It is not possible to see your actual Facebook password stored on an iPhone. However, there are a few ways you can recover or reset your Facebook password if you have forgotten it.
Why you can’t see your Facebook password on iPhone
When you enter your Facebook login details on an iPhone (or any device), your password is not stored locally. Instead, your phone saves an encrypted token that allows you to stay logged into your Facebook account. This means your actual password is not visible or accessible on your device.
Facebook and other apps use this approach for security reasons. Storing login credentials locally on a device in plain text would create a major vulnerability. If someone got access to your phone, they could easily steal your passwords. The encrypted login tokens prevent this.
Additionally, for privacy reasons, most apps do not allow you to view your passwords. Facebook only allows you to reset or change your password if you can’t remember it.
Ways to recover or reset your Facebook password on iPhone
If you don’t remember your Facebook password, there are a few options to recover or reset it from your iPhone:
- Reset using email or mobile number: On the Facebook login screen, tap “Forgot Password”. You can then enter the email or mobile number associated with your account and reset your password.
- Reset using saved passwords: If you have your Facebook password saved in Settings > Passwords on your iPhone, you can view and copy it there.
- Use a password manager: If you used a password manager app like 1Password or LastPass to save your Facebook password, you can retrieve it through that app.
Change your Facebook password frequently
To improve your Facebook security on iPhone and other devices, it is highly recommended to change your Facebook password frequently. Here are some tips:
- Update your password every 60-90 days at minimum.
- Do not reuse the same password for multiple accounts.
- Use a strong password that would be difficult for someone else to guess.
- Enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security.
Regularly changing your password makes it much harder for someone to access your account even if they manage to get your current password.
Enable two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an extra step to logging into your Facebook account. When enabled, you need to enter both your password and a six digit code generated from an authenticator app or sent via text message.
This ensures that even someone with your password cannot access your account unless they also have access to your phone or authenticator app. It provides significant protection against password theft and unauthorized logins.
To enable two-factor authentication on Facebook:
- Go to the Facebook Settings menu
- Select Security and Login
- Choose Use Two-Factor Authentication and follow the prompts
It only takes a minute to set up. You will need to provide your phone number to receive security codes.
Avoid entering Facebook password into suspicious sites or apps
One of the top ways passwords get compromised is through phishing attacks or malicious software. Avoid entering your Facebook password into any third party sites or apps that look suspicious or untrustworthy.
Only login to Facebook through the official app or website, or other well known apps like Facebook Messenger. Beware of emails, texts or popups requesting you enter your Facebook password – these are likely scams attempting to steal your credentials.
Use a password manager for stronger security
Using a dedicated password manager app like 1Password or LastPass provides stronger security and convenience for managing your Facebook and other online account passwords.
Here are some benefits of using a password manager:
- Generates and stores strong, random passwords for each account
- Syncs securely across all your devices
- Auto-fills passwords into apps and sites so you don’t have to remember them
- Offers built-in password auditing and health checks
- Provides extra encryption and cybersecurity protection
With a password manager, you only need to remember one master password to unlock access to all your passwords. This makes it much easier to use strong, unique passwords everywhere without the headache of trying to remember them all.
Top password managers
Some top options to consider for managing your Facebook and other passwords:
| Password Manager | Platforms | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1Password | iOS, Android, Mac, Windows | Free trial, then $2.99/month |
| LastPass | iOS, Android, Mac, Windows | Free version available, premium $2.90/month |
| Dashlane | iOS, Android, Mac, Windows | Free trial, then $3.33/month |
Use Account Recovery Contacts
Another way to regain access to your account if you are locked out is by using Facebook Account Recovery Contacts.
This allows you to designate several trusted friends or family members who can help you get back into your disabled Facebook account.
To set this up:
- Go to Facebook Settings
- Select Security and Login
- Choose Edit Account Recovery Contacts
- Enter the names of 3-5 contacts to help recover your account
If you ever get locked out of your account, you or your recovery contacts can use this tool to try restoring access to your account.
Avoid clicking suspicious links
One common way attackers try to steal Facebook passwords is by sending links to fake Facebook login pages. If you enter your password, the hackers capture it.
To avoid this, never click login links sent via email, messaging apps, texts, social media posts or other sources. Instead, open the Facebook app or navigate directly to facebook.com.
Check that the URL starts with https://www.facebook.com to verify you are on the legitimate Facebook website before entering your password.
Use strong anti-virus and firewall software
Malware and spyware could potentially record you entering your Facebook password and other account credentials. To avoid this risk, always run reputable anti-virus software from vendors like Norton, McAfee or Avast.
You should also use a firewall program to prevent unauthorized network access to your device. The built-in Windows or Mac firewalls work well, or you can use third party firewall software for extra protection.
Keeping all your applications, browsers and operating systems fully updated is another key defense against malware or intrusions.
Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive logins
Public Wi-Fi networks at coffee shops, airports, hotels and other locations can be insecure. Your online activity and traffic could potentially be intercepted by hackers when using public Wi-Fi.
To be safe, avoid logging into your sensitive accounts like Facebook or doing online banking when connected to public Wi-Fi. Only use secure home or office networks for accessing sensitive accounts.
Conclusion
While you cannot view your actual Facebook password on an iPhone or other devices, there are many options available if you get locked out of your account. Using strong unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and employing password managers and other security tools can help keep your Facebook account and data safe from unauthorized access.
Practicing safe password hygiene and being cautious when entering credentials on mobile devices or public Wi-Fi will also help keep your Facebook account secure.