Forgetting your Facebook password happens to almost everyone eventually. Fortunately, Facebook offers several recovery methods depending on what account information you still have access to.
This guide walks you through exactly how to recover a forgotten Facebook password in 2026.
Step 1: Go to the Login Screen
- Open the Facebook app or go to Facebook.com.
- On the login screen, tap or click Forgot password?
Step 2: Identify Your Account
- Enter your email, phone number, username, or full name associated with the account.
- Tap Search to locate your account.
Action step: If you’re unsure which email or phone number is linked, try the option you most recently used to log in successfully.
Step 3: Choose a Recovery Method
Facebook will typically show you a few options based on what’s linked to your account:
- Send code via SMS to your registered phone number
- Send code via email to your registered email address
- Try another way, if you no longer have access to either
Action step: Choose whichever method you currently have active access to — this determines your next steps.
Step 4: Enter the Verification Code
- Check your phone or email for a verification code sent by Facebook.
- Enter the code on the recovery screen.
- Tap Continue.
Step 5: Create a New Password
- Once verified, Facebook will prompt you to create a new password.
- Choose a strong, unique password you haven’t used elsewhere.
- Confirm and save your new password.
You should now be logged back into your account with your updated credentials.
What If You No Longer Have Access to Your Email or Phone?
If your linked email or phone number is outdated, Facebook offers an alternative identity verification process.
- On the recovery screen, select No longer have access to these?
- Facebook will guide you through identity verification, which may include:
- Submitting a government-issued ID
- Answering security questions, if previously set up
- Providing an alternate contact method, if available
Action step: Be patient during this process — identity verification for locked accounts can take longer than standard password resets.
How to Recover Your Account Using Trusted Contacts
If you previously set up Trusted Contacts, this can serve as another recovery option.
- Select the Trusted Contacts recovery option, if shown.
- Facebook will provide instructions for contacting your selected trusted friends for a recovery code.
- Collect the codes and enter them as prompted to regain access.
Note: This option only works if Trusted Contacts were set up in advance, before you lost access.
Step 6: Enable Two-Factor Authentication After Recovery
Once you’ve regained access, strengthen your account security to prevent future lockouts.
- Go to Settings and Privacy → Accounts Center → Password and security.
- Enable two-factor authentication for an added layer of protection.
Common Issues When Recovering Your Password
Not receiving the verification code?
Check spam or junk folders for email codes, and confirm your phone has active service for SMS codes.
Account showing as disabled instead of just locked out?
This is a different issue — refer to Facebook’s specific disabled account recovery process instead of the standard password reset.
Recovery page not loading properly?
Try switching between the app and a browser, or clear your browser cache and attempt again.
How To Write a Social Media Content Brief for Clients (2026)
Final Thoughts
Recovering a forgotten Facebook password is usually quick if you still have access to your linked email or phone number. If not, Facebook’s identity verification and Trusted Contacts options provide alternative paths back into your account — just be prepared for a potentially longer review process.
