Logging into Facebook can sometimes be frustrating when things don’t work as expected. There are several reasons why you may be having trouble accessing your Facebook account and a few steps you can try to get back in.
Why can’t I log in to Facebook?
Here are some of the most common reasons you may be having issues logging in to Facebook:
You’ve forgotten your password
If you can’t remember your Facebook password, you won’t be able to log in. Facebook does not have access to your password and cannot retrieve or reset it for you. You’ll need to use Facebook’s password reset process.
Your account was hacked
If someone else gained access to your account, they may have changed your password to lock you out. Account hacking is unfortunately common on Facebook. You’ll need to recover your account using Facebook’s security processes.
You’ve been blocked from logging in
Facebook may temporarily block you from logging in if there have been multiple failed login attempts. This is to protect your account from being hacked. The block is usually for a few hours. You’ll need to wait it out before trying to log in again.
Your account was disabled
If you violated Facebook’s terms of service, your account may have been disabled. You’ll need to appeal the decision and go through a process to request your account be reactivated.
Site outages or bugs
Like any website or app, Facebook experiences occasional outages and technical issues. If the site is down or having problems, it could prevent you from logging in. Check Facebook’s status page or try again later.
Steps to take when you can’t log in to Facebook
If you find yourself unable to log in to Facebook, here are some troubleshooting steps to take:
Check your internet connection
Make sure you have an active, stable internet connection. Connect to a different Wi-Fi network or switch to mobile data if needed. Connection issues can prevent successful logins.
Clear your browser cache and cookies
Sometimes cached files and cookies can cause login problems on Facebook. Try clearing your browser data and cookies and then attempt to log in again.
Try logging in on a different device
See if you can log in to Facebook on another computer or mobile device like a phone or tablet. This will confirm whether the issue is isolated to a single device.
Use Facebook’s login troubleshooting steps
Facebook provides troubleshooting advice at https://www.facebook.com/login/identify. Go through the steps to identify and resolve any problems.
Reset your password if needed
If you can’t remember your password, use Facebook’s password reset process. You’ll need to provide your email or mobile number on file. Password resets can fix many login problems.
Check for account security notifications
Your Facebook notifications may contain alerts about suspicious logins or security issues. Review notifications and secure your account if it appears compromised.
Use account recovery if you’re hacked
If your account was hacked, use Facebook’s account recovery process to regain access. You’ll need to verify your identity to override changes the hacker made.
Wait out any temporary blocks
If Facebook has temporarily blocked logins to secure your account, be patient and try again later. The block is usually lifted within a few hours.
Appeal disabled account decisions
If your account was disabled, you can submit an appeal to Facebook. Provide any requested information to help get your access restored.
Solutions by login problem
Here are the best solutions for specific Facebook login problems you may encounter:
| Login Problem | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Forgotten password | Use Facebook’s password reset process |
| Account hacked | Recover account access through security processes |
| Too many login attempts | Wait out the temporary login block |
| Account disabled | Appeal the account disabling decision |
| Site or app down | Check status page and try again later |
| Browser issues | Clear cache/cookies or try different browser |
What to do if your Facebook account was hacked
If you believe your Facebook account has been hacked or compromised, take these steps right away:
Log out of all active sessions
From your account security settings, you can view and log out of active Facebook sessions. This will deauthorize the hacker. Change your password too.
Remove unauthorized contact info changes
Hackers may add or change recovery contact info like your email or phone number. Remove anything you don’t recognize.
Check linked accounts
See if the hacker linked other accounts like Instagram without your permission. Remove any unknown linked accounts.
Review your profile and posts
Check your profile, photos, timeline, and other activities for anything suspicious posted by the hacker. Remove as needed.
Enable two-factor authentication
For extra security going forward, enable two-factor authentication using your mobile phone number or authentication app.
Change your password again
Once you regain access, change your password immediately to something secure that the hacker won’t know.
Check login notifications
Review your security notifications for any unknown logins and take appropriate actions to secure your account.
Submit a report to Facebook
Use Facebook’s reporting tools to officially document unauthorized access to your account for investigation.
Recovering a disabled Facebook account
If Facebook has disabled your account, you can request a review and potentially get your account reactivated by taking these steps:
Find out why it was disabled
Facebook should notify you why your account was disabled. Violating terms of service is the most common reason.
Appeal the decision
Use Facebook’s appeal form to explain why you believe the disabling was a mistake.
Provide valid identification
As part of the appeal process, you may need to provide a copy of your government ID to confirm your account ownership.
Wait for Facebook’s review
It typically takes 1-3 business days for Facebook to review appeals and respond with a decision.
Agree to follow Facebook policies
If your appeal is approved, you’ll need to read and agree to Facebook’s terms before your account will be restored.
Improve security and settings
Once back in your account, beef up your password, enable two-factor authentication, and review settings.
Preventing Facebook login problems
Here are some tips to avoid login problems on Facebook in the future:
Create a strong password
Always use a strong, unique password that mixes letters, numbers, and symbols. Weak passwords are easily guessed.
Don’t share your password
Never reveal your Facebook password to anyone. Not even Facebook staff will ask for your password.
Enable two-factor authentication
Add an extra layer of login security by requiring a code from your mobile phone or authentication app.
Review login notifications
Check your security notifications regularly for signs of unauthorized access or location changes.
Secure other accounts
Use strong, unique passwords on your recovery email, phone number, and other linked accounts too.
Keep your software updated
Always use the latest version of Facebook and your device operating system for security patches.
Use a password manager
A password manager app can generate and store strong passwords for all your accounts.
Beware of phishing scams
Never enter your Facebook credentials after clicking links in emails, texts, or websites, as it could be a scam.
Conclusion
Being locked out of your Facebook account can be stressful, but the right troubleshooting steps will get you back in. Reset your password if you forgot it, recover your account if hacked, or appeal disabling decisions. Enable two-factor authentication to improve security. With some patience and the right solutions, you can resolve Facebook login problems and access your account again.