How to Recover a Hacked Facebook Account: A Complete Guide

Having your Facebook account hacked can be alarming, especially since the platform is a vital tool for communication, socializing, and even business. When your account is compromised, hackers may gain access to sensitive information, misuse your profile, or send out malicious messages to your friends. Fortunately, Facebook provides several methods to help you recover a hacked account and secure it from future attacks.

In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process to recover your hacked Facebook account and protect it from further threats.

Step 1: Identify Signs of a Hacked Account

Before starting the recovery process, it’s important to confirm that your account has been hacked. Here are some common signs:

1. Unfamiliar Posts or Messages: If your friends inform you about unusual posts or messages sent from your account, it’s a red flag.
2. Login Alerts from Unknown Devices: Facebook sends notifications whenever your account is accessed from a new device or location. If you receive these alerts and don’t recognize the activity, your account may be compromised.
3. Changed Account Information: Hackers often alter account details such as your email address, password, or linked phone number. If you notice changes to your profile that you didn’t make, it’s likely that your account has been hacked.
4. Inability to Log In: If you can no longer access your account using your usual password and suspect that someone has changed it, this could be due to unauthorized access.

Step 2: Use Facebook’s Hacked Account Tool

Once you’ve confirmed that your account has been hacked, the fastest way to start the recovery process is by using Facebook’s Hacked Account Tool.

1. Visit Facebook’s Hacked Account Page: Go to the Hacked Account Page and click on the “My Account Is Compromised” button.
2. Enter Your Account Information: You’ll need to provide the email, phone number, or username linked to your account. If you don’t have access to your email or phone, try using your Facebook username.
3. Follow the Prompts: Facebook will ask you a series of security questions to verify your identity. This may include recognizing friends in photos or confirming recent activity on your account.
4. Set a New Password: Once your identity is confirmed, you’ll be asked to create a new password. Choose a strong, unique password that is difficult to guess.

Step 3: Secure Your Account After Recovery

Once you regain access to your hacked account, it’s essential to secure it to prevent further attacks. Follow these steps to ensure your account is fully protected:

1. Change Your Password Immediately

If you haven’t already done so during the recovery process, change your password immediately. Make sure the new password is strong and unrelated to previous passwords. Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters for better security.

2. Review Recent Account Activity

Go to your Security and Login Settings by clicking on the drop-down menu in the top right corner of Facebook, then selecting Settings & Privacy > Settings > Security and Login. Under Where You’re Logged In, review all recent logins. If you see any unfamiliar devices or locations, log out from them immediately.

3. Remove Suspicious Apps and Devices

Hackers often use third-party apps to gain continued access to your account. In your Settings, navigate to Apps and Websites and review any connected apps. Remove any unfamiliar or suspicious apps that could be compromising your security.

4. Check and Update Your Email and Phone Number

Make sure the email address and phone number associated with your account are correct. If a hacker has changed these details, update them to your own, secure email and phone number. You can do this in Settings > Personal Information.

Step 4: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

One of the most effective ways to secure your Facebook account is by enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of security by requiring not only your password but also a one-time code sent to your phone or authentication app during login attempts.

Here’s how to set up 2FA on Facebook:

1. Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.
2. Click on Security and Login.
3. Scroll to Two-Factor Authentication and click Edit.
4. Choose Your Security Method: You can select between using an authentication app (such as Google Authenticator) or receiving a code via text message.
5. Follow the Prompts to Complete Setup: Once you set up 2FA, every login will require both your password and the security code, making it significantly harder for hackers to access your account.

Step 5: Notify Facebook Friends

If your account was hacked, it’s a good idea to let your Facebook friends know. Hackers often send out malicious links or inappropriate messages to your contacts. Informing your friends of the situation will alert them not to click on any suspicious links sent from your account.

You can also post a status update explaining that your account was hacked, and they should disregard any unusual messages or posts that may have come from you during that time.

Step 6: Report the Hack to Facebook

Even after recovering your account, it’s important to report the hack to Facebook to ensure that they are aware of the issue and can take action to secure your account further.

How to Report a Hacked Account:

1. Go to Facebook Help Center: Visit the Help Center and search for Report Compromised Account.
2. Submit a Report: Follow the instructions to submit a report about your account being hacked.

Facebook will review your report and may take further action to ensure your account’s security.

Step 7: Avoid Future Hacks

To reduce the chances of your Facebook account being hacked in the future, follow these security best practices:

1. Be Wary of Phishing Scams: Hackers often send emails, messages, or links that look like they’re from Facebook but are designed to steal your login credentials. Always check the sender’s email address and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
2. Use a Strong Password: A strong password should contain a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using common words or easily guessable information like your birthday.
3. Keep Your Software Updated: Whether it’s your mobile phone or your computer, always keep your operating system and browser up to date. Security patches help protect against vulnerabilities that hackers exploit.
4. Regularly Review Security Settings: Periodically check your Facebook security settings, including 2FA, recent logins, and connected apps, to ensure there’s no unusual activity on your account.

Conclusion

Recovering a hacked Facebook account may seem daunting, but by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can regain control and secure your account against future attacks. Start by using Facebook’s Hacked Account Tool, change your password, and review your recent account activity. Then, strengthen your security by enabling Two-Factor Authentication and being cautious of phishing attempts.

By staying proactive with your account security, you can prevent future hacks and keep your personal information safe on Facebook.