Forgetting your Facebook password can be frustrating, but there are a few different ways to get back into your account. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to log in if you’ve forgotten your Facebook password.
Use the Facebook Password Reset Option
The easiest way to get back into your Facebook account is to use the built-in password reset option. Here’s how it works:
- Go to www.facebook.com and click on the “Forgotten account?” link below the password field.
- Enter your email address or phone number associated with your Facebook account and click Search.
- Facebook will send you an email or text message with a link to reset your password if your email/number is found.
- Click on the password reset link, which is valid for 24 hours.
- You’ll be prompted to enter a new password. Type in a new password, confirm it, and click Continue.
- You should now be able to log in with your new password.
This is the easiest way to reset your password as long as you have access to the email or phone number on your Facebook account. The reset link expires after 24 hours, so make sure to click on it and reset your password as soon as you receive the message from Facebook.
Use Facebook Security Questions
If you don’t have access to your email or phone number associated with your account, you can try answering your Facebook security questions. Here are the steps for this method:
- Go to the Facebook login page and click on the “Forgotten account?” link.
- Click on “No longer have access to these?” below the email/phone number fields.
- This will bring you to a page with your security questions.
- Enter the answers to your designated security questions and submit.
- If your answers are correct, you’ll be able to reset your password immediately.
- Enter and confirm your new password and you should be able to log in with it.
The key with this method is being able to accurately answer your designated security questions. If you set up questions years ago, you may not remember the answers now, so this method poses more of a challenge.
Request Password Reset Via Trusted Contacts
If you can’t access your email/number and don’t remember your security question answers, another option is to request a password reset from one of your designated Facebook trusted contacts. Here’s how it works:
- Go through the password reset flow and when prompted, click “Get help from friends.”
- A list of your trusted contacts will appear. Click on up to 3 of them to send a request for a special code.
- If they confirm your identity, the trusted contact will receive a 6-digit code via text or email.
- They will share this code with you and you’ll enter it to confirm your identity.
- Once confirmed, you’ll be able to reset your password immediately.
The catch with this method is that it relies on your trusted contacts. You need to have added trusted contacts previously and they need to respond and give you the code. But if they confirm your identity, it does provide you with another way to get back into your account.
Upload ID to Facebook
If none of the above options work, the last resort is to upload an ID to Facebook for verification. Here’s the process:
- Select the option to upload an ID when prompted after trying other methods.
- Facebook will ask you to upload a photo of your valid government ID (driver’s license, passport, etc).
- Make sure the photo of your ID is clear and legible.
- Enter your full date of birth when requested.
- Facebook will review your ID and confirm your identity.
- Once verified, Facebook will allow you to create a new password.
Uploading your ID is the lengthiest process but gives Facebook the ability to verify your identity so you can recover access to your account. Just be aware it can take up to 24 hours for them to review your ID and confirm your identity.
Prevent Needing a Password Reset
While the above methods allow you to recover access to your Facebook account, needing to reset your password frequently can be inconvenient. Here are some tips to avoid getting locked out of Facebook in the future:
- Create a strong password you can remember or use a password manager.
- Turn on login notifications or alerts.
- Set up two-factor authentication.
- Review your security and login settings.
- Make sure your email, phone number, trusted contacts are up-to-date.
- Be wary of phishing emails or messages.
Taking preventative measures allows you to stay in control of your account security. Enable any extra security options that Facebook provides and keep information current.
Get Help from Facebook
If you’ve exhausted all self-service password reset options, you can also reach out to Facebook directly for help accessing your account. Here are some tips for getting help from Facebook support:
- Go to the Facebook Help Center and find the Contact Us form.
- Select “Login and account access” issues and complete the form.
- Provide detailed info about the issue and steps you’ve tried.
- Include any previous emails from Facebook in your request.
- Be patient as it can take 1-2 days for a response.
Keep in mind Facebook receives a very high volume of inquiries, so expect at least a 24 hour wait for a reply to your request. The more details you can provide upfront, the better.
Common Roadblocks and Solutions
When trying to reset your Facebook password, there are some common issues that may come up. Here are some potential roadblocks and solutions:
| Roadblock | Solution |
|---|---|
| Can’t access email or phone number on account | Try security questions or trusted contacts |
| Forgot the answers to your security questions | Contact Facebook support for review |
| Trusted contacts aren’t responding | Keep trying or contact Facebook support |
| Uploading ID takes too long | Wait up to 24 hours for Facebook to review |
| Facebook is unresponsive | Follow up again in 24-48 hours |
Having backup options and being patient are key to working through any issues. With so many users, Facebook needs time to investigate and confirm identities.
Get Back Into Facebook Quickly
When you get locked out of your Facebook account, getting back in quickly is the top priority. Here are some final tips for streamlining access:
- Try the password reset email/text first when possible.
- Make sure your information is current and accurate.
- Don’t hesitate to contact Facebook for urgent access issues.
- Consider setting stronger, unique passwords for future.
- Turn on improved login protections if available.
Staying proactive is the best way to avoid Facebook login problems. But if you do get locked out, move swiftly through the reset options. With persistence and patience, you can recover your account access so you don’t lose touch with your online community.