Facebook Account Hacked? Follow These Steps to Recover Access and Secure Your Profile

A hacked Facebook account can put your photos, private messages, contacts and other personal information at risk. In some cases, an attacker may even change the password, email address or phone number linked to the profile, making it difficult for the original owner to sign back in.

The good news is that Facebook provides account-recovery options that can help users regain access to a compromised profile.

The most important thing is to act quickly if you notice suspicious activity. Unknown posts, unexpected password-change alerts, unfamiliar login locations or changes to your contact information can all indicate that someone else may have gained access to your account.

Here's how to identify a possible Facebook hack, recover your account and secure it after getting access back.

How to Know If Your Facebook Account Has Been Hacked

Not every unusual Facebook notification means your account has been compromised. However, several warning signs should not be ignored.

One of the clearest signs is content appearing on your profile that you did not publish.

For example, you might notice an unknown post, comment or message sent from your account.

Changes to your profile picture, name or other account information without your permission can also indicate unauthorised access.

Another warning sign is a notification about a login from a device or location you do not recognise.

Check Your Email and Phone Number

A compromised account can become more difficult to recover if an attacker changes the contact information associated with it.

Check whether an unfamiliar email address or phone number has been added to your Facebook account.

You should also look for notifications showing that your existing email address or phone number has been removed.

Password changes that you did not initiate are another major warning sign.

In some cases, users may also find that their existing two-factor authentication method no longer works because account security settings have been altered.

Use Facebook's Hacked Account Recovery Page

If you believe someone has taken control of your Facebook account, Facebook provides a dedicated recovery process for compromised accounts.

The recovery page is available through:

Facebook Hacked Account Recovery

Facebook recommends using a phone, computer or browser that you have previously used to access the account whenever possible.

A familiar device can make it easier for Facebook's security systems to recognise you as the legitimate account holder.

Try Your Registered Email or Mobile Number

During recovery, you may be asked to identify your account using an email address or mobile number associated with it.

If you use a mobile number, enter it with the appropriate country code when required.

You can also try another email address or phone number that was previously linked to the Facebook