Facebook Account Locked: How to Fix and Avoid?

Is your Facebook account locked? Read on to learn how to fix it and avoid it being locked again.

Facebook is a great way to connect with billions of people worldwide. You can socialize, promote your business and keep up with the goings worldwide. Over 890 million will log into Facebook on any single day.

So your disappointment is understandable when you try to log in and discover your Facebook account is locked. Luckily, it is a disappointment you can fix and avoid in the future.

Why is Your Facebook Account Locked?

Why is Your Facebook Account Locked

Facebook is morally and legally bound to ensure its platform is safe for users. It, therefore, has to protect your data. Besides, it's good business sense to make its platform safe, efficient, and fun to use. Therefore, the platform might lock your Facebook account for any of the following reasons:

Login from a New Location or Device

To restrict access to your Facebook account by unauthorized persons, Facebook regularly monitors your IP address when you log in and the device you use.

If someone attempts to log in from an uncharacteristic device or location, Facebook may deny access. Such attempts are met by  Facebook’s notification on the account lock resulting from logging in from an unfamiliar location.

You may face this if you recently acquired a new device or logged in from a different location.

  • Potential Phishing Attack

Facebook can detect a phishing attack on your account and stop any attempt to log in. When that happens, you encounter this message:

“It's likely your account was compromised due to entering your password on a website designed to look like Facebook.”

Phishing attacks trick you into unknowingly giving up your login credentials through look-alike sites. The attacker may then use these to the detriment of you, your loved ones, and your business.

  • Violation of Terms, Community Standards, and Spamming

Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms, connecting nearly a billion people daily. Naturally, misuse of the platform has far-reaching consequences.

Because of backlash, Facebook is always widening the scope of its content policing. You are likely to have your Facebook account blocked even for unintended actions. Facebook may block your count entirely or restrict particular features.

The following activities will most likely land you in ‘Facebook’s jail':

  • Posting content too quickly makes Facebook algorithms think you are a bot, so they’ll lock your account.
  • Using spam images and videos to circumnavigate Facebook filters.
  • Indiscriminate tagging.
  • Posting inappropriate content that is explicitly sexual or violent or involves minors or misinformation.
  • Logging in with different accounts.
  • Using fake accounts or impersonating another account.
  • Using your account as a platform for fraudulent activities.
  • Use of Unauthorized Apps, Tools, or Bots

Facebook discourages access through third-party apps because of their ability to gain access to your account and even control it. When it discovers the actions of the third-party apps, it attempts to secure your info by locking your account.

Similarly, Facebook discourages bots and shuts down any accounts they create when they catch them. Bots recreate themselves and can disseminate misinformation faster.

Unfortunately, sometimes Facebook flags suspicious activity where there is none, and all you can do is try to reclaim your account ordinarily.


How to Fix Facebook Account Temporarily Locked?

How to Fix Facebook Account Temporarily Locked

Unless your account is banned, you can recover it by following simple steps. Facebook usually offers a prompt with a notification telling you what to do.

Note that these options are only available if your Facebook account is locked temporarily and won't work if permanently banned. Unfortunately, the permanent ban could result from posting or communicating any information the platform deems harmful to other users. So, they may not have any set path to recover your account in case of a ban.

Here is what you can do:

1

Unlock Your Facebook Account

It is possible to access this feature from the [Report a Login Issue] form. This form comes up when there are issues with your login process.

Fill in the form detailing what issue you are experiencing, including what you have done so far to resolve it. It is helpful to upload a screenshot of the error message as well. Facebook will get in touch with you within 10 days.

2

Security Checks Form

Sometimes security checks prevent your attempts to log into your Facebook account. If you have not received a security code to help unlock your account, use the [Security Checks Preventing Login] guide to request assistance.

Clearly explain what issue you are facing. Remember to mention that you have not received the security code. Also, don't forget to leave your email address for contact.

3

Verify Your Identity with Facebook

Verify Your Identity

Verifying your identity can also help get you into your Facebook account if it is locked. You do this through the [Confirm Your Identity with Facebook] form.

You must prove your identity with a photo ID and a login email or telephone number. After that, wait for Facebook to get in touch with you. If you do not want Facebook to keep your ID, you can set it to be disposed of in 30 days. Otherwise, Facebook keeps it for a year.


How Long is Facebook Temporary Locked?

How Long is Facebook Temporary Locked

Facebook will lock you out of your account for 24 to 48 hours. Once you comply with the on-screen prompts, your Facebook will be accessible to you. Contact Facebook for assistance if you did not receive a security code to unlock your account. Otherwise, your account may remain locked permanently.


How to Avoid Your Facebook Account from Being Locked

How to Avoid Your Facebook Account from Being Locked

Getting locked out of your Facebook account can be highly distressing, especially if you use it for business. Getting back online may take a while, so you must ensure you are not locked out in the first place. Follow these precautions to avoid being locked out of your Facebook account:

1

Secure Your Account

Facebook reacts to security breaches to your account by barring access. You can avoid this by securing your account. Limit access to your account. Make your login credentials strong and update them regularly. Your Facebook password should be different from your email password.

Confirm a phone number or email to which a security code can be sent if you are locked out. Also, activate login approvals that will require a code whenever a login attempt is made from an unfamiliar device.

Secure browsing and using a private browser secures your information from intruders as you browse and reduces the risk of security breaches. Do not click on untrusted links even if they resemble Facebook links. Those may be phishing conduits that may lock your Facebook account.

2

Adhere to Facebook's Guidelines

You can acquaint yourselves with Facebook guidelines and terms from its site. These are important since violating them can lock your Facebook account or even get you banned.

3

Use a Naturally Aged Account

Facebook is less likely to lock an old account than a new one. However, you have no choice in how your account ages.


Bonus: How to Recover Your Facebook Account?

To recover your Facebook account on a computer,

Step 1: Find your profile through a browser or another account under friends. Click on your account, and under the three dots, click [Find support or report profile]

Step 2: Under that, choose [Something else] and then [Recover this account]. This logs out the account and takes you to the [Find your account] window.

Step 3: Enter your account's email or phone number and [Search].

Step 4: A code to reset your password will be sent to a recovery email or phone number of your choice.

Step 5: On Android and iPhone mobile devices, tap [Forgot Password?] on the Facebook [Log In] page.

Step 6: Enter the required phone number on the [Find Your Account] page.

Step 7: On your account's login page, tap [Try Another Way], and on [Choose a Way to Log In], tap [Send Code via Email] if you want a code to reset your Facebook account.

Step 8: When you receive the code, use it to log in to your account.


Conclusion

When you are locked out of your Facebook account, it can be quite inconvenient. You lose touch with friends, colleagues, clients, and role models. You generally lose the communities you had built and the connections you had made.

Fortunately, you can recover your account if you are not permanently banned. However, it is best to avoid risking your Facebook account being locked.

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