So, your Facebook account got hijacked. You’ve tried the email reset, text message verification, even the “Trusted Contacts” route, and nothing works. Now you’re locked out while someone else is parading around with your digital identity.
Don’t panic. You’re not powerless.
As a seasoned digital strategist and SEO expert running multiple online properties — including Nigeria’s rising media platform, The Bureau Newspaper — I’ve had to recover hacked accounts for clients, brands, and even public figures. Here’s the step-by-step game plan that actually works in 2025, beyond Facebook’s generic help pages.
🛠 Step 1: Report Directly to Meta via Compromised Account Page
Forget regular password resets. Go straight to:
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/hacked
This is Facebook’s dedicated hack recovery portal. If you still have partial access (or if the hacker hasn’t changed everything), you’ll be guided through steps to secure your account.
🧠 Step 2: Use “I Can’t Access My Email or Phone” Option
If your recovery details have been changed:
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Go to the login page.
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Click Forgotten Password?
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When it asks you to enter a code sent to your email/phone, choose “No longer have access to these?”
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Follow the steps to upload a valid government-issued ID.
This can take 48–72 hours, but it’s the most effective way to prove ownership and recover your account.
🛡️ Step 3: Appeal Through Meta’s Identity Verification (Extra Backdoor)
Try this form:
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/help/contact/183000765122339
This is a lesser-known appeal form where you submit your personal details and ID. It has worked for many who exhausted all official channels.
🌍 Step 4: Raise a Signal Through Online News or Public Awareness (Power Move)
If your Facebook account is tied to a business, influencer profile, or public interest, make noise — strategically.
Write a press release or article and publish it on an indexed media platform like The Bureau Newspaper. Meta and Google take such mentions seriously, especially if your story begins to rank for your name.
🧠 Bonus Tip: A published post on a credible site not only pressures Meta to act but also helps you reclaim online visibility while you sort the mess.
🔒 Step 5: Beef Up Your Security for Future Protection
Once recovered, activate:
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2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) using an authenticator app.
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Enable Login Alerts
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Routinely audit connected apps.
Remember: the hack isn’t just a breach, it’s a signal. Upgrade your digital hygiene before it happens again.
✅ Final Thoughts
Getting locked out of Facebook is frustrating, but it’s recoverable with the right moves. For those who manage brands, media pages, or public profiles, don’t just sit and wait — act, escalate, and leverage your digital footprint.
At The Bureau Newspaper, we’ve helped public figures get their accounts back and recover their audience. If you’re still stuck, shoot us a DM — our tech team might just be your best last hope.
