Quick Answer
There are a few common reasons you may see an “unknown error” when trying to log into Facebook:
- Your password is incorrect
- Your account has been disabled or locked
- There is a temporary technical issue or glitch
- Your browser cookies or cache need to be cleared
- Your browser or Facebook app needs to be updated
The first thing to try is making sure you are entering your password correctly. If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it.
If your account has been disabled for a violation of Facebook’s terms, you will need to submit an appeal. An account can be locked for security reasons as well.
Sometimes a temporary glitch causes an unknown error message. Trying again later often resolves this. Clearing your browser’s cookies and cache for Facebook can also help fix login issues.
Make sure you have the latest version of your browser and the Facebook app. Older versions may not work properly with Facebook’s login system.
If none of those basic troubleshooting tips work, you may need to contact Facebook support for additional help determining the cause and restoring access to your account.
Incorrect Password
One of the most common reasons for getting an “unknown error” message when trying to log into Facebook is that you have entered an incorrect password.
With an incorrect password, Facebook’s login system does not recognize your credentials and cannot grant access to your account. This results in a generic “unknown error” message rather than specifying the password is wrong.
If you cannot remember your exact Facebook password, you can use the “Forgot Password” link on the login page to reset it. Facebook will send a password reset link to the email associated with your account. Once you have reset your password, make sure to enter the new password carefully when logging back in.
Double check that your keyboard language/layout is correct if you are entering the password on a new device. If you have password manager software, you may need to re-save the updated Facebook password. Using copy/paste can help avoid any ambiguity over special characters in your password.
Getting in the habit of using strong, unique passwords for all your important online accounts can help prevent login issues. A password manager makes it easy to keep track of lengthy, complex passwords for each site.
Disabled or Locked Account
If your Facebook account has been disabled or locked, attempting to log in will also result in an “unknown error” message.
Facebook may disable accounts that violate the platform’s terms of service. This could occur if an account engages in prohibited behavior like bullying, spamming, illegal activity, or spreading misinformation.
Before your account is disabled, Facebook will typically send warnings and prompts to correct any violating behavior. If the issues persist, Facebook can then disable the account for a set period of time or permanently for repeated or severe violations.
You can submit an appeal if you think your account was disabled in error. The appeal form is available on Facebook’s Help Center. Provide as much context and explanation as possible. It may take Facebook up to 24 hours to respond to an appeal.
Accounts may also be locked for security reasons, such as suspicious login attempts or potential compromise. Facebook will lock the account to prevent further unauthorized access, while the legitimate owner can regain access through special procedures.
How to Fix a Disabled or Locked Facebook Account
- Submit an account disabled appeal if you believe the account was wrongly disabled
- If account locked for security, follow Facebook’s instructions for proving identity
- Provide valid government ID that matches the account information if requested
- Comply with any requests from Facebook support during the process
- Reset your password after regaining access to enhance security
Getting a disabled or locked account reactivated requires patience and cooperation with Facebook’s policies. Prevent this issue in the future by being thoughtful in how you use Facebook and keeping your login information secure.
Temporary Technical Issues
In some cases, an “unknown error” when attempting to log into Facebook is caused by a temporary technical issue on Facebook’s side.
Facebook’s login servers may be experiencing intermittent glitches or downtime that prevents successful authentication. The system is unable to verify your credentials and grants access even with the proper login information entered.
These types of temporary technical issues are typically resolved within a few hours. Facebook engineers work quickly to correct any login problems to restore access for users.
Trying to log in again after some time has passed will often resolve the “unknown error” once Facebook’s systems are operating normally again. You can check the Facebook Help Community or @facebook on Twitter to see if any current login issues have been reported.
If the problem persists for more than a day or seems to occur every time you attempt to login, it likely indicates a different underlying cause beyond temporary technical glitches. The error will usually provide more specifics in those cases.
Having patience and trying again later is the main solution for sporadic “unknown error” messages caused by short-lived technical problems on Facebook’s side.
Tips for Dealing with Facebook Login Errors
- Try logging in again later if the issue seems temporary
- Check Facebook’s Help Community or @facebook for reported problems
- Make sure you can log in on another device to isolate issue
- Don’t repeatedly enter password incorrectly as it may lock account
- If unable to access account for an extended time, contact Facebook support
Clearing Browser Cookies and Cache
Sometimes an “unknown error” logging into Facebook is caused by outdated cookies or cached data in your web browser related to Facebook. Clearing this browser data can resolve the login issues in this situation.
