Facebook account locked: how to confirm your identity and get back in

Why Facebook locks accounts

Facebook locks accounts when it notices activity that could mean someone else has access: logins from new devices or countries, many failed attempts, spam-like messages being sent, or suspicious links posted. The lock stops further activity until the owner confirms their identity.

Locked is not disabled

A disabled or suspended account is an enforcement action for breaking the rules, with its own appeal process – see our Facebook disabled account guide. A locked account is about security, and the steps are verification rather than appeal.

How to unlock

1. Log in on the app or at facebook.com and follow the prompts.
2. Confirm a code sent to your email or phone.
3. Review recent activity Facebook shows and confirm what was you.
4. Upload ID or record a video selfie if requested – only inside Facebook’s own flow.
5. Change your password and turn on two-factor authentication once back in.

If you are stuck in the loop

• Use a device and network you have used for Facebook before.
• Make sure the name on the profile matches the ID you upload.
• Wait between attempts; repeated tries can trigger more security checks.
• If you think the account was hacked, use facebook.com/hacked.

If the email or phone is old

If you cannot receive codes because your contact details changed, Facebook may offer other ways to confirm your identity, such as recognising friends, using trusted contacts set up previously, or ID verification. Options vary by account; follow what the screen offers and check the Facebook Help Center.

Avoiding future locks

• Turn on two-factor authentication with an authenticator app.
• Keep your email and phone up to date.
• Don’t click unknown links or log in through third-party sites.
• Use a unique password.

Messages you may see

• “Your account has been locked” – a security lock after suspicious activity.
• “Confirm your identity” – Facebook needs a code, a selfie or ID.
• “We suspended your account” – enforcement, with a 180-day window to disagree according to Facebook’s Help Center. See our Facebook disabled account guide.
• “Your account was disabled” – usually a final enforcement action.

Selfie and ID checks

Facebook may ask you to record a video selfie or upload a photo of an ID document. Use a document that clearly shows your name and, if requested, date of birth and photo. The name should match the profile. Facebook’s Help Center lists accepted ID types and explains how ID information is stored and deleted. Only upload documents inside Facebook’s own flow, never through a link someone sends you.

If it was a hack

A lock is often the first sign of a compromise. If you see posts, messages or logins you do not recognise, go to facebook.com/hacked and follow the steps. Secure the email account linked to Facebook, then change your Facebook password and turn on two-factor authentication. Check any Pages, groups and ad accounts you manage for unknown admins or charges.

If a Page or Business Portfolio depends only on your profile, add a second trusted admin once you are back in. It is the simplest protection against losing business assets the next time a personal account is locked.

Want us to handle it?

Our Facebook account unban service can take over if identity confirmation keeps failing, with a fixed quote first. We never ask for passwords, and Meta makes the final decision.