A hacked Facebook account can be stressful, especially if the attacker changes your password, sends messages from your account, or gains access to your personal information. Acting quickly can improve your chances of recovering your account and preventing further damage.
This guide explains how to recognise a hacked Facebook account, recover access, and secure it against future attacks.
Signs Your Facebook Account Has Been Hacked
You may notice one or more of these warning signs:
- You can’t log in with your usual password.
- Your email address or phone number has been changed.
- Posts, comments, or messages appear that you didn’t create.
- Friends report receiving suspicious messages from your account.
- Your profile picture or personal information has been changed.
- You receive login alerts from unfamiliar locations or devices.
- Ads or purchases appear that you didn’t authorize.
If any of these happen, act immediately.
Step 1: Try Logging In
If you can still access your account:
- Log in to Facebook.
- Go to Settings.
- Review your security settings.
- Change your password immediately.
- Log out of all other devices.
If you can’t log in, continue to the next step.
Step 2: Recover Your Account
Use Facebook’s official account recovery process:
- Select the Forgot Password option on the login screen.
- Search for your account using your email address, phone number, or username.
- Follow the recovery instructions sent to your registered contact details.
If Facebook detects suspicious activity, it may guide you through additional security checks.
Step 3: Secure Your Account
After regaining access:
Change Your Password
Create a strong password that:
- Is at least 12 characters long.
- Includes uppercase and lowercase letters.
- Contains numbers and symbols.
- Is unique and not used on other websites.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a verification code when someone tries to log in from a new device.
This significantly reduces the risk of future account compromise.
Check Active Login Sessions
Review all devices currently logged into your Facebook account.
If you see an unfamiliar device or location:
- Log it out immediately.
- Change your password again if necessary.
Review Your Account Information
Make sure the hacker hasn’t changed:
- Email address.
- Phone number.
- Password recovery options.
- Name.
- Profile picture.
- Linked accounts.
Update anything that looks suspicious.
Remove Suspicious Activity
Check your account for anything you didn’t do, including:
- Unknown posts.
- Fake comments.
- Sent messages.
- New friends.
- Added Pages.
- Advertising campaigns.
- Marketplace listings.
Delete or report any unauthorized activity where possible.
Common Ways Facebook Accounts Get Hacked
Hackers often gain access through:
- Phishing emails or fake login pages.
- Weak or reused passwords.
- Malware on your device.
- Fake Facebook support messages.
- Third-party apps requesting excessive permissions.
- Public Wi-Fi without proper security.
Understanding these risks can help you avoid them.
How to Prevent Future Hacks
Follow these best practices:
- Use a strong, unique password.
- Turn on two-factor authentication.
- Never share verification codes.
- Don’t click suspicious links.
- Keep your browser and apps updated.
- Remove unused third-party app permissions.
- Enable login alerts.
- Review your security settings regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover a hacked Facebook account?
Yes. Many users successfully recover their accounts using Facebook’s official recovery process, although the outcome depends on the circumstances and whether ownership can be verified.
What if the hacker changed my email address?
Facebook’s recovery process is designed to help in situations where account details have been changed. Follow the recovery steps and provide any requested information to verify your identity.
Will my Messenger chats be deleted?
In many cases, your chats remain available after you recover your account. However, messages sent by the attacker while they controlled your account cannot be unsent by recovering access.
Should I create a new Facebook account?
If recovery options are available, it’s usually better to try recovering your original account first rather than creating a new one.
Final Thoughts
A hacked Facebook account can be alarming, but quick action makes a difference. Start the recovery process as soon as you notice suspicious activity, secure your account with a new password and two-factor authentication, and review your account for unauthorized changes.
Good security habits—such as using unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and staying alert to phishing attempts—can greatly reduce the risk of future attacks and help keep your Facebook account safe.
