To protect its billions of user accounts and the large number of data uploads to the site every day, Facebook takes the security of its platform seriously. By constantly monitoring user accounts, it is able to quickly detect suspicious behavior. With that in mind, have you seen a "Your account is temporarily locked" error message when trying to log in? If so, you may have received it in error due to Facebook's strict precautions.
In this article, we'll explain why Facebook temporarily locks accounts, how to unlock them, and how to prevent it from happening again in the future.
Facebook account temporarily locked due to suspicious activity
Entering your Facebook credentials on a website impersonating Facebook or logging into Facebook through a third-party tool is considered “suspicious activity”. For either of these reasons, Facebook will temporarily lock your account and ask you to verify yourself as the account owner, as a security measure.
Facebook account temporarily locked for security reasons
Facebook takes user account security seriously. When it suspects that an account has been compromised, it will lock the account until there is confirmation that the owner has access to the account. Actions that seem suspicious to Facebook include:
- Sending too many friend requests or messages.
- Use of automated software and bots.
- A sudden increase in posting frequency.
- Having a fake account, using a fake name or impersonating someone.
- Anti-spam advertising.
- Joining too many groups in a short time.
- Requesting too many recovery or authentication codes.
- Any activity that violates the Community Standards or Terms.
Facebook account temporarily locked due to unknown location
One of Facebook's main security features is to monitor the IP address and device from which connections are made. If a login attempt from an unknown source is made, Facebook may lock the account and issue the following error message: "We locked your account because someone recently tried to log in from an unknown location. »
If you're using a different phone than you usually use or if you try to access your account while on vacation (and therefore from an unusual IP address), Facebook will mark your location as unknown. Although your account may be locked in genuine scenarios like these, this feature protects your account if someone else tries to log in.
How to Unlock a Temporarily Locked Facebook Account
There are several ways to unlock your account:
“Report a connection problem” form
When your account is locked out, asking Facebook for help through their "Report a Sign In Problem" is a great place to start.
Include a detailed description of the issue, the methods you tried to resolve – if any – and provide a contact email address. To help Facebook investigate, include a screenshot of the error message you receive. When you submit the form, it will take 1-10 business days for someone from Facebook to respond.
"Security checks preventing login" form
If you are unable to log in to your account due to security checks and you have not received the security code to unlock your account, use the "Security checks preventing login" form.
Here you will also need to explain the issue you are facing and provide an email address where you can be contacted. Be sure to mention that you are not receiving the security code – if so.
Verify your identity with Facebook
Another useful form is "Confirm your identity with Facebook".
This form allows you to pass the verification check to prove that you are the account holder.
You will need to attach government-issued photo ID, such as your driver's license or passport, and your login phone number or email address.
Facebook warns that your ID can be stored for up to one year. However, you can change this to 30 days only through your "Identity Confirmation Settings".
Wait for Facebook to respond to you after submitting the form.
Additional FAQs
How do I prevent my Facebook account from being locked?
Consider the following to prevent Facebook from temporarily locking your account:
• Verify your phone number, email address and identity. Verifying your contact information lets Facebook know that you are a genuine user and that you are 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 chance of someone guessing your password. Long passwords take longer to crack.
• A naturally aged account. Unfortunately for new Facebook users, in the eyes of Facebook your account is less trustworthy because spammers usually use new fake accounts to spam users. Therefore, a new account is more likely to be blocked than an established account with a large number of friends.
How long does a temporary Facebook ban last?
A temporary lockdown usually lasts 24 to 48 hours. Your account will unlock as soon as you complete the instructions. If you haven't received the security code or have any other issues, contact Facebook.
Facebook's temporary ban is lifted
Like any other social media platform, Facebook has strict measures in place to protect the security of user accounts. When unusual activity is detected, such as accessing from an unknown location, sending an unusual number of messages, or using automated software, Facebook may temporarily lock the account.
Facebook realizes that not all cases are fraudulent. Because of this, the account is quickly unlocked once they are convinced that you are the real account holder.
Why do you think your account has been temporarily locked? How long did Facebook take to unlock it? Tell us in the comments section below.
