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Last Updated: May 20, 2026

Comprehensive Guide to Recovering a Hacked Meta Account

If you or someone you know has been hacked and locked out of a Meta (Facebook) account, you'll need to escalate beyond standard self-service recovery options. Below is a step-by-step guide to follow.

Step 1: Immediate actions

Attempt standard recovery options

First, always try the standard recovery methods:

  1. Go to the Meta Help Center: facebook.com/hacked
  2. Click "My account is compromised" and follow the prompts
  3. If prompted, reset the password and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) immediately

Check for unauthorized changes

If they still have access to their email, check for any notifications from Meta about changes to:

  • Email addresses
  • Phone numbers
  • Password resets
  • Two-factor authentication settings

If they see suspicious changes, they should follow instructions in the email to reverse them.

Step 2: Escalating the case to Meta Support

If standard recovery doesn't work, escalate.

1. Use Meta's Support for Business Accounts (if they had one)

If the hacked account was linked to a Business Manager:

Steps: 1. Log into a different Meta account (if possible) 2. Visit the link above 3. Click "Contact Support" or "Chat with a representative" 4. Choose 'Meta Account Issues' → 'Hacked Account'

2. Submit a support ticket without Business Manager

If they don't have Business Manager access:

3. Find a contact via Meta Ads Support

Even if they don't currently manage their ad account, if they ever ran ads they might still get direct support:

  1. Go to facebook.com/business/help
  2. Click "Get Support" or "Chat with Support"
  3. Select Meta Business Suite → Account Access Issues → Hacked Account
  4. Provide details about the hack and unauthorized changes; emphasize need for immediate help

4. Get help from the Meta Community or Partners

  • Meta Community Forum
  • If they worked with a Meta Partner, that partner may have an escalated contact

Step 3: Advanced escalation strategies

If all else fails:

Contact Meta via LinkedIn / X (formerly Twitter)

  • LinkedIn: find Meta employees working in "Business Support" or "Ads Support" and send direct messages
  • X (Twitter): message @Meta and @Facebook with details

Contact Meta via Ads Help for former advertisers

Even if they're no longer running ads, Meta often prioritizes advertisers.

  1. Visit facebook.com/business/help
  2. Try logging in and requesting support via live chat

Submit a BBB or FTC complaint

If they're getting no response, filing a formal complaint can sometimes prompt Meta to act:

If the account contains valuable business assets, they may need legal support:

  • Consult an attorney specializing in cybersecurity or digital business law
  • Have the lawyer send a formal demand letter to Meta's legal department

Step 4: Prevent future hacks

Once the account is recovered, they must:

Action Notes
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Use an authentication app, not SMS
Review active sessions Log out of any unrecognized devices: facebook.com/settings?tab=security
Update recovery information Use a secure email and phone number
Use a Business Manager for ads Greater security for business-related assets

Final advice

Recovering a hacked Meta account can be frustrating, but persistence is key. The team should:

  • Document every interaction with Meta support
  • Try multiple escalation channels if needed
  • If still stuck after trying these steps, the team may need to create a new Meta account and rebuild from there while continuing to pursue the hacked account's recovery