If your Facebook account has been hacked, don’t panic. There are clear steps you can take to regain control and secure your account. Acting quickly is key to stopping further misuse and protecting your personal information.
Signs your account may have been hacked
- You can’t log in with your usual password
- Your name, profile photo, or email has been changed
- Friends report receiving strange messages from you
- Posts appear on your timeline that you didn’t make
Step-by-step: how to recover a hacked Facebook account
- Go to the Facebook recovery page
Visit facebook.com/hacked and click My account is compromised. - Enter your information
Use your email address, phone number, or full name to locate your account. - Follow the on-screen instructions
Facebook will ask a series of questions to confirm your identity. If you still have access to your registered email or phone number, you’ll receive a code to reset your password. - Reset your password
Choose a strong new password. Avoid anything similar to the old one. - Secure your account
Once logged in, Facebook will guide you through security checks. This includes:- Reviewing recent activity
- Logging out of suspicious sessions
- Updating security settings
If you can’t access your email or phone
- Click No longer have access to these? during recovery
- Facebook will guide you through verifying your identity, which may include uploading a photo ID
After recovery: how to protect your account
- Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) – Add an extra layer of security via text or an authenticator app
- Check your login history – Log out of any unrecognised devices in your settings
- Update your email and password regularly – Especially if you reused the password on other sites
- Review connected apps and permissions – Remove any suspicious ones
Recovering a hacked Facebook account is possible if you act fast and follow the correct steps. Once you’re back in, take the time to strengthen your security to prevent future issues. And remember — never share your login details with anyone.
