Finding and accessing an old Facebook account you haven't used in years

If you have not logged into Facebook in a long time, you can still access your account using the email address or phone number you registered with. Facebook keeps inactive accounts open unless you deleted them yourself. The login process is the same whether your account has been dormant for months or years — you enter your email or phone number, then your password, and Facebook sends a code to verify it is really you.

The main obstacle is usually a forgotten password. Facebook's password recovery works through email or phone number, so as long as you can access whichever one you used to set up the account, you can reset it and log in. If you cannot access that email or phone number anymore, the process takes longer but is still possible.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to facebook.com, enter the email or phone number you used when you created the account, and click "Forgot password?" if you do not remember it.
  • Facebook will send a password reset link to the email address or a code to the phone number associated with your account, usually within minutes.
  • If you no longer have access to that email or phone number, you can use Facebook's account recovery form to verify your identity another way, which may take several days.
  • Two-factor authentication will ask for a security code from your phone or authentication app after you enter your password — have that device ready.

Resetting your password when you remember your email or phone number

Go to facebook.com and look for the login box at the top of the page. Enter the email address or phone number you used to create the account — it does not have to be the exact one you remember, because Facebook will search for any email or phone linked to your account. Click the "Forgot password?" link below the password field.

Facebook will show you a list of email addresses and phone numbers connected to that account, with most of the digits hidden. Choose the one you still have access to. If none of them are accessible to you, skip to the next section instead.

Click "Send code via email" or "Send code via SMS" depending on which one you chose. Facebook will send a reset link or a six-digit code within a few minutes. Check your email inbox or text messages, including the spam or junk folder. Click the link in the email, or enter the code on Facebook's page. You will then be asked to create a new password — make it something you can remember, at least 6 characters long, and different from passwords you use elsewhere.

Recovering your account if you cannot access the original email or phone

If the email address or phone number you registered with no longer works, Facebook has a recovery form that lets you prove the account is yours another way. Go to facebook.com, click "Forgot password?", and when Facebook shows you the list of email addresses and phone numbers, look for a link that says "No longer have access to these?" or "Can't access these?". Click it.

Facebook will ask you to enter an email address you can use right now — this does not have to be the original one. Then it will ask you to upload a photo of yourself or a government ID to prove you are the person who owns the account. You can also answer security questions you set up when you created the account, if you remember them. Facebook reviews these submissions and usually responds within a few days, though it can take longer.

Once Facebook confirms your identity, it will let you set a new password and regain access to your account. You may need to update your recovery email or phone number at that point so you do not get locked out again.

What to do if you see a login code request you did not make

If you are trying to log in and Facebook asks for a security code from your phone or an authentication app, that means two-factor authentication is turned on for your account. This is a security feature that requires a second verification step after you enter your password. Have the phone or app that is linked to your account ready, and enter the code Facebook requests.

If you no longer have access to that phone or app, click "Can't access your authentication app or backup codes?" or a similar link on the login screen. Facebook will let you verify your identity using your email address instead, and then you can turn off two-factor authentication or set it up with a new phone number.

Updating your account information after you log back in

Once you are logged in, go to your settings to check what information is still there. Click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the top right, then "Settings and privacy", then "Settings". Look at the "Personal information" section to see what email addresses and phone numbers are listed. Remove any you no longer use, and add a current email or phone number if the account only has old ones.

Check your "Security and login" section to see what devices have logged into your account recently. If you see logins from places you do not recognize, click on them to see the details. You can log out of any device remotely by clicking "Log out" next to its name. This is especially important if you have not used the account in years, because someone else may have accessed it in the meantime.

Deactivating or deleting the account if you do not want to use it

If you logged back in only to confirm the account exists but do not want to use it, you have two options. Deactivating hides your profile, posts, and name from other people, but Facebook keeps all your information and you can reactivate the account anytime by logging in again. Deleting removes your account permanently after 30 days — during that month you can cancel the deletion if you change your mind, but after 30 days everything is gone.

To deactivate, go to "Settings and privacy", then "Settings", then scroll down to "Deactivation or deletion". Click "Deactivate account" and follow the steps. To delete, choose "Delete account" instead. Facebook will ask you to confirm your password and will show you what happens when you delete — read through it carefully because the process cannot be undone after 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Facebook usernames are not used for login anymore. You must use the email address or phone number associated with your account. If you remember your username but not your email, go to facebook.com/login/identify and enter your username — Facebook will show you the email addresses linked to that account.

What if Facebook says my account does not exist?

The account may have been deleted by you or by Facebook for violating its rules. If you deleted it yourself, you have 30 days from the deletion date to reactivate it by logging in. If Facebook deleted it, you cannot recover it. Try searching for the account using a different email address or phone number you may have used.

How long does account recovery take if I upload an ID?

Facebook usually reviews identity documents within a few days, but during high volume it can take up to a week. You will receive an email when the review is complete. Do not close your browser or navigate away from the page while waiting — keep the recovery form open.

Will my old messages and photos still be there?

Yes, unless you deleted them yourself. All your messages, photos, posts, and friends list remain on the account unless you removed them. Deactivating the account hides everything from public view but keeps it all on Facebook's servers.

Do I need to change my password after logging in to an old account?

It is a good idea to change it if you have not logged in for several years, especially if you used the same password on other websites. Go to "Settings and privacy", then "Settings", then "Security and login", and click "Change password". Use a password you do not use anywhere else.