Confirming your Facebook account is an important step to secure your profile and prevent unauthorized access. If you cannot confirm your account through the usual email or text message verification, there are some other options you may be able to try.
Why is account confirmation important?
When you create a Facebook account, you need to confirm that you own the email address or phone number you used to sign up. This prevents other people from creating accounts using your information. It also helps Facebook ensure there is a real person behind each account.
Once your account is confirmed, certain account recovery options become available to you. For example, if you forget your password, Facebook can send a reset link to your confirmed email address or phone number. Having a confirmed account adds an extra layer of security.
Standard confirmation methods
The standard way to confirm your Facebook account is through an email or text message sent to the address or phone number you used to sign up.
Email verification
When you provide an email address on Facebook’s signup form, they will send a confirmation code to that email inbox. Open the email, note the 6-digit confirmation code, and enter it on the Facebook confirmation screen. This verifies that you own that email address.
Text verification
If you used a mobile phone number to create your account, Facebook will text a 6-digit code to that number. Enter it on the confirmation screen to verify ownership of that phone number.
What if I can’t access that email or phone number?
Sometimes the email address or phone number you used to create your Facebook account is one you no longer own or have access to. For example, perhaps you used a work email that you’re no longer able to check, or an old phone number that’s no longer in service.
If you can no longer access the email address or phone number associated with your unconfirmed Facebook account, the standard confirmation methods won’t work. But don’t worry – there are some other options you can try to confirm your account:
Upload an ID
Facebook allows you to confirm your account by submitting a copy of your government-issued ID. This helps prove you are the real owner of the account.
To confirm your account this way:
- Go to the confirmation page for your unconfirmed account.
- Click the link that says “Confirm your account with an ID.”
- Choose the type of ID you want to submit – this can be a driver’s license, passport, or other official ID.
- Upload a photo or scanned copy of your ID.
- Enter your full name as it appears on the ID.
- Wait for Facebook to review your ID submission.
Once Facebook verifies the name, photo, and details on your ID match the information on your account, your account will be confirmed.
Confirm with a friend
If you have a friend with a confirmed Facebook account, they may be able to help confirm your account.
To do this:
- Go to the confirmation page for your unconfirmed account.
- Click the link that says “Have a friend confirm your account.”
- Enter your friend’s name or Facebook URL.
- Facebook will send a link to your friend.
- Your friend clicks the link and confirms your identity.
After your friend completes the confirmation process, your account will be verified.
Other options
If the above options don’t work, here are a few other ways you may be able to confirm your Facebook account:
- Upload a photo of yourself – Facebook may compare it to photos on your profile.
- Provide proof of ownership for any websites or domains connected to your account.
- If an unrecognized login attempt triggered the confirmation notice, provide info about your recent locations and devices.
Preventing unconfirmed accounts
To avoid getting stuck with an unconfirmed Facebook account, there are a few best practices you can follow when signing up:
- Use an active personal email address you check regularly.
- Use a mobile number you can access – preferably your own main number.
- Avoid disposable/temporary email addresses.
- Don’t input fake or dummy info into any fields.
- Confirm your account as soon as you receive the verification code.
Dealing with a disabled account
If you are unable to confirm your account within a certain time frame, Facebook may disable your account due to lack of confirmation. Here are some tips if your unconfirmed account gets disabled:
- First, attempt all of the confirmation methods again. Facebook may send you a new code.
- Submit an appeal requesting they re-enable your disabled account. Explain why you need the account enabled.
- Be patient as appeals take time to process. Avoid submitting multiple appeals.
Unfortunately, without proper confirmation Facebook will not re-enable an account indefinitely. If you’ve exhausted all options, you may need to accept the account is disabled and create a new one with updated information.
Creating a new legitimate account
If your unconfirmed or disabled account cannot be recovered, you still have the option to create a brand new Facebook account. Be sure you follow best practices this time around:
- Use your real full name and birthday.
- Register with a valid personal email or phone number you own.
- Avoid usingProxies or VPNs when creating your account.
- Complete the confirmation process immediately after signing up.
This will ensure your new account is properly confirmed from the start. Confirming your account adds an important layer of security to your Facebook profile.
Conclusion
Keeping your Facebook account confirmed and in good standing is important for security and access reasons. If you cannot complete the standard email/text confirmation process, providing official ID, utilizing a friend confirmation, or submitting an appeal are some potential options. However, Facebook may permanently disable accounts that remain unconfirmed for too long. To avoid issues, be sure to use legitimate information and confirm any new accounts right away.