{"id":32799,"date":"2025-10-15T07:55:11","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T14:55:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/?p=32799"},"modified":"2025-10-17T05:21:35","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T12:21:35","slug":"facebook-hacked","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/facebook-hacked\/","title":{"rendered":"My Facebook Was Hacked: How to Recover & Protect It in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Your Facebook account holds personal information, private conversations, and even access to other apps and services. So when it gets hacked, it can be a major invasion of your privacy. Cybercriminals can steal your data, run Facebook ads with your credit if it\u2019s linked to your account, and potentially gain access to your off-Facebook activity, like your browsing habits, purchases, and app usage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re noticing strange activity on your Facebook account, it might be a hacker \u2013 or just someone close to you, like a spouse, using your account. In this guide, we\u2019ll show you how to identify a hack, what to do if your account has been compromised, and provide tips to help protect your account from a Facebook breach (before or after a hack!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Tell If Your Facebook Account Has Been Hacked<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not uncommon for people to mistakenly claim their Facebook account was hacked. More often than not, they\u2019re referring to someone impersonating them by using the same profile picture and sending friend requests to their contacts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If an account truly is hacked, more often than not, it will probably be obvious. You might see an update you didn\u2019t post, asking all your friends to send you money via a link that won\u2019t lead to your account.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, other times, hackers are more subtle. Maybe you\u2019re suddenly logged out of your account for no reason, or you notice that some messages have been read even though you haven\u2019t opened them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>

If the hacker kicked you out of your account and you can no longer access it, you\u2019ll need to follow the steps to recover your Facebook account<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a simple way to check if someone else has been logging into your account:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Log into your Facebook account and click on your account icon in the top right corner of the page.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    Facebook homepage with the user\u2019s profile menu open on the right side, showing options like \"Settings & privacy,\" \"Help & support,\" \"Display & accessibility,\" \"Give feedback,\" and \"Log Out.\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    1. Select Settings & Privacy<\/em>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
      Facebook homepage with the user\u2019s profile menu open on the right side, showing the \"Settings & privacy\" option highlighted.<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      1. Click Settings.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
        Facebook homepage with the user\u2019s profile Settings & privacy menu open and the \"Settings\" option highlighted.<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        1. On the left-hand side is the Meta Accounts Center. Open the Password and Security<\/em> section.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
          \"Facebook's<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
            \n
          1. Click on the Password and Security<\/em> option and then open the Where you\u2019re logged in<\/em> section.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
            \"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
              \n
            1. From the list of all your Meta-run social media accounts, select Facebook.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
              \n
              \"The<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                \n
              1. Here, you can see all your login activity, including the location and device. If you see something that you don\u2019t recognize, it means that someone else was able to log in to your account.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                \"Facebook<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                What to Do If Your Facebook Account Was Hacked<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                Once you\u2019ve confirmed that someone hacked your Facebook account, you need to take back control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                The first thing to do is sign out of every device other than the one you\u2019re using. This is done from the Where you\u2019re logged in<\/em> section<\/a>. Scroll to the bottom of the list, and you\u2019ll see a link to Select Devices to Log Out. <\/em>When you click it, you can remove any device. Otherwise, even when you change your password, the hacker will still be logged in.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

                \n
                Facebook Login activity screen showing a list of devices signed in, with a \"Select devices to log out\" bottom at the bottom highlighted.<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

                Next, you need to change your password to prevent the hacker from simply logging back in. We recommend creating a very strong password<\/a> so it\u2019s not susceptible to brute force attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Go back to the Password and Security section, and under Login & Recovery, click Change Password.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                The Password and security tab in the Meta Accounts Center showing the \"Change password\" option highlighted.<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                Facebook will send a link to your email with a code. Click on the link, and you\u2019ll have to provide your old password and answer the security questions. Then, enter your new password to secure your account.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                How to Recover Your Facebook Account<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                If you can no longer access your Facebook account, there are a couple of things you need to do \u2014 depending on what the hacker changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Hacker Changed Your Password<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                If all the hacker did was change your password, you\u2019re in luck. When you go to the login page follow these two simple steps:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                1. Go to the Facebook login page and click Forgot Password<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                  Facebook login page with fields to enter email or phone number and password, with the option for \"Forgotten password?\" highlighted.<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                    \n
                  1. Facebook will email you a 6-digit code. Enter it in the provided space and then reset your password.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                    \"Facebook's<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                    Hacker Changed Your Email Address<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                    However, if the hacker changed your email address, the process is more complex and time-consuming. The first step is to go to https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/hacked<\/a> where you can confirm your identity and see if Meta can do anything for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \"Facebook's<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                    Facebook will first try to identify your account using whatever info you remember: your name, an old email, or phone number.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    <\/p>

