How To Fix a Facebook Account Temporarily Locked

To protect its billions of user accounts and the large numbers of data uploads to the site each day, Facebook takes the security of its platform seriously. By constantly monitoring user accounts, it can quickly spot suspicious behavior. With that in mind, have you seen a “Your Account is Temporarily Locked” error message when trying to sign in? If so, you may have received it in error due to Facebook’s stringent precautions.

This article explains why Facebook temporarily locks accounts, how to unlock them, and how to prevent it from happening again.

Facebook Account Temporarily Locked Due To Suspicious Activity

Entering your Facebook credentials on a website posing as Facebook or logging into Facebook via a third-party tool is deemed “suspicious activity.” For either of those reasons, Facebook will temporarily lock your account and request you verify yourself as the account owner as a security precaution.

Facebook Account Temporarily Locked for Security Reasons

Facebook takes the security of user accounts seriously. When it suspects an account is compromised, it will lock the account until there’s confirmation that the owner is accessing the account. Actions that appear suspicious to Facebook include:

• Sending too many friend requests or messages.
• Using automated software and bots.
• A sudden increase in posting frequency.
• Having a fake account, using a fake name, or impersonating someone (debatable).
• Spam advertising.
• Joining too many groups in a short space of time.
• Requesting too many recoveries or authentication codes.
• Any activities that violate their Community Standards or Terms.

Facebook Account Temporarily Locked Due to Unfamiliar Location

One of Facebook’s main security features is to monitor the IP address and device logins. If the company detects a login attempt from an unfamiliar source, Facebook will lock the account. It will result in the following error message: “We’ve locked your account because someone recently tried to log in from an unfamiliar location.”

If you’re using a different phone than you usually do or the company detects an unusual IP address, Facebook will note your location as being unfamiliar. These security features may lead to your account being locked even in legitimate circumstances.

How to Unlock Facebook Account Temporarily Locked

There are a few ways you can arrange to have your account unlocked:

“Report a Login Issue” Form

When your account is locked, asking Facebook for help via their Report a login issue is a great place to start.

Include a detailed description of the problem, and any methods you’ve tried to resolve it and provide a contact email address. To help Facebook investigate the situation, include a screenshot of the error message you receive. When you submit the form, it will take anywhere between 1–10 business days for someone from Facebook to respond.

“Security Checks Preventing Login” Form

If you’re unable to sign in to your account due to security checks and haven’t received the security code to unlock your account, use the Security checks preventing login form.

Here you’ll also need to explain the problem you’re facing and provide an email address where the company can reach you. Be sure to mention that you’re not receiving the security code if that’s the case.

Verify Your Identity With Facebook

Another helpful form is the Confirm your identity with Facebook.

This form allows you to pass the verification check to prove you are the account holder.

You’ll need to attach a photo ID, such as your driver’s license or passport, along with your phone number or login email.

Facebook warns that they can store your ID for up to one year. However, you can change this to 30 days only via your Identity Confirmation Settings.

Wait for Facebook to get back to you after submitting the form.

In closing, Facebook has strict measures to protect the security of user accounts. Facebook may temporarily lock the account when any out-of-the-ordinary activity is spotted, such as accessing it from an unfamiliar location, sending out an unusual number of posts, or using automated software.

Facebook realizes that not all cases are fraudulent. For that reason, the account is quickly unlocked once they’re satisfied that you’re the genuine account holder, which you can do using the above processes.

Facebook Temporarily Locked FAQs

How do I stop my Facebook account from getting locked?

Consider the following to help prevent Facebook from temporarily locking your account:

• Verify your phone number, email address, and identity. Verifying your details lets Facebook know that you are a genuine user and not trying to impersonate anyone. You can include additional information like the college you attended if you wish.

• Use strong passwords. A strong password means less of a chance of someone guessing your password. Long passwords require more time to crack.

• A naturally aged account. Unfortunately for new Facebook users, in the eyes of Facebook, your account is less trustworthy, as spammers typically use new fake accounts to spam users. Therefore, a new profile is more likely to be blocked than an established one with many friends.

How long is a temporary facebook lock?

A temporary Facebook lock usually lasts for 24 to 48 hours. Your account will unlock as soon as you complete the instructions. If you haven’t received the security code or experienced any other problem, contact Facebook.

What is the difference between a Facebook ban and a locked account?

As stated previously, Facebook takes measures to secure your account and others. While Facebook might lock your account to protect it if you’ve been hacked or have suspicious logins, the company will ban users who violate the terms of service.

The former means you’ve had suspicious activity, and it is possible to unlock your account. The latter means you’ve posted or communicated something the company deems harmful to other users, and, therefore, may not permit the option to get your account back.