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

Posted on by hallmarksociety

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

Having your Facebook account hacked can be a stressful experience. Hackers may steal personal information, post inappropriate content, or even lock you out of your account. If you suspect that your Facebook account has been compromised, it’s essential to act quickly to regain control and secure your information. This guide will walk you through the steps to recover a hacked Facebook account and prevent future attacks.

Signs That Your Facebook Account Has Been Hacked

Before taking action, check for the following signs to confirm that your account has been hacked:

  • You are unable to log in to your account.
  • Unfamiliar posts, messages, or friend requests have been sent from your account.
  • Your profile information, email, or password has been changed.
  • Facebook has sent you a security alert about unusual login attempts.
  • Your friends report receiving suspicious messages from your account.

If any of these signs are present, follow the steps below to recover your account as soon as possible.

Step 1: Try to Log In and Reset Your Password

If you still have access to your Facebook account, try resetting your password immediately:

  1. Go to the Facebook login page.
  2. Click on Forgot password?
  3. Enter your email or phone number associated with your Facebook account.
  4. Follow the instructions to reset your password.

Choose a strong, unique password that you haven’t used before. If you are still unable to log in, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Use Facebook’s Hacked Account Recovery Page

If you can’t log in, Facebook provides a recovery tool specifically for hacked accounts:

  1. Go to the Facebook Hacked Account Recovery Page.
  2. Click on My Account Is Compromised.
  3. Enter your email or phone number to locate your account.
  4. Follow the instructions to secure your account.

Facebook may ask you to verify your identity by confirming recent activity or providing a government-issued ID.

Step 3: Check for Unauthorized Activity

Once you regain access, check your account settings for any changes made by the hacker:

  • Go to Settings > Security and Login.
  • Check the list of devices that have recently accessed your account.
  • Log out of any unfamiliar devices by clicking Log Out.

Also, review your email and phone number settings under Settings > General to ensure they have not been changed.

Step 4: Secure Your Facebook Account

To prevent future hacks, take these security measures:

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

  1. Go to Settings > Security and Login.
  2. Find the Two-Factor Authentication section.
  3. Choose an authentication method (SMS or authentication app).
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to enable 2FA.

This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a verification code in addition to your password when logging in.

Update Your Password Regularly

Use a strong password that includes a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable passwords like your name or birthdate.

Check Connected Apps and Permissions

  1. Go to Settings > Apps and Websites.
  2. Review the list of apps linked to your account.
  3. Remove any suspicious or unnecessary apps.

Hackers can exploit third-party apps with weak security, so it’s best to remove any that you no longer use.

Review Your Email and Phone Number

Ensure your email and phone number are up to date. If a hacker changed them, update them immediately to prevent further unauthorized access.

Step 5: Report the Hack to Facebook

If you believe your account was hacked and you still have issues accessing it, report it directly to Facebook:

  1. Go to the Facebook Hacked Help Center.
  2. Follow the prompts to report unauthorized access.
  3. Facebook may ask for proof of identity to restore your account.

After reporting the hack, monitor your email for updates from Facebook regarding your account recovery status.

What to Do If Your Facebook Account Cannot Be Recovered

In some cases, a hacker may have permanently locked you out of your account. If Facebook support is unable to recover it, consider these options:

  • Create a new Facebook account and notify your friends of the change.
  • Secure your other online accounts, as hackers may try to access them.
  • Monitor your email and linked accounts for suspicious activity.

How to Prevent Your Facebook Account from Being Hacked

To reduce the risk of getting hacked again, follow these best practices:

  • Use a strong password and update it regularly.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
  • Avoid clicking on suspicious links or emails claiming to be from Facebook.
  • Be cautious of friend requests from unknown people.
  • Regularly check your account activity and login locations.
  • Use a trusted security software to protect against malware and phishing attacks.

Final Thoughts

Recovering a hacked Facebook account can be frustrating, but acting quickly can help you regain access and secure your information. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to recover your account, remove unauthorized access, and strengthen your security settings. By taking preventive measures like enabling two-factor authentication and using strong passwords, you can protect your Facebook account from future attacks.

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