How to Change Your Facebook Password Without Your Old Password in 2024

Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 2.9 billion monthly active users as of 2024. As it stores vast amounts of personal data and connects you to friends and family, securing your Facebook account with a strong password is extremely important.

But what if you can’t remember your current Facebook password and want to change it? Maybe it’s been a while since you logged in, or perhaps someone else knows your old password and you want to lock them out. Fortunately, even without your previous password, you can still reset your Facebook password easily through a few methods.

Is it Possible to Change Your Facebook Password Without Old Password?

Yes, it is possible to change your Facebook password without knowing your old password. Facebook has account recovery options that allow you to reset your password even if you don’t remember your current one.

The main ways to reset your Facebook password without your old password are:

1. Password reset email – Go to the Facebook login page, click “Forgot password?”, and enter the email address or phone number on your account. Facebook will email you a link to reset your password.
2. Security code to phone – Request that Facebook text you a code to verify your identity and allow you to create a new password.
3. Trusted contacts – If you previously set up trusted contacts under your Facebook security settings, you can request a code from these friends to reset your password.
4. Login approvals – If someone tries accessing your account from a suspicious device, Facebook will prompt you to approve that login. You can say no to trigger a password reset.

As long as you can access the registered email, phone number, or trusted contact associated with your account, you can change your Facebook password without having to provide your old one first. Resetting the password completely bypasses the need for your previous credential.

How Facebook Password Security Works?

Facebook uses several methods to keep passwords secure:

• Encryption: Facebook encrypts all passwords using a strong cryptographic hash function called bcrypt. This transforms the actual plaintext password into an unreadable string of numbers and letters. This encrypted password is stored on Facebook’s servers rather than the password itself.
• Login Approvals: If someone tries logging in from an unrecognized device, Facebook will send an approval request to the email or phone number on file asking if the login attempt is legitimate. This prevents access even if someone obtains the actual password.
• Two-Factor Authentication: Users can enable an extra layer of security called two-factor authentication, which requires entering a unique code from an authentication app or text message after entering the password. This means accessing the password alone is not enough to gain entry.
• Security Checks: Facebook uses signals like login locations, device fingerprints, and other patterns to check for suspicious activity and prompt users to secure accounts if unauthorized access is suspected. Automated systems and user reporting help detect compromised accounts.
• Encrypted Connections: Facebook logins and data transmission are encrypted using the HTTPS protocol and other industry standard transport layer security mechanisms. This helps prevent passwords being intercepted in transit by attackers.

By using a layered defense with encryption, authentication protections, anomaly detection, and secure connections, Facebook aims to keep user passwords and accounts as safe as possible.

Resetting Your Facebook Password Through Account Recovery

The most straightforward way to reset your Facebook password without knowing the old one is by using Facebook’s account recovery process.

Here are the steps to reset your password with account recovery:

Step 1: Click the Forgotten Password Link

• Go to Facebook.com and click on “Forgotten password?” below the password field. Alternatively, go directly to Facebook.com/recover

Step 2: Enter Your Email or Phone Number

• Facebook will then ask you to enter your email address or phone number associated with your account. This allows them to verify your identity.

Step 3: Select Password Reset Method

• Next, choose how Facebook should contact you to reset your password: email or text message. Make sure you have access to whichever communication method you select.

Step 4: Enter Security Code

• Facebook will send a numerical security code to your chosen email address or phone number. Type this code into the Facebook page when prompted. This confirms you actually own that contact information.

Step 5: Create & Confirm New Password

• Finally, create a brand new password for your Facebook account, confirm it by typing it again, then click “Save Changes.” Avoid using a password you’ve already utilized on other sites.

And that’s it! After following these five account recovery steps, you’ll have successfully changed your Facebook password without needing to enter the old one.

Forgotten Password Recovery Options

If you’ve forgotten your Facebook password, there is no need to panic or try guessing endless password combinations. Facebook offers intelligent recovery solutions that use your connected information to verify account ownership.

