What to do if you can’t get into your Facebook or Instagram account

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"Steps to Recover Access to Your Facebook or Instagram Account"

What to do if you can’t get into your Facebook or Instagram account analysis cover image The Guardian 8.1
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/may/21/what-to-do-get-into-facebook-instagram-hacked-security
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AI Analysis Average Score: 8.1
These scores (0-10 scale) are generated by Truthlens AI's analysis, assessing the article's objectivity, accuracy, and transparency. Higher scores indicate better alignment with journalistic standards. Hover over chart points for metric details.

TruthLens AI Summary

Losing access to your Facebook or Instagram account can be a distressing experience, as these platforms often serve as essential links to friends, professional profiles, and other services. If you find yourself unable to log in, the first step is to utilize the 'Forgot password?' feature available on the login screens of both services. By having access to the associated phone number or email, you can reset your password via the instructions provided in the email or text message you receive. In cases where the email account is no longer accessible, it is advisable to use a previously logged-in device to navigate to facebook.com/login/identify. Here, you can enter any relevant email address or phone number linked to your account, or identify your username. If you encounter issues, options like 'No longer have access to these?' or 'Forgotten account?' can guide you through the identity verification process to regain access to your account.

If your account has been compromised, specific steps should be followed to secure it. Visiting facebook.com/hacked or instagram.com/hacked on a familiar device will direct you to the necessary recovery instructions. It is crucial to create a new password that is strong, long, and unique, avoiding easily guessable combinations. Utilizing a password manager can assist in managing this and other essential information. To enhance security, enabling two-step verification through the Accounts Centre is recommended, preferably using an authentication app or security key rather than SMS codes. Saving recovery codes is also a wise precaution. Additionally, activating 'unrecognised login' alerts can help monitor any suspicious activity. Finally, it is prudent to remove any dubious friends from your account, as these may be fake profiles or potential scammers. If applicable, turning on 'advanced protection for Facebook' can further bolster your account's security.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The article provides a guide for users who have lost access to their Facebook or Instagram accounts. It details various steps to recover accounts, emphasizing the importance of security measures and best practices for password management. The focus is on empowering users with knowledge to regain access and protect their accounts from future breaches.

Intended Purpose of the Article

This content aims to alleviate anxiety among users about losing access to their social media accounts, which are often critical for personal and professional connections. By providing clear recovery steps and security recommendations, the article seeks to enhance user confidence in managing their accounts effectively.

Public Perception and Trust

The article likely fosters a perception of Facebook and Instagram as platforms that prioritize user security and support. This can help in building trust among users, suggesting that the companies are proactive in addressing issues related to account access and security.

Potential Concealments

While the article seems straightforward, it may subtly divert attention from broader issues like data privacy concerns or the frequency of account hacking incidents. It positions the platforms as solutions rather than addressing the underlying vulnerabilities that might lead to account access problems.

Manipulative Elements

The article does not overtly manipulate but encourages users to adopt strict security practices. However, it could be seen as downplaying the potential frustrations users face when accounts are compromised, which could lead to a perception of inadequacy in the security features offered by these platforms.

Comparative Analysis with Other News

When compared to other articles on social media security, this piece aligns with a growing trend emphasizing personal responsibility in cybersecurity. It reflects a broader narrative about the need for users to take an active role in safeguarding their online presence.

Sector Image

The source of the article, typically a tech-focused platform, contributes to an image of authority and reliability in digital matters. It portrays the platform as a helpful resource for navigating online challenges.

Societal Impact

In the wake of increased social media use, articles such as this can have significant implications for user behavior, potentially leading to a surge in two-step verification adoption. Enhanced security practices can protect users from scams, while also increasing demand for security features, influencing tech companies' future developments.

Target Audience

This article predominantly appeals to everyday users of social media platforms who may not be tech-savvy. It aims to engage a broad demographic that relies on social media for personal and professional communication, encouraging them to be more proactive about their account security.

Market Influence

While not directly impacting stock markets, heightened user awareness and demand for security features can influence tech companies' service offerings, which may indirectly affect their market performance. Companies that prioritize user security could see a positive reception from investors.

Global Power Dynamics

The article does not directly address global power dynamics but contributes to the ongoing discourse about digital security in an increasingly interconnected world. As more users engage online, the importance of secure platforms becomes more pronounced.

AI Utilization

There is a possibility that AI tools were used in drafting this article, especially in structuring the recovery steps and security tips. AI could assist in analyzing common user concerns and framing them in an accessible manner, making the advice practical and actionable.

Conclusion

Overall, the article is a reliable resource for users facing access issues with their social media accounts. It provides practical advice while promoting a culture of security awareness among users. However, it could benefit from a more balanced approach that addresses the complexities of online security, rather than solely focusing on user responsibility.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/may/21/what-to-do-get-into-facebook-instagram-hacked-security

Your Facebook orInstagramaccount can be your link to friends, a profile for your work or a key to other services, so losing access can be very worrying. Here’s what to do if the worst happens.

If you have access to the phone number or email account associated with your Facebook or Instagram account, try to reset your password by clicking on the “Forgot password?” link on themain FacebookorInstagram login screen. Follow the instructions in the email or text message you receive.

If you no longer have access to the email account linked to your Facebook account, use a device with which you have previously logged into Facebook and go to facebook.com/login/identify. Enter any email address or phone number you might have associated with your account, or find your username which is the string of characters after Facebook.com/ on your page. Click on “No longer have access to these?”, “Forgotten account?” or “Recover” and follow the instructions to prove your identity and reset your password.

If your account was hacked, visit facebook.com/hacked or instagram.com/hacked/ on a device you have previously used to log in and follow the instructions. Visit thehelp with a hacked accountpage for FacebookorInstagram.

Change the password tosomething strong, long and unique, such asa combination of random wordsor amemorable lyric or quote. Avoid simple or guessable combinations. Usea password managerto help you remember it and other important details.

Turn on two-step verification in the “password and security” section of the Accounts Centre. Use an authentication app or security key for this, not SMS codes. Save your recovery codes somewhere safe in case you lose access to your two-step authentication method.

Turn on “unrecognised login” alerts in the “password and security” section of the Accounts Centre, which will alert you to any suspicious login activity.

Remove any suspicious “friends” from your account – these could be fake accounts or scammers.

If you are eligible, turn on “advanced protection for Facebook” in the “password and security” section of the Accounts Centre.

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Source: The Guardian