Recovering a Facebook account can be a frustrating experience, especially if you're locked out due to a forgotten password, a hack, or a disabled account. As of October 2024, Facebook (Meta) continues to update its security and recovery processes, but the core methods remain similar.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to recover your Facebook account.

Before You Start: Prevention is Key!
Before we dive into recovery, it's essential to understand that prevention is always easier than recovery. If you get your account back, immediately take these steps:

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This is the single most important security measure. Use an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator or Authy) rather than SMS, as SIM swap attacks are a risk.

Use a Strong, Unique Password: Don't reuse passwords across accounts. Use a password manager.

Keep Contact Information Updated: Ensure your phone number(s) and email address(es) linked to your Facebook account are current and accessible. Add multiple recovery options if possible.

Set Up Trusted Contacts: This feature (if you set it up previously) allows chosen friends to help you regain access.

Regularly Review Security Settings: Check "Security and Login" in your Facebook settings for active sessions, login alerts, and connected apps.

Part 1: Recovering a Forgotten Password (You still have access to email/phone)
This is the most common scenario.

Go to the Facebook Login Page:

Open your web browser and go to facebook.com.

If you're using the Facebook app, tap "Forgotten password?"

Click "Forgotten password?" (or "Forgot account?")

This link is usually below the password entry field.

Identify Your Account:

Facebook will ask you to enter an email address or phone number associated with your account. Enter one that you have access to.

If you don't remember either, you might be able to search by your full name. If you search by name, Facebook will show a list of matching profiles; select yours.

Choose a Recovery Option:

Facebook will offer options to send a verification code or link to your registered email address(es) or phone number(s).

Choose the method you can access.

Click "Continue."

Enter the Code/Click the Link:

Check your email inbox (including spam/junk folders) or phone's SMS messages for the code from Facebook.

Enter the 6-digit code into the Facebook prompt.

If you received a link, click on it.

Create a New Password:

Once your identity is confirmed, you'll be prompted to create a new, strong password.

Choose a password that is unique to Facebook and contains a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Click "Continue" or "Reset Password."

Review and Log In:

Facebook might give you an option to review recent activity or stay logged in on current devices. Make your choices and proceed.

You should now be logged back into your account.

Part 2: Recovering a Hacked Facebook Account
If your account has been compromised (hacker changed password, email, posted spam, etc.), act immediately.

Go to the Facebook Hacked Page:

Open your browser and go to facebook.com/hacked.

This is Facebook's dedicated portal for compromised accounts.

Report Your Account as Compromised:

Click the "My Account Is Compromised" button.

Identify Your Account:

You'll be asked to enter an email address or phone number associated with the account, even if the hacker changed it. Try the one you remember from when you set up the account.

If that doesn't work, try searching by your full name.

Try to Log In with an Old Password:

Facebook might display your account and ask you to enter a current or old password. Try your most recent password first. If it was changed, try an older one you might have used.

Follow the Recovery Steps:

If an old password works, you'll be prompted to change your password and secure your account.

If no password works, Facebook will guide you through verification steps. These may include:

Sending a code to a previous email or phone number you had on file (even if the hacker changed it).

Asking security questions (if you set them up).

Identifying friends in photos (a less common but still possible method).

Uploading a government-issued ID (e.g., driver's license, passport, state ID). This is often the most reliable method if other options fail, especially if the hacker changed all your contact info.

Secure Your Account After Recovery:

Change Password Immediately: Create a new, strong, and unique password.

Log Out of All Devices: Go to "Settings & Privacy" > "Settings" > "Password and Security" > "Where You're Logged In." Click "Log Out Of All Sessions."

Review Recent Activity: Check your activity log for any unauthorized posts, messages, or changes made by the hacker. Delete or reverse anything suspicious.

Review Connected Apps & Websites: Go to "Settings & Privacy" > "Settings" > "Apps and Websites" and remove any suspicious or unknown apps that have access to your account.

Enable 2FA (if not already): Crucial for preventing future hacks.