Option 1: Reset With Email or Phone Number

The easiest way to reset your Facebook password without your old password is by using your registered email address or phone number.

Here are the steps if resetting with your email:

1. Go to the Facebook login page and click the “Forgot Password?” link.
2. Enter the email address or phone number connected with your Facebook account.
3. Click the “No longer have access…” link if your registered contact information has changed.
4. You will receive an email from Facebook with a password reset link inside.
5. Click the password reset link and you will be able to create a new Facebook password.

And here are the steps if resetting with your connected mobile number:

1. Click the “Forgot Password?” link on the Facebook login page.
2. Select the “Get notifications on your phone” option.
3. Enter your mobile phone number associated with your Facebook account.
4. A verification code will be texted to your phone number. Input this to move forward with the reset.
5. Once verified, you will then be able to create a brand new Facebook password to access your profile again.

Option 2: Reset Through Trusted Contacts

If your primary email and phone number associated with Facebook have changed and you can no longer access them, you can still leverage trusted contacts set in your security settings:

1. On the password reset screen, select the option “Get help from friends.”
2. Choose up to 3 trusted contacts to vouch for your identity and send recovery email links.
3. Once a trusted contact responds by verifying the reset request, a new password reset email is sent to you.
4. Click the password reset link in this email within the designated timeframe to create a new Facebook password safely.

The trusted contacts option is invaluable if your primary contact information changes or is inaccessible. But just make sure you set up trusted contacts in your Facebook security settings when your account access is stable.

Option 3: Facebook Login Approval

As mentioned before, Facebook may prompt device login approvals if someone attempts accessing your account from an unrecognized browser or device.

You can leverage this as a last resort for resetting your password if you still have access to the email or phone number tied to login approvals (even if not your registered account information anymore). Here are the basic steps:

1. Attempt logging into your Facebook account from a device that will trigger an login approval prompt to your email/phone on file.
2. Once the login approval is sent out, DO NOT approve the log in request.
3. Select the “No, this wasn’t me” option on the approval prompt.
4. This will trigger a security alert email from Facebook with password reset instructions.
5. Click the password reset link in this email to change your Facebook password safely.

Keep in mind that the login approval method will only work if you have access to a secondary email or phone number that is enabled to receive Facebook’s automated account access notifications.

Resetting From the Facebook Mobile App

Don’t have access to a desktop or laptop for recovering your account? You can also reset your Facebook password directly from the Facebook mobile app for iOS or Android.

Here is the process:

Step 1: Tap the ≡ Menu

• Open up the Facebook app on your smartphone and tap the three-line ≡ menu button in the top right.

Step 2: Select Settings & Privacy

• Scroll down and choose “Settings & Privacy” from the menu options.

Step 3: Tap Security and Login

• Under the Settings section, tap “Security and Login” to open password reset options.

Step 4: Select Change Password

• Choose “Change password” then confirm your identity through your email, phone number or Facebook security question.

Step 5: Create & Confirm New Password

• Type in your brand new Facebook password, confirm it, then hit save. You’ve now successfully reset your password without your old one!

Resetting your password right through the Facebook mobile app can be more convenient when away from your computer. Just bear in mind that you may need access to your email or text messages for confirming account ownership initially.

Using Trusted Contacts to Reset Your Password

Having issues with account recovery? Facebook also gives you the option to use Trusted Contacts to reset your password.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Designate Trusted Contacts

First add one or more Facebook friends as your designated Trusted Contacts under the Security and Login settings:

• Choose people you know and trust in real life – they’ll potentially have temporary access to parts of your account.

Step 2: Attempt Password Recovery

• If unable to reset your password through normal account recovery, seek help from a Trusted Contact by clicking “Get help from friends” during the recovery process.

Step 3: Trusted Contact Sends Code

• One of your designated Trusted Contacts then needs to share the 6-digit code Facebook provides them with you.

Step 4: Enter Code to Create New Password

• Input this 6-digit recovery code on Facebook’s “Get back into my account” page to finally reset your password to something new.

Having Trusted Contacts standby to assist with password resets can really save the day. Just remember to thank your friend afterward!

