Facebook Account Locked? How to Unlock It Safely

Meta says it takes you through the unlock steps the next time you log in, or when you follow the link in its email. The steps check that you’re the owner.

1. Open Facebook (the app or facebook.com) and log in.
2. Select Get started and follow the on-screen steps.
3. If you got Facebook’s email about the lock, you can follow its link instead. Check first that it’s really from Facebook (how to check).
4. If Facebook asks you to confirm your identity, follow its instructions on screen (Fix 2).
5. When you’re in, secure the account straight away (Fix 5).

Do this on a phone or computer you’ve used for Facebook before if you can. It looks more like you.

Meta says it may ask you to confirm your identity as part of unlocking. Only do this inside Facebook’s own screens.

1. Follow the options Facebook shows you, such as a code sent to your phone or email. Meta has also tested an optional video selfie for recovering hacked accounts, which you may or may not be offered (how it works).
2. Only upload ID or record a selfie on Facebook’s own screen, during the unlock you started. Never send them to anyone by message or email.
3. If you’re told to wait for a review, don’t start over again and again. Watch your email and texts.

Meta has a help page on confirming your identity (external site, opens in a new tab).

Codes can be slow, filtered or blocked. Meta’s unlock help gives a specific checklist, and the first item is patience.

1. Wait. Meta says codes can take longer to arrive. If you’ve already requested several, wait a day before trying again.
2. Check you’re looking at the right phone number or email address, the one on your Facebook account.
3. Check your spam or junk folder.
4. Check your phone’s blocked or filtered messages. Meta notes your phone may be screening or blocking code texts.
5. Check your network signal, and make sure your phone has enough space to receive texts.
6. Restart your phone.
7. Ask your network provider what kinds of messages your plan allows. Meta notes your plan can affect which messages you receive.

More fixes for codes, including two-factor authentication codes, are in Facebook login code not received.

Meta says that if your account is locked and you can’t log in to unlock it, it can help recover the account. That route is for when you can’t use your email or phone.

1. If you’ve forgotten your password, reset it first from the login screen with Forgot password?. See reset your password.
2. If you no longer have the email or phone on the account, follow Meta’s recovery steps: no access to email or phone.
3. If you think someone else changed your details, go to facebook.com/hacked on a device you’ve used before (Facebook hacked).

A lock means something looked wrong. If someone else had your password, they can try again.

1. Change your password: ☰ Menu > Settings and privacy > Settings > Accounts Center > Password and security > Change password. Use a new password you don’t use anywhere else.
2. Tick Log out of other devices on the Change password screen if you think someone else used your account.
3. Check Where you’re logged in and remove anything you don’t recognise.
4. Turn on two-factor authentication and save your recovery codes somewhere safe.
5. Check that your email address and phone number on the account are still yours.