How do I unlink a Facebook account I was linked to?

If you were linked to a Facebook account that is not your own, you can unlink the accounts to regain control of your profile. Unlinking accounts disconnects them so they are no longer associated on Facebook. Here’s how to unlink a Facebook account you were linked to.

Why You Might Need to Unlink a Facebook Account

There are a few common reasons you may need to unlink a Facebook account:

• Your Facebook account was linked to someone else’s without your consent
• You created a second Facebook account that got linked to your first
• You linked accounts with a friend or family member but no longer want the accounts connected
• Your account was hacked and linked to another account without your knowledge

In situations like these, unlinking the connected accounts can help you regain sole control of your profile.

Requirements for Unlinking a Facebook Account

To unlink a connected Facebook account, you must have access to the primary email or phone number associated with your profile. Unlinking requires verification codes sent to that email/phone number. Here are the requirements:

• Access to the email or phone number listed on your Facebook account
• Your account password if you have Two-Factor Authentication enabled
• Access to any linked Instagram accounts if you use Facebook Login for Instagram

If you don’t have access to the original email/phone number, you’ll need to go through Facebook’s account recovery process before unlinking. You may also need to reset your password if you’ve forgotten it.

How to Unlink a Facebook Account

Follow these steps to unlink a connected Facebook account:

1. Login to the Facebook account you want to unlink. Go to your profile page.
2. Click on the account menu (top right corner) and select “Settings”.
3. In the left column, click “Apps and Websites”.
4. Under “Active Logins”, click on the account you want to unlink.
5. Click on the “Remove” button to start the unlinking process.
6. Check the email or phone number associated with your account for a 6-digit confirmation code.
7. Enter the 6-digit code and click “Confirm” to complete unlinking.

It may take up to 48 hours for the accounts to fully disconnect across Facebook’s systems. You’ll also be logged out of any linked Instagram accounts.

Recovering Access to a Linked Account

If you’ve lost access to the secondary Facebook account that’s linked to your profile, you’ll need to go through Facebook’s account recovery process. Here are the steps:

1. From your profile, attempt to unlink the inaccessible account.
2. When prompted for the secondary account’s password, click “I Don’t Have Access to This” instead.
3. Select the option for not having access to the email or phone number on file.
4. Facebook will allow you to add a new email and go through the recovery process.
5. Once you regain access, you can finish unlinking the connected account.

This recovery process works if you lost access to the secondary account only. If you can’t access the primary account, you’ll need to work with Facebook support for full account recovery.

Unlinking a Deceased Person’s Facebook Account

If you need to unlink the Facebook account of someone who has passed away, the process involves additional steps:

1. Request proof of authority over the deceased person’s account. This involves submitting documents to Facebook.
2. Once approved as an authority, you can request account unlinking in Memorialization settings.
3. Submit a special request form to unlink the memorialized account.
4. Provide the additional details and documents requested by Facebook.
5. Wait for Facebook to review your request and unlink the accounts.

The full process can take up to a month in most cases. Facebook also offers options to gain account access or delete a memorialized profile if needed.

Troubleshooting Problems Unlinking Accounts

Some common issues that can come up when trying to unlink Facebook accounts include:

• Not receiving the confirmation code – Check your spam folder or use an alternate email/number.
• Entering the wrong confirmation code – Double check the 6-digit code Facebook sent.
• Getting an error message about needing to reset your password – Go through the password reset flow first.
• Needing to verify your identity – Facebook may ask you to provide a copy of your ID if they detect suspicious unlinking activity.
• Unlinking not fully completing – Wait 48 hours and check if you’re still logged in anywhere or if the accounts are still connected.

If you cannot successfully unlink the account on your own, you may need to contact Facebook support directly to get additional help.

Protecting Your Facebook Account After Unlinking

Once you unlink the connected Facebook account, it’s a good idea to take further steps to secure your profile:

• Change your Facebook password to something strong and unique.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication for extra login security.
• Review all your current sessions under “Security and Login” settings and logout of unknown ones.
• Go through your authorized apps and remove any unfamiliar or old permissions.
• Check your profile information and posts to make sure nothing was changed without your knowledge.

Taking proactive security measures helps ensure no one can access or link to your Facebook account again without your permission. Be wary of suspicious emails, messages or login alerts as well.

Conclusion

Unlinking unauthorized or unwanted Facebook connections is crucial to keeping your account secure. While the process can be complex, regaining sole control of your profile is an important step, especially if your account was compromised.

Be patient, gather the required information, and follow Facebook’s unlinking steps properly. Also utilize account recovery options if you’ve lost access to a linked profile. With vigilance and caution, you can unlink Facebook accounts successfully and take back control.