Choosing technology-savvy and responsible friends or family members you see often as your Trusted Contacts is key to successfully utilizing this method.

Resetting Your Password Through Email Verification

If you have access to the email account associated with your Facebook profile, you can also use email verification to reset your password easily.

Follow these instructions:

Step 1: Click Email Verification Link

• When attempting account recovery, choose to receive login verification by email.

Step 2: Open Verification Email

• Check your email inbox for the verification message sent by the Facebook email (usually noreply@facebookmail.com).

Step 3: Click Verification Link

• The email will contain a verification link – click it to validate account ownership. This will redirect you to Facebook’s “Get back into my account” page.

Step 4. Create & Confirm New Password

• Finally, actually change your password to something brand new directly on this page, confirm it by typing it again, and click “Save Changes.”

Email verification links expire within several hours, so use this method quickly after receiving the Facebook notification. But when done swiftly, it provides a handy backdoor into your account.

Creating a New Password

Once you’ve used a valid recovery option to access the Facebook password reset portal, creating an entirely new password is simple.

On the password creation prompt inside the reset email link, just enter a strong, new password that you do not use on any other sites or accounts. This enhances security moving forward.

Here are some tips for creating a complex Facebook password that would be difficult for hackers to crack through brute force or guessing:

• At least 8 characters in length – Shorter passwords are much more vulnerable to automated hacking attempts that cycle through common word and number combinations. Use a longer password for higher security.
• Mix of letters, numbers and symbols – Using different character types makes your password much harder to decipher through typical decoding methods. Replace letters with symbols when possible too.
• Avoid information that could be guessed about you – This includes your real name, birthday, pets names, favorite sports team, etc. Stick with random word combinations.
• Unique from other account passwords – Never reuse the same password across multiple websites or accounts. Doing so means one hacked password puts all your profiles at risk.

To ensure you won’t get locked out again, make sure to record your new Facebook password in a safe but accessible place, like a password manager app secured by a master password. You can then reference the password record if needed, while keeping it hidden from prying eyes.

It’s also smart to enable two-factor authentication after resetting your password for an additional account security layer.

Maintaining Account Security Moving Forward

Recovering and resetting your Facebook password through the available self-service options offers relief in the short term. But there are additional best practices around account security and visibility every Facebook user should adopt for optimal safety moving forward:

Be Wary of Suspicious Links

Cyber attacks increasingly focus on human-driven social engineering methods, like phishing links, to trick users into accessing malware or unsecure sites. These can then compromise login credentials and other sensitive information.

If you receive a questionable link through Facebook Messenger or on your Facebook feed, hover over the URL first without clicking to inspect it for anything suspicious. Links can easily mask malicious sites beneath seemingly legitimate domain names. When in doubt, do not click on links from unverified sources or displaying odd URLs.

Limit App Permissions

Hundreds of third-party apps integrate with Facebook for expanded services, such as games, streaming platforms and dating sites. But granting extensive data permissions to such apps also opens additional attack surfaces for potential account infiltration.

Go to your Facebook settings and examine your app permissions menu. Revoke access or limit permissions levels for any apps granted expansive or unnecessary data access to your Facebook activity or connections. Give apps permission to only what is needed for core functioning to enhance security.

Manage Active Sessions

Facebook actively monitors device activity to identify unexpected account access attempts from unrecognized browsers or devices. You can supplement these automated checks by manually viewing and terminating open sessions yourself:

1. Click the down arrow at the top right of Facebook and select “Settings & Privacy”.
2. Choose “Security and Login” from the left menu.
3. Navigate to the “Where You’re Logged In” section to view current open sessions.
4. Click “End Activity” on any web sessions you don’t immediately recognize.

Routinely check active sessions to purge unfamiliar device access to your account, in case your login cookie gets stolen through malware.

