Losing a Facebook account usually means losing years of photos, contacts and business pages with it. Facebook official recovery works — but only if you follow it exactly and avoid the fake "recovery agents" who target Pakistani users. This guide is for recovering your own account only.
Method 1: Reset by phone number or email (works for most people)
- Open the Facebook app or facebook.com and tap Forgotten password?
- Enter the mobile number or email linked to the account. Facebook shows matching accounts — pick yours by profile photo and name.
- Choose to receive the code by SMS or email, enter the 6-digit code, and set a new password you have never used before.
- When asked, choose Log out of other devices — this kicks out anyone else who is inside.
Method 2: No access to the phone number or email anymore
On the password-reset screen, tap No longer have access to these? if shown. Facebook may let you add a new email or ask security questions from an older flow. If that option does not appear, try logging in from a phone or browser you used before — Facebook trusts familiar devices and locations, and recovery options are wider from them.
Method 3: Account hacked and email/password changed
Go directly to facebook.com/hacked and tap My account is compromised. Facebook walks you through securing the account: identifying recent changes, removing unknown email addresses and phone numbers added by the hacker, and setting a fresh password. Check your email too — Facebook sends a "Was this you?" message with a link to reverse an email change, but it expires quickly, so act the same day.
Method 4: Verify your identity with CNIC / ID
If Facebook locks the account for a name or security check, it may ask you to upload a government ID. Use the name-check / identity form inside the app or Help Centre, upload a clear photo of your CNIC or passport matching the account name and date of birth, and wait — reviews commonly take a few days. Only upload ID inside official facebook.com pages or the app, never to a person on WhatsApp.
Lock the account after recovery — 5 minutes
- New strong password: 12+ characters, used nowhere else. If you reused the old one on Gmail or JazzCash, change those too.
- Two-factor authentication: Settings → Password and security → Two-factor authentication → authentication app or SMS. A stolen password alone can no longer enter.
- Check where you are logged in: Settings → Password and security → Where you are logged in → log out every device you do not recognise.
- Fix contact details: remove the hacker email/number if still listed; confirm your own mobile number and email are the primary ones.
- Review Page and ad roles: if you run a business Page, check Business Settings — hackers often add themselves as Page admin before you notice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Facebook ID verification take?
Typically a few days, sometimes longer during busy periods. Submit one clear request and wait — submitting many duplicate forms does not speed it up and can reset your place.
The hacker changed everything. Can I still recover?
Often yes, via facebook.com/hacked from a device you previously used, plus the email-change reversal link Facebook sent when the change happened. The faster you act — same day — the higher the chance.
I forgot both the password and the number is closed. What now?
Try recovery from a previously used device/browser, use the identity verification flow, and if the account holds a business Page, use the Business Help route. If Facebook cannot verify you own it, no third party can recover it either — anyone promising otherwise is lying.