                    Even if the hacker changed the email, you can enter your old email address or phone number that was originally tied to the account, even if you no longer use them. Because it can help Facebook identify you.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                    If you\u2019ve set up trusted contacts before (people you\u2019ve chosen to help recover your account in case of emergencies), Facebook will give you the option to use them for recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    If that doesn\u2019t work, Facebook may ask you to upload a photo ID or submit a video selfie so it can confirm you\u2019re the real owner. Once verified, Facebook will contact you with further instructions if your identity is confirmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    It can be a slow process and there\u2019s no guarantee Facebook will give you back your account \u2014 but it\u2019s the only option when everything else has been taken over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    <\/p>

                    Expert Tip:<\/strong> Let everyone know you were hacked. It\u2019s nothing to be ashamed of. Ask your family, partner, children, and friends to write a post, tagging your hacked account, saying you were hacked and to ignore all posts from your account. While it won\u2019t get you your account back, hopefully your contacts will see it and avoid getting scammed by the person running your account.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                    How to Secure Your Facebook Account to Prevent Hacks<\/h2>\n\n\n
                    \n
                    \"An<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

                    Whether you\u2019ve just recovered your account or want to make sure this never happens to you in the first place, the next step is to secure your Facebook account<\/a> so it doesn\u2019t happen again. Here are some key steps to protect your account and keep cybercriminals out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Enable Multi-Factor Authentication\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                    Two-factor authentication<\/a> (2FA) adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a special code to be sent to your phone, email, or an authentication app every time you log in. Even if someone steals your password, they won\u2019t be able to access your account without this code. Just follow these steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n
                    1. Go to Settings & Privacy.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                      Facebook homepage with the user\u2019s profile menu open on the right side, showing the \"Settings & privacy\" option highlighted.<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                        \n
                      1. Select Settings.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                        Facebook homepage with the user\u2019s profile Settings & privacy menu open and the \"Settings\" option highlighted.<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                          \n
                        1. Click Password and Security.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                          \"Facebook's<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                            \n
                          1. \u00a0Click Two-Factor Authentication<\/em> to turn it on.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                            The password and security section in Meta Accounts Center, with the \"Two-factor authentication\" option highlighted.<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                            Use a Secure Password<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                            Avoid easy-to-guess passwords like birthdays, pet names, or favorite songs. These passwords are easy to guess, especially on Facebook, where people give away this kind of information with viral trends or memes all the time. Best practice is to use a long, unique password with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. It\u2019s also really important not to reuse passwords across multiple accounts. Try using a password manager<\/a> to store your passwords and log you in securely without having to remember complex strings of characters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Be Careful with Third-Party Apps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                            Many hacks happen because users unknowingly give access to suspicious third-party apps. To review the apps connected to your Facebook account, follow these steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            1. Open the Settings & Privacy<\/em> menu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Facebook homepage with the user\u2019s profile menu open on the right side, showing the \"Settings & privacy\" option highlighted.<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                            2.\u00a0 Select the Settings option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Facebook homepage with the user\u2019s profile Settings & privacy menu open and the \"Settings\" option highlighted.<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                            3. Scroll down the menu bar and select Apps and Websites.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \"Facebook's<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                            4.\u00a0 Remove access to any app or service you no longer use or don\u2019t recognize.<\/p>\n\n\n

                            \n
                            Facebook Settings & privacy page under Apps and websites, showing a list of connected apps. Each app has options on the right to \"View and Edit\" or \"Remove\" that are highlighted.<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