Browser cookies allow sites like Facebook to save certain data about your session and user account locally. However, over time stale cookies or corrupted cache information may accumulate and cause conflicts with logging in.
You can typically find browser settings to clear cookies, cache, browsing history, and other site-specific data by going to Settings or Preferences in your Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or other browser menu.
After clearing this data, try logging into Facebook again. With the old cookies and cache wiped, any conflicts or glitches should be resolved if they were the cause of the “unknown error” problem.
Make sure to clear cookies and cache specifically for Facebook rather than all sites. That avoids deleting useful login data you have saved for other online accounts. You may need to log back into other sites after clearing Facebook data.
If clearing the browser data does not resolve the issue, then there must be a different cause for the “unknown error” when logging into Facebook.
How to Clear Cookies and Cache by Browser
- Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data
- Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Clear Data
- Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data > Remove All
- Edge: Settings > Privacy, Search and Services > Clear Browsing Data
- Mobile Browsers: Check app settings for clear cache and cookies options
Updating Browser or App
Using an outdated browser or Facebook app version could also be the culprit behind an “unknown error” during Facebook login.
Browsers and apps release new versions that contain fixes, updates, and improvements to their functionality. Facebook performs regular maintenance on their login system as well.
An outdated browser or app may not be fully compatible with the current login procedures used by Facebook. This can prevent proper authentication and account access.
You should make sure you are running the latest versions of your browser software and the Facebook mobile or desktop apps. On browsers, you can go to Help > About to check for available updates. Apps can be updated directly through the iOS App Store or Android Play Store.
Install all available updates for your browser and Facebook app. Then try to log in again to see if the issue is resolved with the software now up-to-date. Using older, unsupported browser versions is a common source of login problems.
Keeping your browser and apps updated in general is good device security practice beyond just fixing Facebook login issues. Software developers regularly release patches for bugs, vulnerabilities, and glitches that could otherwise affect your user experience and security.
Latest Supported Browser Versions as of October 2023
- Chrome – Version 108+
- Safari – Version 15+
- Firefox – Version 105+
- Edge – Version 108+
Contacting Facebook Support
If you continue experiencing an “unknown error” when attempting to log into Facebook after trying all the basic troubleshooting tips, your best option is to directly contact Facebook support.
The Facebook Help Center provides several options to get assistance with account access issues:
- Submit a support ticket describing your login problem.
- Start a live chat with a Facebook support team member.
- If your account was disabled/locked, request a review through the appeal form.
Be prepared to provide details like your full name on the account, email or phone number used for the account, your Facebook URL if known, and any error messages shown.
Facebook’s support team can investigate your specific account issue, review any violations or lockouts, check for compromises, and help regain access. They may request additional information or proofs of ID.
Continuing to attempt logging in yourself may be ineffective if the cause requires intervention by Facebook’s systems and personnel to resolve properly. Get in touch with their experts for help.
Facebook Help Center Resources
Preventing Login Issues
While occasional login issues because of technical glitches or forgotten passwords can happen to anyone, there are steps you can take to avoid “unknown error” messages and other login problems with Facebook in the future:
- Use unique, complex passwords and change them periodically.
- Enable two-factor authentication for enhanced security.
- Avoid clicking suspicious links that could compromise your account.
- Keep browser and Facebook apps updated to latest versions.
- Monitor your account for suspicious posts or activities.
- Avoid activities that violate Facebook’s terms of service.
Practicing good account hygiene and security makes it far less likely you’ll end up locked out due to your own actions or those of bad actors. Reach out to Facebook support if you need help protecting and regaining access to your account.
Conclusion
An “unknown error” when attempting to log into Facebook can be frustrating. However, the cause is likely one of several common issues that can be successfully troubleshooted in most cases.
Try entering your password correctly, updating software, clearing browser data, or contacting Facebook support to resolve the problem. Having patience and methodically checking each potential cause is key, rather than repeated failed login attempts.
With a thoughtful approach, you should be able to determine why you have received the “unknown error” message and regain access to your important Facebook account. Consistently practicing secure social media habits reduces your risk of login problems occurring in the first place.
| Error Message | Potential Causes | Troubleshooting Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown Error | Incorrect password | Reset password via email |
| Disabled/locked account | Submit appeal to Facebook | |
| Temporary technical issue | Try logging in again later | |
| Outdated browser/app | Update software to latest version | |
| Corrupted cookies/cache | Clear browser data for Facebook |