Analyze Login Notifications

It’s also smart to periodically scan recent login notifications under your Facebook Security settings. Facebook may send you automated emails if suspicious account access seems to occur:

• Unusual activity from unrecognized regions
• Multiple failed login attempts
• Simultaneous logins from separate locations

Carefully inspect login notifications and change your password immediately if any activity seems unfamiliar. Enable login approvals as well for enhanced security barriers moving forward.

By layering increased visibility and judicious data sharing into your experience, you can continue harnessing Facebook securely for communication and connections without viable account infiltration vulnerabilities.

Recovering Disabled or Deactivated Accounts

If your Facebook account gets fully deactivated or disabled due to unusual activity or extended dormancy, recovering your profile requires submitting ID verification to Facebook directly through the following avenues:

Request Review from Login Screen

If logging into your Facebook account triggers a deactivation warning or disabled status message, you can request an immediate review:

1. Click “Find Your Account” below the regular login fields.
2. Choose “My Account is Disabled” on the next screen.
3. Select “No longer have access” if your registered contact information changed.
4. Submit an ID that matches your account information by uploading a photo or file scan.

Once you complete the ID verification, Facebook will send an email notifying you if your account gets successfully restored after manual review.

Submit General Request Form

You can also use Facebook’s general account disable review form even if you can’t access disabled account login screens:

1. Go directly go Facebook’s Help Center.
2. Search for “disabled account” and select appropriate article.
3. Scroll down and click “General Request Form” button.
4. Fill in all account details – name, email/number, etc.
5. Upload photo of your government ID matching account info.
6. Click “Send” and a Facebook rep will contact you regarding next steps.

Through either method, providing legitimate identification is key for getting your disabled Facebook access restored.

Hacked Account Recovery

If your Facebook account gets hacked or taken over by an unknown entity, you can leverage Facebook’s specialized compromised account process to lock out unwanted access and restore control.

Here are the basic steps to regain access to your Facebook profile after it’s been hacked:

1. Report Compromised Account: Go directly to Facebook’s hacked account support form and submit details on when/how you noticed the infiltration. Facebook will lock the account pending investigation of suspicious activity.
2. Confirm Valid Identification: To prove legitimate ownership of your locked account, you’ll need to send Facebook a photo or scan of your valid government ID matching original account registration details. This is essential for them verifying real account ownership.
3. Reset Password and Security: Once ID confirmation is completed, Facebook will send specialized password reset instructions to contact information they have verified is associated with you. Follow provided steps to create new login credentials and beef up security settings. Enable two-factor authentication for strongest defense against follow-up intrusion efforts.
4. Remove Unknown Content: Even with new passwords and security barriers in place, be sure to scan all recent account activity, posts, messages and connected apps for anything suspicious that hackers may have added or modified during intrusion access. Remove all unfamiliar content traces or connections.

Staying vigilant even after recovering a hacked Facebook account is key, as your credentials may have been compromised on the dark web or other channels for future attacks. Stick to the tightened security measures and be extremely wary of odd logins or activity under your restored profile.

Facebook Account Recovery Success Tips

Recovering access to a disabled, deactivated or hacked Facebook account hinges on both understanding available self-service options and providing legitimate identifying details when verification is needed.

Keep these tips in mind for smooth Facebook password resets without your previous credentials or overcoming restrictions on disabled accounts:

• Maintain updated recovery contact info – Keep the email, phone and trusted contacts associated with your Facebook current so you have multiple password reset and verification channels if you ever get locked out.
• Enable secondary contact points – Have a backup mobile number or email enabled for login approvals and notifications even if not your primary registered contact method. This gives you more identity verification pivot points if primary info is ever inaccessible.
• Document details needed for ID verification – Whether disabling your account intentionally or getting hacked, Facebook requires seeing valid ID matching original registration details before unlocking access. Keep copies of this info safe but accessible in case needed for recovery.
• Frequently change passwords – Don’t let the same Facebook password linger for years without updates. Regularly cycling in new passwords limits the chances of credentials getting lost or stolen. Just ensure you record new passwords somewhere securely to avoid getting locked out.
• Carefully vet suspicious activity – Take login notifications, unusual posts or messages and unfamiliar login locations as signals to immediately reset your password and security settings. The sooner you cutoff unauthorized access attempts the better.

