There are a few common reasons why you may be unable to log into your Facebook account. The most likely reasons are that you’ve forgotten your password, your account has been temporarily locked or disabled, or there is a technical issue preventing you from accessing Facebook.
You’ve Forgotten Your Password
The simplest reason why you can’t log into your Facebook account is because you’ve forgotten your password. This happens to all of us from time to time.
The good news is that resetting your Facebook password is easy. Just go to the Facebook login page and click on the “Forgot Password” link.
You’ll be prompted to enter the email address or mobile number associated with your account. Facebook will then send you an email or text with a link to reset your password.
Click on the reset link, create a new password, and you should be able to log back into your account.
If you no longer have access to the email or number on file for your Facebook account, the process may be a bit more complicated. You’ll need to submit a request to Facebook to regain access to your account.
Your Account is Temporarily Locked
Another common reason you may be locked out of your Facebook account is if it has been temporarily locked due to suspicious activity.
Facebook has automatic security systems in place that temporarily lock accounts if they detect strange behavior that may indicate someone is trying to access your account without authorization.
Some examples of suspicious activity that could trigger a temporary lock include:
- Logging in from a new device or unknown location
- Entering an incorrect password multiple times
- Unusual tagging or posting activity
If this happens, you’ll see a message when trying to log in that your account has been locked for security reasons.
To regain access, you’ll need to follow the on-screen instructions to confirm your identity. This usually involves entering a security code sent to your email or mobile number on file.
Your Account Has Been Disabled
A disabled Facebook account takes the security lockdown a step further. Your account may be disabled if Facebook’s systems detect very suspicious activity that may indicate your account has been hacked or compromised.
Some examples of activity that could get your account disabled include:
- A sudden change in profile information like name or birthdate
- Suspicious posts or messages being sent from your account
- Confirmed hacking or phishing attempts
- Violations of Facebook’s terms of service or community standards
If your account has been outright disabled, you’ll see a message about your account being temporarily unavailable.
To restore access, you’ll need to follow the on-screen instructions. This usually involves confirming your identity by submitting a copy of your photo ID.
Technical Issues Preventing Access
Less commonly, technical glitches may prevent people from logging into Facebook. Some examples include:
- Website downtime or server maintenance
- Problems with your internet connection
- Issues with your browser, like cookies being disabled
- Buggy mobile app updates
With technical issues, there is usually nothing wrong with your individual account. The problems accessing Facebook are widespread across many users.
In most cases, these login issues due to technical problems are temporary. Trying again after some time has passed will allow you to regain access once the issue has been resolved.
How to Troubleshoot Facebook Login Problems
If you find yourself unable to login to Facebook, here are some troubleshooting steps you can take:
- Check Facebook’s status page for any known issues at https://www.facebook.com/business/status. If there are widespread technical problems, you’ll have to wait for them to be fixed.
- Reset your password if you think you may have forgotten it. Use the “Forgot Password” link on the Facebook login page.
- Check for any messages about your account being temporarily locked or disabled. Follow the on-screen instructions to restore access.
- Make sure you are entering your username or email and password exactly as they are saved. Double check for typos or caps lock.
- Try logging in from another device or web browser. This can determine if the issue is your device/browser specific.
- Check your internet connection and confirm you can load other websites besides Facebook. Connection issues may prevent accessing just Facebook.
- Clear your browser cookies and cache and try logging in again. Stale browser data can sometimes disrupt the login process.
If none of those basic troubleshooting steps restore your access, you’ll need to contact Facebook support directly for help recovering your account. Be prepared to verify your identity.
Preventing Facebook Login Problems
While login issues are often unavoidable due to technical glitches, there are some precautions you can take to avoid common account access problems:
- Use a password manager. Tools like LastPass or 1Password make it easy to use long, unique passwords for every account. You’re much less likely to forget a password if you don’t have to remember it.
- Turn on two-factor authentication. Adding an extra step to login like confirming with a text message can prevent unauthorized access.
- Be wary of phishing attempts. Never enter your Facebook credentials on suspicious links or sites.
- Use up-to-date security software. Antivirus and anti-malware tools can detect hackers trying to compromise your account.
- Monitor your login locations. Facebook lists recent logins under Security Settings. Look for any unknown locations.
Following good security practices minimizes the chances of your account being compromised. But occasionally login problems are inevitable when using any complex online platform like Facebook.
Recovering a Disabled or Hacked Facebook Account
If your Facebook account has been outright disabled or hacked, getting back in requires going through Facebook’s account recovery process.
Here are the steps to take to regain access to your account:
- Go to https://www.facebook.com/hacked to submit a request for review.
- Select whether your account was “Hacked” or “Account Disabled.”
- Enter your account email address and follow the instructions.
- Submit any requested documentation to prove your identity like photo ID.
- Wait for the Facebook review team to investigate your request. This can take up to 90 days.
- If approved, you’ll receive instructions via email to regain access.
Recovering a lost Facebook account requires patience but it is possible. Having as much identifying information as possible speeds up the review process.
Creating a New Facebook Account
If the recovery process doesn’t work, you may need to consider starting a brand new Facebook account. Here are some tips for creating a new account:
- Use a fresh, secure email address not associated with your old account.
- Choose a strong password you haven’t used on other sites.
- Expand your security by adding two-factor authentication.
- Build up your new profile quickly by inviting existing friends to connect.
- Engage actively with Pages, Groups and posts to establish your presence.
Building a new account takes time and you won’t have access to your old messages or history. But sometimes starting fresh is the only option if you can’t recover your previous account.
When You Can’t Recover Your Facebook Account
In rare cases, Facebook may permanently disable accounts that have severe or repeated violations. Some examples include:
- Committing identity fraud or stealing accounts
- Abusive behavior towards others
- Fake or misleading content
- Harmful criminal activity
If your account has been permanently disabled, Facebook will notify you via email and there is usually no option for recovering your old profile. Any attempts to evade the disabling by creating a new account could result in legal issues.
Permanent disabling is extremely rare though and most login issues are recoverable. The key is following the proper troubleshooting and account recovery steps.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you have tried all the account recovery steps with no success, your last resort may be to seek professional help regaining access to your Facebook account.
You can search for independent social media account managers who offer Facebook recovery services. They use advanced techniques and work directly with Facebook’s internal teams.
These professional account recovery services aren’t cheap, often costing $300 or more. Make sure to do your research to find a reputable provider.
For most people, following Facebook’s own step-by-step account recovery process will work eventually. But for high-value accounts with a long history, professional help may be worth the investment.
Conclusion
Unable to log into your Facebook account? Don’t panic. The most common login issues like forgotten passwords or disabled accounts for suspicious activity can almost always be resolved if you follow the proper troubleshooting and recovery steps.
Be patient, provide as much verifying details as possible, and Facebook’s support team will help you regain access in most cases. Your Facebook memories and connections can be recovered with a little diligence.