A forgotten Facebook password is usually easy to reset if the recovery email or phone number is still current. It gets harder when the contact methods on the account are old.
Does this affect you?
Use this for personal Facebook accounts on the mobile app, tablet app, or facebook.com when the password is simply not working and there is no separate suspension or hacked-account warning.
Reset your password
Use this when you can still receive a code at the account email or phone.
- On the Facebook login screen, choose Forgotten password or Forgot password.
- Enter the email address, phone number, or username tied to the account.
- Confirm the matching account Facebook shows.
- Choose a code by email or SMS if both are available.
- Enter the code and create a new password.
- Use a password you have not reused anywhere else.
Your recovery email or phone is outdated
Use this when Facebook shows contact methods you cannot access.
- On the recovery screen, choose No longer have access to these if it appears.
- Provide an alternate email address where Facebook can reach you.
- Answer ownership questions as accurately as possible if Facebook asks.
- If requested, upload a government ID or use trusted contacts if you had them set up.
- Wait for Facebook’s review, which may take a day or several days.
More control
Update contact info after recovery
Open Settings & Privacy > Settings > Password and Security > Contact Info and make sure your current email and phone are listed.
Turn on two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication and backup codes give Facebook another way to verify you and make stolen passwords less useful.
Check for signs of hacking
If you also saw posts, messages, profile changes, or logins you did not make, treat the account as compromised once you get back in and review login activity carefully.
Sources
- Meta Help Center – How do I reset my Facebook password? (2025)
- Meta Help Center – I forgot my Facebook password and my account is locked (2025)
- Meta Help Center – What to do if you cannot reset your Facebook password (2025)