Losing access to your Facebook account can be quite an ordeal. Suddenly, you cannot get in touch with your old friends. Furthermore, you can no longer access the conversations you had unless you recover deleted Facebook messages when you finally retrieve the account. Until then, you’re pretty much in Facebook’s good graces. Our goal is to give you a few helpful tips where needed, which should increase your chances of account restoration. With that said, here’s how to recover a reported Facebook account.
Start the reported Facebook account restoration from a familiar location
Facebook can detect your IP address when you ask for help. If they can successfully match the current data with the one about your account from the past, this is a proof of identity and can aid the process significantly.
To clarify, you should use the same device you accessed the Facebook account from (computer, smartphone, tablet). If possible, also use the same location and network that was used in the past.
Instructions to recover a reported Facebook account
We assume you’re already made the report, and that you tried to reset the password using our comprehensive guide on how to recover a Facebook account. But, here’s a short reminder of how reporting a Facebook account works.
- It is recommended that you log in to Facebook using another person’s account.
- Visit your profile.
- Click on the three dots (ยทยทยท) in the top right corner underneath the cover photo.
- Click on Find support or report profile.
- From the list, select Pretending to Be Someone or I Can’t Access My Account.
If the hacker is also posting links or has changed your profile to something lewd, you can also choose Posting Inappropriate Things or Harassment and Bullying. - Click on Next.
- Click on Recover this account.
- Did you have the Trusted Contacts feature enabled? If so, you will be asked to enter the names of your Facebook friends when presented with their profile picture.
- If not, you will be given a choice to enter information about your account. The more you can remember correctly, the better the chances.
Help! Hacker is harassing my Facebook friends
Another easy way to retrieve a reported Facebook account is by using a special page.
- Visit the Report compromised account Facebook page.
- Click on the My Account Is Compromised button.
- Once again, you are asked to provide information about your account and go through the Trusted Contacts process.
- This time, another option exists. If the hacker recently changed your password, you can use your old Facebook password to log back in.
Last resort – steps to contact Facebook Help Center
If you tried to have a code sent to your e-mail or phone number, and were unable to confirm your identity otherwise, it’s time for a radical step. The chances of this working are pretty slim, and the process can take a while. Still, it’s worth the try.
- Head on over to the Confirm Your Identity with Facebook page.
- Read the Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.) to clear any doubts, especially What types of ID does Facebook accept?
- Find the Choose Files button below Your ID(s) headline. Click on it.
- Select up to 3 pictures of your ID. Make sure they are in a JPEG format. If needed, convert them to JPEG.
- In the text field below, enter your e-mail address or mobile phone number attached to your Facebook account. If these were compromised or expired, enter a new e-mail address/phone number that you can check regularly.
- Send an e-mail to [email protected]. Briefly describe the situation.
- Mention that you uploaded your ID but do not attach the pictures of your ID in the mail.
- There’s nothing you can do but wait. The IDs are verified by humans, and your case might not come up for weeks.
Avoid Getting Reported Again
After you successfully recover a reported account on Facebook, you should be extremely careful afterwards. Repeated violations of the Facebook terms and conditions may result in permanent ban of your account from the platform. If they find that the account is violating their policies over and over again even after successful recovery, they might refuse to help you afterwards. So, if you were able to get back the reported FB account, make sure you take care of it unless you want to lose it forever.
