If you’ve forgotten your Facebook password and can’t seem to unlock your account, don’t worry – there are a few different methods you can try to recover and reset your password. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through all the steps you need to get back into your Facebook account if you’ve lost your password.
Try Logging In with Your Email or Phone Number
When you first set up your Facebook account, you likely signed up using an email address or phone number. Facebook will often send a password reset link to these when you request one, so this can be the quickest way to reset your password if you still have access to that email or phone.
To try logging in this way:
- Go to Facebook.com and click the “Forgot Password” link.
- Enter the email or phone number associated with your account.
- Facebook will send you an email or text with a link to reset your password. Click the reset link and follow the prompts to create a new password.
- Log into Facebook with your new password.
If you no longer have access to the original email or phone number used to set up your account, keep reading for other password reset options.
Use Facebook’s Password Recovery Form
If resetting your password using your email or phone number linked to your account doesn’t work, Facebook offers a more comprehensive password recovery form that asks you for additional information to verify your identity.
To use the Facebook password recovery form:
- Go to Facebook.com and click “Forgot Password.”
- Click the link for “No longer have access to these?” under the email/phone sign in options.
- Facebook will prompt you to answer some questions to verify your identity, such as locations you’ve logged in from or friends on your account. Answer as many questions as possible.
- If you can successfully answer their questions, Facebook will give you the option to reset your password through email or text.
- Check the email or phone number provided for the reset link. Click it and enter a new password.
This method relies on you being able to accurately answer questions about the account history and personal info. If you can’t recall enough details, you may need to try some other options.
Use a Backup Email Address
If you added a backup or secondary email address to your Facebook account, you may be able to use that email address to get a password reset link. This is helpful if you can still access the backup email but no longer have access to your primary email linked to Facebook.
To reset your password using a backup email:
- Go to Facebook.com and click “Forgot Password.”
- Click the “Need more help?” link.
- Choose the option for using your backup email address and enter it.
- Check the backup email inbox for the password reset message from Facebook and follow the instructions.
If you never added a backup email, or no longer have access to it, keep reading for more options.
Reset Through Account Recovery
If you cannot reset your password using any of the methods above, Facebook offers an account recovery process that involves gaining temporary access to your account to reset the password.
To recover your account and reset the password:
- Go to Facebook.com and click “Forgot Password.”
- Click the “Need more help?” link.
- Choose the “Recover Account” option.
- Select the “I can’t access my email address” option.
- Facebook will prompt you to answer questions to verify your identity. Provide as many details as possible.
- If Facebook can verify your identity, you will get temporary access to the account to reset your password before getting logged out.
This process can take up to 24 hours, so be patient. Facebook will send a notification to your old/inaccessible email as well during the recovery process.
Retrieve Password Through Trusted Contacts
The last option is using a trusted contact associated with your account. Facebook allows users to specify trusted friends who can help access the account if you lose your password.
To use a trusted contact:
- Go to Facebook.com and click “Forgot Password.”
- Click “Get help from friends.”
- Choose the trusted contact to notify and send help request.
- If they agree to help, you’ll get a code from your contact to access account and can reset password.
The contact has the option to decline the request, which means you’ll have to pursue other options. But if they do help, this provides secure access to your account through someone you trust.
Additional Tips for Resetting Your Password
Beyond the main methods listed above, here are some additional tips for resetting an old or lost Facebook password:
- Double check for any old password reset emails from Facebook – sometimes the links remain active for some time.
- Try resetting from a desktop computer if you usually access Facebook on mobile, or vice versa.
- Make sure your browser is allowing cookies and not blocking Facebook login/reset pages.
- Consider using stronger, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication once you regain access.
- Add backup contacts/emails in Facebook account settings to prepare for future potential password issues.
When You Still Can’t Get Back Into Your Account
If you have exhausted all password reset options and still cannot get back into your Facebook account, you may need to pursue additional verification processes or report your account as hacked/disabled:
- You can fill out Facebook’s account recovery contact form for help regaining access to a disabled account.
- If you believe your account was hacked or compromised, you can report it to Facebook using this form.
- As a last resort, you may need to create a new Facebook account and migrate your data/contacts from your inaccessible account.
Losing access to your Facebook account can be stressful, but in most cases you should be able to recover your password or regain entry using one of the methods outlined here. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Facebook for additional help if you cannot reset it yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reset my Facebook password?
If you use the quick email/text reset option, it usually takes just a few minutes to get the link, reset your password, and regain access. Other recovery options can take hours or up to a full day for Facebook to verify your identity and complete the process.
What if I don’t have my old phone number or email address?
Without access to the original email/phone on your Facebook account, you’ll need to use the backup email method, account recovery, or trusted contacts options to reset your password. These involve providing additional info for verification.
Can someone hack my Facebook and change the password?
Unfortunately accounts can be compromised. If you suspect your Facebook was hacked, report it immediately and use the account recovery tools to restore secure access. Enable two-factor authentication as an extra layer of security.
What are some tips for remembering a forgotten password?
Try recalling any personal phrases, locations, or numbers that you may have incorporated. Avoid easily guessed words or sequences. Use a secure password manager if you frequently forget passwords.
I keep getting told my Facebook password reset failed. What should I do?
Double check you are entering the correct email/number associated with the account. Try resetting from both mobile and desktop, or using a different browser. Clear cookies and browser cache then attempt again. If it still fails, contact Facebook support.
Conclusion
Resetting a lost or forgotten Facebook password is usually a straightforward process if you have access to your original credential or verification email/number. In cases where that information is no longer available, Facebook provides alternative account recovery options to help restore access.
Be patient and persistent as you work through the various password reset methods. Keep personal account details handy to answer any identity verification questions accurately. And consider strengthening your login and security practices going forward to avoid getting locked out again.