Having your Facebook account locked can be frustrating, but it’s usually done for security purposes to protect you and others on the platform. The amount of time your account is locked can vary depending on the reason for the lock. Here’s an overview of some common reasons accounts get locked and how long the locks may last.
Account locked due to suspicious activity
If Facebook detects suspicious or potentially unauthorized activity on your account, they may temporarily lock your account while they investigate further. This is done to prevent any potential misuse of your account.
Some examples of suspicious activity that could prompt an account lock include:
- Multiple login attempts from unknown devices or locations
- Unusual activity after logging in, like changing profile information or posting unusual content
- Someone reporting your account was hacked
If your account is locked for suspicious activity, the duration will depend on how quickly Facebook can confirm it is really you accessing the account. Some common timeframes include:
- 24 hours
- 3-5 days
- 1-2 weeks
To get your account unlocked, you will need to prove ownership of the account by:
- Submitting a copy of your photo ID
- Providing a code sent to your email or mobile number linked to the account
- Answering your account security questions
As soon as you provide the requested proof, Facebook will review it and unlock your account if you are the legitimate owner.
Account locked due to invalid login attempts
If someone tries to access your Facebook account with the wrong password several times, Facebook may temporarily lock your account as a security precaution. This prevents unauthorized access by someone trying to guess or “brute force” the password.
In most cases, the account will be locked for up to 24 hours after too many incorrect login attempts. However, the lock duration depends on how many failed attempts there were and the history of your account:
| Number of failed attempts | Typical lockout duration |
|---|---|
| 5-10 failed attempts | Up to 1 hour |
| 10-20 failed attempts | Up to 12 hours |
| 20+ failed attempts | Up to 24 hours |
To get back into your account sooner, you can use Facebook’s account unlock process which involves confirming your identity. This is the same process described above for suspicious activity locks.
Account locked due to violating Facebook policies
If Facebook determines you violated their Terms of Service or Community Standards policies, they may lock your account temporarily or permanently.
Some examples of policy violations that can prompt a locked account include:
- Sharing spam, misinformation, or unauthorized/infringing content
- Using hate speech, threats, or harassment towards others
- Having a fake or impersonating account
For minor first-time violations, your account may be locked for 24 hours or 3-7 days. More serious or repeat violations can result in locks of up to 30 days or permanent disabling of the account.
To unlock the account and regain access, you will need to:
- Confirm your identity as the account owner using the Facebook account unlock process
- Agree not to violate Facebook’s policies again
However, for severe or repeated violations, Facebook may decide to permanently disable your account even after the lock period ends.
Account locked due to inactivity
If your Facebook account has been inactive for an extended period, Facebook may lock it due to inactivity. This is primarily done for security and privacy reasons.
According to Facebook policies, if your account remains inactive for over 6 months, it may be temporarily locked. If your account stays inactive for 2 full years, it may get permanently disabled.
To regain access to a locked inactive account, simply log back in and use Facebook normally again. This proves to Facebook the account is now active once more.
However, if the account was fully disabled after 2 years of total inactivity, the only option is to go through the Facebook account recovery process. You will need to confirm your identity to prove you are the rightful account owner.
Account locked due to age policy violations
Facebook requires users to be 13 years old or older. If they detect an underage account, Facebook will lock it.
Common signs of a policy violation include:
- The user admits to being under 13
- Posts indicate the user is underage
- Other users report the account belongs to a child
If Facebook locks your account believing you violated their age policies, you will need to:
- Confirm you are now 13 or older
- Verify your identity and age through an approved form of ID
- Create a new compliant account
The original underage account normally remains locked permanently.
Avoiding an account lock
While it can be annoying to be locked out, Facebook account locks protect you and the community. Some tips to avoid triggering a lock include:
- Use a strong password that’s unique to Facebook
- Turn on login approvals or two-factor authentication
- Don’t share your login credentials
- Watch for suspicious emails or messages
- Avoid policy violations in your posts and language
- Respond promptly if Facebook requests ID verification
If your account does get locked, be patient and go through Facebook’s unlock process fully. The duration tends to be short unless the violation was severe. If you believe the lock was a mistake, you can submit an appeal to Facebook after regaining access.
Conclusion
Facebook account locks usually last from 24 hours up to a month, depending on the severity of the issue. Locks are imposed for security reasons and policy violations. To get your account unlocked, you need to confirm your identity as the legitimate owner through Facebook’s unlock process. Avoiding shady activity and policy violations can help prevent your account from being locked in the first place.