Staying one step ahead of potential account disruptions ensures you can rely on Facebook’s effective recovery procedures when needed, without extended profile access interruptions orsummations compromising personal data.

Common Roadblocks When Resetting Your Password

For most Facebook users with access to their registered email address or phone number, the password recovery process is straightforward. However, you may encounter some common obstacles, like:

You No Longer Have Access to Your Email or Phone Number

If you signed up with an old email account or changed your phone number, recovering access becomes trickier. Try alternate verification methods like Trusted Contacts. Or attempt to update your contact info from a device already logged into Facebook.

You Have Two-Factor Authentication Enabled

Having two-factor authentication setup adds an extra security layer when logging in from new devices. This means you’ll need to enter an authentication app code or backup code to access a lost account.

Disable 2FA before resetting your password if possible or use one of your saved backup codes to verify identity.

Suspicious Activity or Location Login Attempts

Facebook may automatically block password reset attempts if you have a history of suspicious logins from unfamiliar locations or devices. Overcome login blocks through reviews in Facebook’s Help Centre.

You Keep Getting Error Messages

If Facebook repeatedly rejects your recovery attempts with error messages, hacking protections have likely activated. Carefully re-enter information and follow any additional prompts to demonstrate legitimate account ownership.

With patience and gradually providing more identifying details, you can work through login blocks. Contact Facebook support for individual help if needed.

Being prepared ahead of time makes overcoming these roadblocks much easier. Enable trusted device recognition, save backup codes for two-factor authentication, and keep personal details associated with your profile up to date.

How Hackers Attempt to Change Your Facebook Password

While legitimately resetting your own Facebook password without knowing your previous one is perfectly fine, malicious hackers use similar techniques to break into accounts. Here’s how they try to commandeer profiles:

Guessing Passwords Through Automated Tools

Hackers utilize password guessing programs equipped with huge dictionaries and combinatory algorithms to crack simple passwords within minutes. Always create a complex, unique new code when changing your Facebook credential.

Phishing Scams for Login Credentials

Phishing scams trick users into divulging login details via fake login pages. These sophisticated fakes even overcome SMS-based two-factor authentication. Avoid clicking questionable links and manually type Facebook.com into your browser.

SIM Swapping to Intercept Security Codes

By transferring your phone number to a new SIM card, hackers route 2FA confirmation texts to their own device during account recovery. Contact carriers immediately if you suspect unauthorized SIM swaps.

Password Reset Email Exploits

If hackers gain access to your email, they can initiate Facebook password changes through verified email links and lock you out. Use two-factor authentication everywhere and choose unique complex passwords for each account.

The key takeaway? While changing a lost Facebook password is easy through legit recovery methods, hackers employ an array of tricks to break into coveted social media accounts. Practicing general password security hygiene keeps you protected.

5 Facebook Security Tips to Prevent Future Lockouts

Once you successfully reset your Facebook password, avoid finding yourself locked out again in the future by enacting good security habits:

1. Create a New Complex Password

When resetting your password, construct a strong unique new credential that mixes random dictionary words, numbers, symbols and capital letters. Avoid easily guessed personal information. Enable password visibility to ensure accuracy when entering your new code.

2. Setup Two-Factor Authentication

Under Facebook Settings, navigate to Security and Login > Use Two-Factor Authentication to add an extra credential layer involving SMS text messages or authentication apps. Back up any generated two-factor codes.

3. Review Where You’re Logged In

Regularly check current and past Facebook sessions under Security and Login > Where You’re Logged In. Manually log out any unknown or suspicious login locations. Restrict legacy sessions through Settings > Security and Login > Use two-factor authentication.

4. Designate Trusted Contacts

Add 1-3 Facebook friends as your password recovery Trusted Contacts under Security and Login > Use Trusted Contacts. Select technology competent, responsible friends able to assist if you require password changes in the future.

5. Update Personal Account Details

Make sure your current email address, phone number, location and trusted device browser data is up to date in Facebook’s settings. Accurate personal information assists in smooth password recoveries down the road.

