secure your email.

Stage 2 — Recover

Use Facebook’s official hacked-account recovery process and follow the recovery options presented for your account.

Stage 3 — Inspect

After regaining access, review login sessions, account information, messages, posts, connected services, and Page access.

Stage 4 — Harden

Change passwords, enable two-factor authentication, secure your email, update your devices, and improve your future login habits.

This four-stage approach is more useful than treating Facebook recovery as simply a password-reset problem.

15-Minute Facebook Account Security Checklist

After recovering your account, work through this checklist.

Facebook

☐ Change your password
☐ Make the password unique
☐ Enable two-factor authentication
☐ Review active login sessions
☐ Remove unfamiliar sessions
☐ Verify your email address
☐ Verify your phone number
☐ Review security settings
☐ Check posts and comments
☐ Check Messenger activity
☐ Review connected accounts and apps

Email

☐ Change your email password if necessary
☐ Enable two-factor authentication
☐ Check recovery information
☐ Review recent sign-ins
☐ Check forwarding rules
☐ Remove unfamiliar connected apps

Facebook Pages and Business

☐ Review Page access
☐ Check unfamiliar users
☐ Review business permissions
☐ Check advertising activity
☐ Review payment activity

Devices

☐ Update your operating system
☐ Update Facebook
☐ Update your browser
☐ Remove suspicious applications
☐ Review unfamiliar browser extensions
☐ Run a reputable security scan if malware is suspected

How to Prevent Another Facebook Account Hack

The best time to improve account security is before another attack happens.

Use a unique password.

Enable two-factor authentication.

Protect the email account connected to Facebook.

Avoid logging into Facebook through links sent by strangers.

Check the website address before entering your password.

Keep your phone, computer, browser, and Facebook application updated.

Do not install unknown software because a message claims it is required to view a video, claim a prize, fix your account, or verify your identity.

Be particularly careful with messages that combine urgency with a request for login information.

And never share a Facebook security code with another person.

Should You Create a New Facebook Account?

Usually, recovering the original account should be the first step.

Creating another account does not fix a compromised email account, reused password, infected device, or phishing habit.

If the original account can be recovered, securing it properly may be more practical than abandoning it.

A new account may also create additional problems if you manage Pages, business assets, advertising accounts, groups, or other Facebook services through the original profile.

When a Facebook Hack Becomes a Bigger Security Problem

Some account compromises remain limited to Facebook.

Others can expose much more.

Take the situation more seriously if you discover that the attacker may have accessed:

• Your email account.
• Financial information.
• Business advertising accounts.
• Payment information.
• Private documents.
• Customer information.
• Other online accounts using the same password.

If financial information may have been exposed, contact the relevant bank or payment provider directly.

If money was stolen, preserve transaction records and other evidence and report the incident to the appropriate financial institution or authorities.

Do not rely on an online stranger claiming to be able to recover the money for you.

Facebook Hacked Account Recovery Checklist

If you discover that your Facebook account has been compromised, follow this sequence:

1. Stop interacting with suspicious links.

2. Secure your email account.

3. Go directly to Facebook’s official hacked-account recovery process.

4. Use a previously trusted device when possible.

5. Follow the recovery options Facebook provides.

6. Change your Facebook password after regaining access.

7. Review active login sessions.

8. Remove unfamiliar access.

9. Enable two-factor authentication.

10. Verify your email and phone number.

11. Review posts, comments, Messenger, and account activity.

12. Check Facebook Pages, business access, advertising, and payment activity if applicable.

13. Warn contacts about unauthorized messages.

14. Secure your devices and email account.

15. Avoid anyone promising guaranteed Facebook recovery for payment.

Final Thoughts

Recovering a hacked Facebook account is more than simply getting back into your profile.

A proper recovery involves three separate goals: regaining access, removing unauthorized activity, and strengthening security afterward.

Facebook’s official recovery process should be your starting point. Meta’s guidance directs people who believe their account has been hacked to its dedicated recovery process and recommends using a device previously used to access the account when possible.

Once access is restored, take time to review active sessions, account information, connected services, messages, Pages, and other activity. Then create a unique password, protect your email account, and enable two-factor authentication where available.

Most importantly, never give your Facebook password or security code to someone claiming they can recover the account for you.

The recovery process may change as Facebook updates its security systems and interface. For that reason, readers should always verify the latest instructions through Facebook’s official Help Center and follow the recovery options currently provided for their account.

Sources and Official Resources

Meta/Facebook Help Center — Official guidance for compromised and hacked Facebook accounts.

Facebook Account Recovery — Use Facebook’s official recovery process rather than third-party recovery services.

Facebook Security Settings — Review password, login, and account-security controls through Facebook’s current security settings.

Facebook Two-Factor Authentication — Use an additional authentication method to strengthen account protection.

Facebook Page and Business Access — Review access if the compromised account manages Pages or business assets.

Editorial note: Facebook’s recovery screens and available options can change. This article explains the recovery process and security principles using current Meta guidance available in 2026, but individual accounts may receive different recovery options.