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If you can’t log in to Facebook, use the recovery route that matches the problem: go to Facebook’s hacked-account recovery page from a device you have used to log in if you suspect someone took over your account. If the issue is a forgotten password and you can still access the email address or phone number linked to the account, try Facebook’s password-reset flow. Losing access to both contact methods, being asked for ID, and completing a security check each require a different next step.
Choose the recovery path that fits your situation
- You suspect someone hacked the account: Use Facebook’s hacked-account recovery route on a device you have previously used to access Facebook.
- You forgot the password but can receive a reset message: Start the password-reset process using the email address or phone number connected to the account. Facebook’s account-recovery guidance says to try resetting the password when you can access one of those contact methods.
- You can’t access either linked contact method: Follow Facebook’s separate instructions for recovering an account when you can’t log in. The available options can depend on the account and Facebook’s current checks, so don’t assume a particular alternate method will be offered.
- Facebook requested identity documents: Submit them only through Facebook’s official process, following its image and document requirements.
- You completed a security check but still can’t log in: Check whether Facebook has placed the account under the stated 24-hour security-check wait.
If you think your account was hacked
Use Facebook’s hacked-account recovery page from a device you have previously used to log in. This is the route Facebook specifies for an account that may have been compromised.
Do not give your password or login codes to anyone claiming they can recover the account for you. Use Facebook’s own recovery flow rather than an unsolicited link or third-party recovery service.
If you forgot your password
If you can still receive messages at the email address or phone number linked to your account, try resetting the password through Facebook’s login-recovery flow. Use Facebook’s account-recovery page for its current instructions.
#1 Best Overall
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
If a reset code does not arrive, check the spam or junk folder, confirm your device has a working connection, and wait briefly before requesting another code. Avoid repeatedly requesting codes in quick succession.
If you lost access to your linked email and phone
Facebook provides a separate recovery route for people who can’t access the email address or phone number associated with the account. Start from Facebook’s official account-recovery instructions and follow the options shown for your account.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
Facebook’s available steps may depend on account-specific checks and can change. Do not count on a trusted contact, alternate device, or identity-document option unless Facebook presents it to you.
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If Facebook asks you to verify your identity
Facebook may ask for an ID to confirm account ownership; not every person recovering an account will be asked. If it requests a document, follow the instructions on the submission screen and consult Facebook’s guidance on why an ID may be rejected.
Rank #3
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
Government ID
Facebook’s guidance says a government ID image should be clear, well lit, and show the entire document. It should include either your name and date of birth or your name and a photo.
If you do not have government ID
Facebook says you can submit two non-government IDs. Both must show your name; at least one should include your date of birth and/or a photo. The names on the documents should match the name on your Facebook profile.
Rank #4
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
Common reasons for rejection
Facebook lists blurry, poorly lit, incomplete, screenshot, photocopied, or partly out-of-frame images among the reasons an ID may be rejected. Make sure the image is legible and the document is fully visible before submitting it.
If a security check is keeping you out
Facebook says that after completing a security check, you may need to wait 24 hours before logging in. In this specific situation, the account may remain visible to friends while you cannot access it. This is a wait that can follow a completed security check, not a general estimate or guarantee for all account-recovery cases. See Facebook’s 24-hour security-check guidance.
Secure the account after you regain access
Once you can log in, review Facebook’s account-security settings. Facebook describes login alerts and two-factor authentication as ways to help protect an account. If you suspect malware may have stolen your login details, check the devices you use to access Facebook and consult Facebook’s security guidance.
If you use two-factor authentication, Facebook says you can generate 10 single-use recovery codes for times when you can’t use your phone. Set them up and store them securely while you are still logged in; codes you did not save before losing access won’t serve as a recovery method. See Facebook’s instructions for setting up login recovery codes.
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