Facebook remains one of the world’s most popular social media platforms, but it has also become a major target for cybercriminals.
Every day, thousands of users lose access to their accounts after hackers steal passwords, change recovery information or lock them out completely.
The good news is that if you act quickly, there’s a strong chance you can recover your account.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Signs Your Facebook Account Has Been Hacked
Before trying to recover your account, check for these warning signs:
Your password suddenly stops working.
Your email address or phone number has been changed.
You receive login alerts from unfamiliar locations.
Friends receive strange messages from your account.
Posts appear that you never shared.
Your profile picture or personal information has changed without your knowledge.
You have been removed as admin from your Facebook Page.
If you notice any of these signs, act immediately.
Step 1: Visit Facebook’s Official Recovery Page
Go to Facebook’s official hacked account recovery page:
https://www.facebook.com/hacked
This page is specifically designed to help users regain access after a security breach.
Avoid clicking recovery links sent through Messenger or email unless they come directly from Facebook.
Step 2: Identify Your Account
Facebook will ask you to search for your account using:
Your email address
Phone number
Full name
Username
Select your account when it appears.
Step 3: Verify Your Identity
Facebook may ask you to confirm your identity by:
Sending a verification code to your email.
Sending an SMS code.
Answering security questions.
Uploading an identification document if necessary.
Follow each step carefully.
Step 4: Change Your Password
Once access has been restored, immediately create a new password.
A strong password should include:
Uppercase letters
Lowercase letters
Numbers
Symbols
Avoid using:
Birthdays
Phone numbers
Names
Simple passwords like “123456”
Step 5: Log Out of Other Devices
Hackers often remain logged into stolen accounts.
Go to:
Settings → Security and Login
Select:
“Where You’re Logged In.”
Log out of every device you don’t recognise.
Step 6: Enable Two-Factor Authentication
This is one of the most important security features Facebook offers.
With Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
Even if someone knows your password, they still need a second verification code to access your account.
This greatly reduces the risk of future hacking.
Step 7: Check Your Email Address
Hackers sometimes add their own recovery email.
Go to:
Settings → Personal Information
Make sure:
Your email address is correct.
Your phone number belongs to you.
Remove any unfamiliar recovery information immediately.
Step 8: Review Your Facebook Pages
If you manage Facebook Pages:
Check whether you’re still listed as:
Full Control
Administrator
Editor
Many hackers target business Pages because they can be sold or used for scams.
Step 9: Remove Suspicious Apps
Some third-party apps request unnecessary Facebook permissions.
Visit:
Settings → Apps and Websites
Remove apps you no longer use.
What If the Hacker Changed Your Email?
Don’t panic.
Facebook allows users to recover accounts even if the hacker changes the email address.
If you receive an email saying your Facebook email has changed, Facebook usually includes a link that allows you to reverse the change.
Act as quickly as possible before the hacker secures the account.
If You Cannot Recover the Account
If normal recovery fails:
You may need to submit:
National Registration Card (NRC)
Passport
Driver’s licence
Facebook uses these documents to verify ownership.
Only upload documents through Facebook’s official recovery pages.
How to Protect Your Facebook Account
Once you’ve recovered your account:
Never Share Verification Codes
Facebook employees will never ask for your login code.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi
Public internet connections can expose your login information.
Ignore Fake Facebook Messages
Scammers often send messages claiming:
Your Page will be deleted.
Your account needs verification.
Your copyright has been violated.
These are usually phishing attempts.
Keep Your Email Secure
Your Facebook account is only as secure as your email.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication on your email account too.
Update Your Password Regularly
Changing passwords every few months improves security.
Why Facebook Accounts Are Being Targeted
Hackers often steal Facebook accounts to:
Scam friends and family.
Take over business Pages.
Sell hacked accounts.
Spread fake investment schemes.
Run online fraud.
Business Pages with thousands of followers are especially attractive targets.
Final Thoughts
Losing your Facebook account can be stressful, especially if it’s connected to your business or personal memories.
Fortunately, Facebook provides several recovery options that can help restore access if you respond quickly.
The best defence remains prevention.
Strong passwords, Two-Factor Authentication and careful online habits can dramatically reduce the chances of becoming a victim.
If your Facebook account has been hacked, don’t panic—follow the recovery steps immediately and secure every connected account.