                            Secure Other Meta-Owned Platforms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                            If you use Instagram, WhatsApp, Threads, or other Meta-owned platforms, apply the same security steps there. Enable 2FA, use strong passwords, and regularly check which apps and devices have access. A weak point on one platform can put your entire Meta account ecosystem at risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            What Is Off-Facebook Activity?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                            Even if you\u2019re careful about what you post or like on Facebook, Meta still tracks you in ways you might not expect. Off-Facebook Activity, or what\u2019s not called Off-Meta, is the data Facebook and other Meta platforms collect about you from external websites and apps.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            For example, if you make an online purchase, play a game, or use a fitness app that shares data with Meta, that activity gets linked to your Facebook account. This information helps Facebook target ads, recommend content, and build a detailed profile about you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            How to Turn Off Off-Facebook Activity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                            Facebook does let you turn this off, and once you do, it\u2019ll no longer track your interactions with other websites and apps for that account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \n
                            1. Go to Settings & Privacy.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                              Facebook homepage with the user\u2019s profile menu open on the right side, showing the \"Settings & privacy\" option highlighted.<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                                \n
                              1. Open the Settings <\/em>menu.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                Facebook homepage with the user\u2019s profile Settings & privacy menu open and the \"Settings\" option highlighted.<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                                  \n
                                1. In the Meta Account Center, click See More in Accounts Center.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                  Facebook Settings & privacy page under Apps and websites. On the left, the Meta Accounts Center menu is shown, with the highlighted \"See more in Accounts Center\" option<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                                    \n
                                  1. Click Your Information and Permissions<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                    The Facebook Account settings under the Meta Accounts Center, with the option \"your information and permissions\" highlighted.<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                                      \n
                                    1. Select Your Activity Off Meta Technologies<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                      The Meta Accounts Center with a \"Your activity off Meta technologies\" pop-up, showing options to manage or clear activity data shared with Meta.<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                      Here, you can review and disconnect specific activities, clear all past activity, and manage how future activity is handled. If you want to prevent third-party sites from sharing your data with Meta going forward, click Manage Future Activity<\/em> and select Disconnect Future Activity<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Meta Accounts Center \"Manage future activity\" pop-up, showing two options: \"Connect future activity\" and the highlighted \"Disconnect future activity.\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                      Keep in mind, though, that turning off Off-Meta activity doesn\u2019t stop those third-party sites from sending data. All it does is tell Facebook not to connect it to your personal profile.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      How to Deactivate or Delete Facebook Messenger<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                      Here\u2019s something you might not realize: you can\u2019t just delete Facebook Messenger. To fully deactivate Messenger, you first need to deactivate your Facebook account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      If you\u2019ve already deleted your Facebook account, you can open the Messenger app on your phone.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        \n
                                      1. Tap the menu (three lines) in the bottom right.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                                        \n
                                        \"Messenger<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                                          \n
                                        1. In the menu, tap Settings.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                                          \n
                                          Messenger menu showing the \"Settings\" option highlighted.<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                                            \n
                                          1. Scroll to the bottom of the page and under the Meta Accounts Center, select Personal Details.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                                            \n
                                            The Meta Accounts Center in Messenger Settings, showing the \"Personal details\" option highlighted.<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                                              \n
                                            1. Scroll to the bottom again, and select Accounts.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                                              \n
                                              The \"Accounts\" option in the Meta Accounts Center highlighted.<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                                                \n
                                              1. From here, select Remove <\/em>and follow the steps to deactivate.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                                                \n
                                                Accounts settings page in Meta Accounts Center, showing a Facebook and an Instagram account, with the option to \"Remove\" the Facebook account highlighted.<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

                                                If you only deactivate Messenger but keep Facebook active, your Messenger profile will disappear from search, but your old messages and comments will still show up in friends\u2019 chats. Even if you deactivate both Facebook and Messenger, your past messages won\u2019t be deleted and will still be visible in other people\u2019s inboxes. If you want your chats to disappear after a certain time, you can turn on Vanish Mode inside Messenger before deactivating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                If you\u2019re not going to delete your Facebook account, you can log out of Messenger or change your status from Active to Away so you appear offline. That way, you can step away without shutting things down completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Major Facebook Data Breaches from 2018 \u2013 2025\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                For a company that has access to personal data for billions of people around the world, Facebook has an immense responsibility to invest in top-tier cybersecurity. However, no system is perfect, and it\u2019s been the target of some high-profile data breaches over the past several years.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Here\u2019s a breakdown of the biggest ones and how they could have impacted you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/ol>