Part 3: Recovering a Disabled Facebook Account
If Facebook disabled your account (e.g., for violating Community Standards, suspicious activity, or using a fake name), the process is different.

Check Your Email:

Facebook usually sends an email to the address on file explaining why your account was disabled and if you're eligible to appeal. Check your spam/junk folders.

Attempt to Log In:

When you try to log in, you'll see a message stating your account is disabled. This message often provides a direct link or instructions to appeal the decision.

Submit an Appeal:

Follow the on-screen instructions to submit an appeal. You'll typically be asked to:

Provide your full name as it appears on the account.

Provide the email address or phone number associated with the account.

Upload a clear photo of a government-issued ID (e.g., driver's license, passport). The name and date of birth on the ID should match your Facebook profile as closely as possible.

Provide additional information explaining why you believe the account was disabled in error. Be concise and polite.

The direct appeal form is often found at https://www.facebook.com/help/contact/260749603972907 or through the on-screen prompt when trying to log in.

Wait for Facebook's Review:

This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Facebook will typically respond via the email address you provided in the appeal form.

Be patient. Sending multiple appeals will not speed up the process and might even delay it.

If your appeal is approved, you'll receive instructions on how to regain access.

Important Considerations for Disabled Accounts:

Permanent Deletion: If your account was disabled for a severe violation, it might be permanently disabled, and recovery may not be possible, especially after 180 days.

"No Longer Have Access": If you disabled your own account, you can often recover it by simply logging back in within a certain timeframe (usually 30 days). If you chose "permanently delete," you only have a 30-day window to cancel the deletion.

Part 4: Recovering an Account Without Access to Email or Phone Number
This is the most challenging scenario.

Go to the "Find Your Account" Page:

Start at facebook.com/login/identify.

Search for your account by name.

Click "No Longer Have Access to These?":

After identifying your account, if Facebook offers options to send codes to old, inaccessible email addresses or phone numbers, look for this link. It usually appears below the list of recovery options.

Provide a New Contact Email/Phone Number:

Facebook will ask you to enter a new email address or phone number that you do have access to, where they can contact you regarding your recovery. This must be an email/phone number not previously associated with your Facebook account.

Identity Verification (Most Likely Required):

At this point, Facebook will almost certainly require you to verify your identity. This typically involves:

Uploading a government-issued ID: This is often the most effective method. Ensure the photo is clear, all details are visible, and the name/DOB matches your profile.

Trusted Contacts (If you set this up): If you previously designated Trusted Contacts, Facebook will provide a special link you can send to them. When they click it, they'll see a recovery code they can give to you. You then enter these codes on Facebook to regain access. (This feature needs to have been set up before you lost access).

Wait for Review:

Facebook will review your submission and contact you via the new contact information you provided.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting Tips:
Didn't receive a code?

Check your spam/junk folder.

Ensure you're checking the correct email address or phone number.

Wait a few minutes; sometimes there's a delay.

Request another code.

Check your phone's service/signal.

For email, add "@facebookmail.com" to your safe senders list.

"No Longer Have Access to These?" option missing?

This usually means Facebook has enough security information to offer other options, or your case is too complex for automated recovery. Try the hacked account flow (facebook.com/hacked) as it often leads to identity verification.

ID upload keeps failing?

Ensure the image is well-lit, clear, and shows all four corners of the ID.

Use a high-resolution photo.

Try different ID types if you have them (passport is generally preferred).

Trusted Contacts don't work/were not set up?

This feature must be set up in advance. If not, it won't be an option.

Stuck in a loop/no progress?

Try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, or try a different browser or device (one you've used to log in before, if possible).

If you've tried all automated methods, your only recourse is often to keep trying the identity verification process via the "hacked" or "login/identify" flows.

Scammers: Be extremely wary of anyone (comments, DMs, emails) claiming they can recover your account for a fee. Facebook does not charge for recovery, and these are almost always scams trying to steal your money or further compromise your data.

Recovering a Facebook account requires patience and persistence. By following these steps and providing accurate information, you maximize your chances of regaining access.