Can't Log Into Facebook? Fixes That Get You Back In

Being locked out of Facebook hits harder when it's your link to customers, your Page or the group you run. You type the details you've used for years, the screen shakes its head at you, and suddenly a five-second login becomes a puzzle.

Facebook's Help Centre has a clear set of steps for this, in a sensible order. I'll go through them in that order, from the quick checks to the recovery routes, and I'll point out the cases where the problem isn't your password at all.

What you can type when you can't log into Facebook

Start with the boring one. Facebook's help page on logging in says you can log in with:

• Any email that's listed on your Facebook account.
• A mobile phone number that's confirmed on your account. Don't add any zeros before the country code, or any symbols.
• Your username, if you created one.

It also says you can use a passkey instead of entering a password, for a safer and more convenient login. If you changed phone or email some time ago, you might be using details that are no longer on the account, so try each one you've owned.

Can't log into Facebook because you forgot the password

Facebook's page on changing your password gives a simple route if you can't remember it:

1. On the login screen, tap or click Forgot password.
2. Enter the email address, mobile phone number, full name or username linked to your account, then tap Search.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Two details from the same page are easy to miss. You can only reset your password a certain number of times a day, so don't keep hammering the button. And if you've turned on two-factor authentication, you can't use the same mobile number you use for it to reset your password. You'll need to add a different number or email address to the account.

Can't log into the Facebook app on your phone

Facebook's recovery page has two quick fixes for the app, ahead of anything more drastic:

• Make sure you've got the latest version of the Facebook app, or try deleting the app and reinstalling it.
• Try logging in from a mobile browser instead, for example Chrome or Safari.

If the browser works and the app doesn't, that tells you the account is fine and the app needs attention. If neither works, carry on to the steps below.

Can't log into Facebook when the reset code doesn't arrive

If you can still receive emails and texts from Facebook, it says to try to reset your password. If the code doesn't show up:

• Check the code hasn't gone into your spam or junk folder.
• Check your connection, because you need a signal to receive it.
• Wait a few minutes, then request a new code.

Facebook's page on confirmation codes goes a step further. If you've requested several, wait a day before trying again. It also suggests checking blocked messages on your phone, making sure there's room for a text, restarting your phone and asking your mobile carrier what kinds of message your plan allows.

Can't log into Facebook because Facebook can't find your account

If you've tried to find your account at facebook.com/login/identify and nothing comes up, Facebook has a troubleshooting page with specific ideas:

• Enter each email address or mobile number you've owned, one at a time. You may have added an old one and forgotten it.
• Try variations of your name, in case you signed up with a nickname.
• Ask a Facebook friend to look at the Contact Information in the About section of your profile and send you the email or number listed there.
• If you're asked to enter a friend's name, try several friends. Enter their full name, not just their first name.

The friend tip is a good reason to keep your connections in good order. If you're building yours up, my short guide on adding friends on Facebook is a useful place to start.

Can't log into Facebook because you've lost your email or phone number

Facebook's page says that if you no longer have access to your account's email address or mobile number, for example because you lost or upgraded your phone or your email account was hacked, it has a separate recovery route. Use the recovery options on Facebook's own pages and follow what they ask for. Don't give your details to a website or a person who claims to recover accounts for you.

Can't log into Facebook because the account may be hacked

Facebook says that if you suspect your account was hacked, you should visit facebook.com/hacked on a device you've used to log into Facebook before. Don't type that address into a message or follow a link from someone else. Type it yourself, or find it in Facebook's Help Centre.

Can't log into Facebook because the account is locked or disabled

Sometimes the password is fine and the account itself is the issue. Facebook says that when an account is suspended or disabled, you'll see a message when you log in saying We suspended your account or We disabled your account. A locked account shows a message that it's been locked. Each follows its own steps, so it matters which one you're seeing.

Stopping a Facebook login problem happening again

A few habits make the next login painless. Keep your email and phone number on the account current, and keep your name and date of birth accurate. If you run a Page, make sure more than one trusted person can manage it, and keep your own login details written down somewhere safe. It also helps to know where your Page's QR code is so customers can still find the Page while you're sorting out access.

If you want the full set, start at the Facebook Help: 80 Guides to Pages, Groups, Ads, Stories and Fixes.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I log into Facebook?

Common reasons in Facebook's help are using details that aren't on the account, a forgotten password, codes that don't arrive, an old app version, or an account that's locked, suspended or disabled.

What can I use to log into Facebook?

Any email listed on your account, a confirmed mobile number or your username if you created one. You can use a passkey instead of a password if you've set one up.

What if I can't log into the Facebook app?

Install the latest version or reinstall the app, or try logging in from a mobile browser such as Chrome or Safari.

What if Facebook can't find my account?

Try each email or number you've owned, try name variations, and ask a friend to send you the contact details shown in the About section of your profile.

Why isn't my Facebook code arriving?

Check spam, your signal and the number or email you entered. Wait a few minutes before requesting a new code, and if you've asked for several, wait a day.

What should I do if I think my account was hacked?

Facebook says to visit facebook.com/hacked on a device you've used to log into Facebook before.