How to restore my old Facebook account if I can't log into? FB Help

Finding yourself locked out of an old Facebook account can be frustrating, especially if it holds years of memories, photos, and interactions. Fortunately, Facebook provides several options to help users regain access to their accounts, even if you’re unable to log in with the original credentials. This guide will walk you through the steps to restore your old Facebook account can't login by using Facebook Help tools, providing useful tips and troubleshooting strategies to make the process easier.

Steps to restore old Facebook account if can't log into?

Step 1: Try Logging in with Known Information

Before diving into recovery tools, start by trying to log in with any information you remember:

1. Use Any Known Emails or Phone Numbers: Attempt logging in with all email addresses or phone numbers associated with the account, as well as any username you might have set.
2. Try Old Passwords: If you remember any old passwords, give them a try. Facebook occasionally allows access with previously used passwords if your security settings are met.
3. Check Autofill Data: If you’ve logged into Facebook from the same browser or device before, check if the browser has saved login credentials, which could give you access to the account.

If these basic attempts don’t work, move on to Facebook’s more advanced recovery options.

Step 2: Visit Facebook’s “Find Your Account” Page

If you still can’t access the account, head to Facebook’s “Find Your Account” tool for support:

1. Go to facebook.com/login/identify: This tool will prompt you to enter the phone number, email, or username linked to the account.
2. Enter Your Information: Type in the email, phone number, or full name linked to your account. Facebook will then search for matching accounts.
3. Identify Your Account from the List: Facebook will display accounts that match the information entered. Look through the options and select the correct one.

This tool is particularly useful if you’re unsure of the specific details tied to your account.

Step 3: Choose a Recovery Method

Once you’ve located your account, Facebook will prompt you to verify your identity and regain access:

1. Email or SMS Code: Facebook typically sends a verification code to the registered email or phone number. Input the code once received to reset your password.
2. Use Trusted Contacts: If the recovery options above aren’t accessible, and you’ve set up Trusted Contacts, Facebook can use them to confirm your identity. Here’s how:
• Select Reveal My Trusted Contacts and enter the names of contacts you added previously.
• Facebook will provide a special URL you can share with each contact, who will then give you a unique code to access the account.

Having multiple recovery options like phone, email, and trusted contacts increases the chances of successful recovery.

Step 4: Verify Your Identity Using an Official ID

If other recovery methods are unavailable or you can’t verify the account through codes, you may need to use Facebook’s identity verification process:

1. Go to the Account Recovery Page: Facebook may prompt you to submit an official form of identification. This page can also be accessed through Facebook’s Help Center.
2. Upload a Photo of Your ID: This could be a driver’s license, passport, or another government-issued document. Make sure the photo is clear and legible.
3. Provide Additional Information: If prompted, fill in your account details, such as the username, email, or phone number associated with it.

This process can take up to 48 hours. Once verified, Facebook will guide you through resetting your password to regain access.

Step 5: Reset and Secure Your Account

Once you’re able to log back in, take a few immediate actions to prevent future lockouts and secure your account:

1. Update Your Contact Information: Make sure your current email and phone number are associated with the account, making future recovery simpler.
2. Change Your Password: Set a strong, unique password using a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security. You can enable it by going to Settings & Privacy > Security and Login > Use Two-Factor Authentication.

These updates will help safeguard your account against unauthorized access in the future.

Step 6: Access Facebook’s Help Center for Additional Support

If you encounter any issues during the recovery process, Facebook’s Help Center provides a wealth of information and tools:

1. Visit the Facebook Help Center: Go to Facebook Help Center and search for “account recovery” to find troubleshooting guides, FAQs, and recovery options.
2. Submit a Support Request: If other methods don’t work, you can fill out a support request for further assistance. Include as many details as possible about your account and the issues faced.
3. Review Community Forums: Facebook’s Community Forum often has helpful tips from other users who have successfully recovered their accounts.

The Help Center is a comprehensive resource for recovering hacked or lost accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I recover my Facebook account if I no longer have access to the email or phone number linked to it?
Yes, if you can’t access the original contact information, try Trusted Contacts or use Facebook’s ID verification method to recover your account.

Q2: How long does Facebook take to verify my identity if I submit an ID?
Verification typically takes between 24 to 48 hours. During this time, Facebook reviews your ID and account details to confirm your identity.

Q3: What if my account was hacked and I can’t recover it using any methods?
If your account has been hacked, use facebook.com/hacked to report the issue. Facebook will guide you through steps to secure your account and verify your identity.

Q4: How can I set up Trusted Contacts to help with future recovery?
To set up Trusted Contacts, go to Settings & Privacy > Security and Login > Choose 3 to 5 friends to contact if you get locked out. This can be a helpful backup option if you lose access.

Q5: Are there any apps or tools outside of Facebook to help with account recovery?
Avoid using third-party apps or tools to recover your Facebook account, as these can compromise your account’s security. Always use Facebook’s official channels for account recovery.

Tips to Prevent Future Account Lockouts

To avoid account recovery issues in the future, consider these security best practices:

• Keep Contact Information Updated: Regularly update your email and phone number in Facebook’s settings.
• Choose a Strong Password: Avoid common phrases, include a mix of characters, and change it periodically.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This extra step provides added protection against unauthorized access.
• Regularly Review Login Alerts: Facebook notifies you if an unrecognized device logs into your account. Enable alerts in your security settings.

By following these tips, you’ll reduce the chances of needing to recover your account in the future.

Conclusion

Getting locked out of your Facebook account can be challenging, but by following Facebook’s official recovery methods, you can restore access quickly. By using tools like Facebook’s Help Center, Trusted Contacts, and identity verification, recovering your old account is achievable, even if login information is forgotten. Once back in, securing your account with updated information and two-factor authentication ensures it stays protected. Following this guide will help you get back to enjoying Facebook and keeping your personal information safe.