Through strong credentials, vigilant security habits and trusted account backups, you can avoid the headache of resetting a forgotten Facebook password again down the road.

Facebook Backup Options If You Can’t Regain Account Access

Despite your best efforts, sometimes too much time passes or too many failed login attempts trigger the permanent disabling of your Facebook account. When proper identity verification seems impossible, back up data then consider starting fresh.

Here are ways to salvage Facebook content if continually locked out after repeated password recoveries and reinstatements:

Download Your Facebook Information

Via Settings > Your Facebook Information > Download Your Information, you can bulk export a ZIP file containing your photos, posts, profile info and more before letting go of your account.

Save Photos Elsewhere

Manually save copies of treasured Facebook images to cloud storage services like Google Photos or Apple iCloud. Also download favorite pics to your smartphone camera roll or computer hard drive.

Note Down Close Connections

Jotting down names of valued Facebook friends makes reconnecting post-account deletion easier. Search names or contact associates through alternative social networks or messengers.

Create a New Profile

Ultimately, starting afresh by opening a brand new Facebook account with entirely new login credentials may make the most sense long-term if you faced repeated suspicious activity. Then refriend close contacts.

While losing years of memories hurts, don’t dwell on the things outside your control. Follow security best practices on any new social media profiles to avoid repeat lockout drama.

Facebook Login Changes Coming in 2024

Facebook continually updates security practices and login protocols to protect its billions of users in light of rising digital threats.

Expect these Facebook authentication changes rolling out in 2024:

Expanded Use of Third-Party Authentication Apps

Logging in via trusted single sign-on mobile apps rather than passwords aims to boost convenience and safety. Facebook’s existing Account Kit and Facebook Protect integrations will expand.

Advanced Identity Verifications for Password Resets

Recovering account access may require submitting government IDs or recorded selfie videos matching your profile to block fraudulent password resets. Streamlining this via smartphones represents the next frontier.

Enhanced Hacking Detection During Account Recovery

Behind the scenes, machine learning upgrades will cross reference your device history, location patterns and past account behaviors to spot dodgy password resets in real-time.

Stronger Recommended New Passwords

When resetting passwords, Facebook’s algorithms will enforce length and complexity requirements through automated meter scoring to encourage users to select stronger, unique new credentials.

While remembering lengthy passwords poses challenges, embracing these enhanced login protections helps secure your account from unauthorized access. Activating fresh authentication methods early allows easy adoption on your terms.

Key Takeaways: Changing Your Facebook Password Without the Previous One

Securing access to your Facebook account protects valuable memories and personal data from prying eyes. While suddenly forgetting your password presents hassles, regaining entry and resetting credentials without old ones remains achievable through built-in recovery tools.

To recap how to change a lost Facebook password:

• Reset via account recovery using your associated email address or mobile number for identity verification. Temporary secret codes sent facilitate access.
• Leverage designated Trusted Contacts to obtain 6-digit codes for bypassing normal reset hurdles when necessary.
• Use direct email confirmation links to seamlessly validate account ownership before selecting new passwords.
• Overcome roadblocks like two-factor authentication by entering backup codes or seeking help from Facebook’s support avenues.

And most critically moving forward – enable enhanced Facebook login security features like trusted device recognition, backup recovery codes and identity verifications to prevent future lockouts.

With hackers continually cooking up novel break-in schemes, only continued vigilance, complex credentials and redundant authentication routines keep your account secured in the long run.

Implement this comprehensive advice for smoothly regaining entry and enacting accountability when asking “how do I change my Facebook password if I forgot it?” Never let a forgotten code permanently barricade precious profile access again.

Also Read:

• How to Recover Facebook Password Without Email and Phone Number
• How to Recover Your Facebook Password Without the Confirmation Reset Code
• How to Recover Facebook Account

Facebook Account Recovery FAQs

For additional details on changing your Facebook password, recovering disabled accounts, or regaining control after hacks, here are answers to some frequently asked questions: