What to Do If Your Facebook Account Is Hacked and Suspended

Everyone · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What do you need before starting the Facebook recovery process?

Before starting the recovery process, gather key documents and information to prove your identity and ownership of your Facebook account. First, prepare a government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID. This ID will be used by Facebook to verify that you are the legitimate owner of the account. Take a photo or scan the ID clearly, making sure all details are readable and the image is not blurry or cropped.

Next, have your Facebook-related contact information ready. This includes the email address or phone number linked to your account. If you are unsure which email or phone number is connected, try to recall all possible ones you may have used when setting up the account. You will need this information to help Facebook locate your profile.

If you had enabled two-factor authentication (2FA), have access to your authentication app or backup codes handy. These are sometimes requested to verify your identity during recovery. Also, jot down recent activity details like friends you communicated with, recent posts, or when you last accessed the account. Facebook may ask you security questions about your account history to confirm your identity.

If your email or phone number has been changed by the hacker, try recovering those accounts first or note that recovery may require additional steps. Being fully prepared helps prevent delays and frustration in the recovery process.

What are the exact steps to recover a hacked and suspended Facebook account?

Recovering your hacked and suspended Facebook account follows a step-by-step process designed to verify your identity and regain control safely. Here are the detailed steps, including the reasoning behind each:

1. Go to Facebook’s official recovery or help page: Use trusted links found on Facebook’s Help Center to avoid phishing sites pretending to be Facebook. Search for “Facebook hacked account recovery” or “Facebook suspended account recovery” to find the correct page.

1. Select the option matching your issue: Choose either “My Facebook account is hacked” or “My account is suspended.” This selection ensures Facebook provides the right instructions tailored to your problem.

1. Enter your account information: Provide your email address, phone number, or username linked to the account. This helps Facebook locate your profile quickly. If multiple options come to mind, try all that apply.

1. Confirm your identity with a government-issued ID: When prompted, upload a clear photo or scan of your ID. Facebook uses this to confirm you are the rightful owner and prevent others from accessing your account. Make sure the ID matches the name on your profile.

1. Answer security questions: Facebook may ask you to identify friends from tagged photos, recent messages, or recent posts. Think about your account activity and provide accurate answers to prove your ownership.

1. Reset your password: After verification, Facebook will allow you to create a new password. Choose a strong, unique password that you have not used before. For example, combine a phrase with numbers and symbols like “Sunset!Drive42.”

1. Review recent login activity and devices: Go to Settings > Security and Login > “Where You’re Logged In.” Log out of any unfamiliar devices to prevent further unauthorized access.

1. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Add extra protection by turning on 2FA in your Security Settings. Choose either text message codes or an authentication app for generating login codes.

By following these steps carefully, you help Facebook verify your identity securely and reduce the chance of future hacking. Each step is designed to confirm you are the true owner and remove hacker access.

How can you tell if the recovery process worked?

You will know your recovery attempt succeeded if you can log into Facebook without seeing a suspension or security warning message. Once logged in, check the following to confirm:

• Your profile information, such as name, profile picture, and friend list, is correct and unchanged.
• You can post status updates, comment, and send messages without restrictions.
• No notifications about account suspension or security holds appear when you log in.

Perform a security checkup immediately:

• Go to Settings > Security and Login.
• Under “Where You’re Logged In,” review all devices. Log out of any you do not recognize.
• Check “Login Alerts” to see if Facebook has sent warnings about suspicious logins.
• Verify that your contact email and phone number are current and accessible.

If you can change your password and enable 2FA, these features indicate the account is fully restored. Also, test normal account functions like adding friends or posting content to confirm full access.

What should you do if the recovery process does not work or your account remains suspended?

If you cannot regain access or your account remains suspended after following the recovery steps, try these next actions:

• Check your ID submission: If Facebook rejected your ID, ensure the photo or scan is clear, shows your full name, and matches your Facebook profile. Retake the photo in good lighting and avoid glare or shadows.

• Use alternative recovery options: Facebook may allow recovery through “Trusted Contacts” — friends you previously selected who can verify your identity. If this option is available, follow the prompts to get help from your trusted contacts.

• Submit an appeal: Fill out Facebook’s appeal form explaining that your account was hacked and suspended unfairly. Provide detailed information and any evidence showing you did not violate Facebook’s rules.

• Review Facebook’s Community Standards: Understand why the suspension might have occurred. If content posted by the hacker violated policies, mention in your appeal that you were not responsible for those posts.

• Monitor and respond to Facebook emails: Facebook sometimes sends emails requesting more information. Respond quickly and thoroughly to avoid delays.

• Create a new account if necessary: If you cannot recover your original account, create a new one and notify friends to avoid confusion or impersonation risks.

If you suspect identity theft or fraud, consider contacting consumer protection organizations or legal aid to explore further options for help.

How can you improve your account security to prevent future hacking and suspension?

After regaining access, take specific actions to protect your Facebook account:

• Use a strong password: Create a password with a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. For example, “C@mpu$Gr33n!” Avoid using easily guessable words like names or birthdays.

• Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA): This adds a second verification step with a code sent to your phone or generated by an app, making it harder for hackers to log in even if they know your password.

• Regularly review active sessions and devices: In Security Settings, log out of devices you no longer use or don’t recognize.

• Be cautious with friend requests and messages: Don’t accept requests from strangers or click on suspicious links in messages to avoid phishing attempts.

• Keep your email account secure: Your email is often the key to resetting passwords, so secure it with a strong password and 2FA as well.

• Log out from public or shared devices: Always sign out fully when using devices that others can access.

• Update your contact info: Make sure your phone number and email on Facebook are current so you can receive alerts and recovery codes promptly.

By adopting these practices, you minimize the risk of future hacks and account suspensions.

How should different users adapt these steps?

People in different situations may need to adjust these instructions:

• General adults should focus on securing their primary email and Facebook accounts with strong passwords and 2FA, plus regularly monitoring account activity.

• Parents helping teens can guide their children through the recovery steps, assist with verifying identity, and teach safe online habits. Teens may require reminders to not share passwords and to report suspicious activity promptly (see what to do if a teen’s Facebook account is hacked).

• Older adults might benefit from written step-by-step instructions or help from a trusted friend or family member to navigate recovery and security settings confidently.

• Young adults should be cautious of scams, including gaming or phishing schemes on Facebook, which can lead to hacking or suspension (learn about gaming scams on Facebook). They should avoid clicking unknown links and carefully check friend requests.

• Individuals with disabilities or limited digital access may need assistance to upload documents or complete verification steps, so enlisting trusted helpers while maintaining privacy is advisable.

Tailoring these recommendations to your needs will improve your ability to recover your account and keep it secure.

Frequently asked questions

Can I recover my Facebook account without a government-issued ID?

Facebook usually requires an official photo ID to verify ownership after hacking or suspension. In some cases, alternative documents like a school or work ID might be accepted, but this is less common. Contact Facebook support to ask about available options if you don’t have a government-issued ID.

How long does it take for Facebook to restore a hacked and suspended account?

Timing varies widely depending on your case and Facebook’s response time. Some users regain access quickly, while others may wait several days or more. Responding promptly to Facebook’s requests can help speed up the process.

What if the hacker changed my email and phone number linked to Facebook?

Use Facebook’s “Report Compromised Account” tool and follow the identity verification process to recover your account even if contact info was changed. Be prepared to submit your ID and answer security questions to prove ownership ([more on this process](#r4)).

How do I report a hacked Facebook account to authorities?

If your account was used for scams or criminal activity, file a report with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center and local law enforcement. Keep evidence such as screenshots and message logs to support your report.

Can Facebook suspend my account without it being hacked?

Yes, Facebook may suspend accounts for violating its Community Standards, such as posting harmful or inappropriate content. If you believe your account was suspended in error, you can submit an appeal through Facebook’s Help Center.