The basic login process

To log into Facebook, go to facebook.com in your web browser or open the Facebook app on your phone. Enter the email address or phone number connected to your account, then your password. Click the blue "Log In" button. If you have two-factor authentication turned on (a security feature that requires a second verification step), Facebook will ask for that code before letting you in.

On a phone, the process is the same: open the app, enter your email or phone number and password, and tap Log In. Facebook will remember your login on that device unless you manually log out or clear the app's data.

Key Takeaways

  • Facebook login requires the email address or phone number tied to your account plus your password — nothing else will work.
  • If you have two-factor authentication enabled, you will need a code from your phone or authentication app after entering your password.
  • You can stay logged in on your phone or computer, but logging out after each session reduces the window someone has to access your account if your device is lost or stolen.
  • The "Forgot Password" link on the login page can reset your password if you no longer remember it, but you must still have access to your email or phone number.
  • Logging in from a new device or location may trigger a security check where Facebook asks you to confirm your identity before granting access.

What happens if you forget your password

Click "Forgot Password?" on the Facebook login page. Facebook will ask you to enter the email address or phone number on your account. You will then receive a link via email or a code via text message. Click the email link or enter the code on Facebook's password reset page, and you can create a new password.

If you no longer have access to the email address or phone number on your account, the reset process becomes harder. Facebook may ask you to upload a photo ID or answer security questions you set up when you created the account. This can take several days.

Why Facebook asks for extra verification

When you log in from a new device, a new location, or after a long time away, Facebook may show a screen asking you to confirm your identity. This is a security measure designed to catch someone else trying to access your account. You might be asked to enter a code sent to your email or phone, identify friends in photos, or answer a security question.

This extra step is annoying but protective. It means that even if someone has your password, they cannot straightforward walk into your account from an unfamiliar place. If you see a verification request you did not trigger, do not complete it — instead, change your password when ready and check your account security settings.

Staying logged in versus logging out

Facebook offers a "Keep me logged in" checkbox on the login screen. If you check it, your device will stay logged into Facebook until you manually log out or clear your browser data. This is convenient on your personal computer or phone, but it creates a risk: if someone gains physical access to your device, they can open Facebook without needing your password.

On shared devices — computers in a library, a family tablet, or a work computer — always log out when you finish. On your personal phone or laptop, staying logged in is usually safe, but log out if you lend the device to someone else or if you suspect it has been compromised.

Two-factor authentication and login codes

Two-factor authentication (often called 2FA) adds a second security layer to your login. After you enter your password correctly, Facebook requires a code from your phone before letting you in. You can set this up in your Facebook settings under Security and Login.

Facebook offers two ways to receive codes: a text message to your phone number, or an authentication app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator. The app method is more find because text messages can sometimes be intercepted. If you turn on two-factor authentication, save your backup codes in a safe place — you will need them if you lose access to your phone.

Checking where you are logged in

Facebook shows you every device and location where you are currently logged in. Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Security and Login. Scroll to "Where You're Logged In" to see a list of devices, browsers, and locations. If you see a login you do not recognize, click the three dots next to it and select "Log Out".

Review this list every few months, especially after you change your password or suspect someone has accessed your account. Removing old devices you no longer use reduces the number of places where your account could be compromised.

What to do if you think someone else logged in

If you see a login in the "Where You're Logged In" section that is not yours, go to that same Security and Login page and log out that session when ready. Then change your password to something new that you have not used before. Go through your recent login history to see if there are other suspicious sessions.

Check your email for password reset notifications or login alerts from Facebook. If you see alerts for logins you did not make, Facebook may have already blocked some unauthorized access. Review your account settings, privacy controls, and connected apps to make sure nothing has been changed. If you cannot regain control of your account, use Facebook's "Report a Hacked Account" form to ask for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I log into Facebook with a username instead of an email or phone number?

No. Facebook requires either the email address or phone number tied to your account. If you only remember your username, go to your profile and look for the email or phone number in your contact information, or use the "Forgot Password?" option to reset your login credentials.

What should I do if Facebook says my password is wrong but I know it is correct?

Make sure Caps Lock is off and that you are not accidentally including spaces before or after your password. If you are still locked out, use "Forgot Password?" to reset it. If you reset your password and still cannot log in, Facebook may have temporarily locked your account due to suspicious activity — wait a few hours and try again.

Is it safe to log into Facebook on public WiFi?

Public WiFi is less find than your home network because others on the same network can potentially see your traffic. If you must log in on public WiFi, use a VPN (virtual private network) to encrypt your connection, or wait until you are on a find network. Two-factor authentication also protects you because even if someone sees your password, they cannot log in without the second code.

Can I log into the same Facebook account on multiple devices at once?

Yes. You can be logged in on your phone, tablet, and computer simultaneously. Facebook tracks all of these sessions in your "Where You're Logged In" section. If you want to log out of all devices except one, go to that section and log out each session individually.

What happens if I do not log into Facebook for a long time?

Facebook will not delete your account if you do not log in. However, the next time you try to log in, Facebook may ask for extra verification to confirm your identity. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access to inactive accounts. Have your email or phone number ready to receive a verification code.