Alexis Kestler
Have you ever tried to log into Facebook, only to be met with the dreaded "Please Confirm Your Identity" error message? As a long-time Facebook user and social media guru, I totally understand how frustrating this alert can be when you‘re locked out of your account.
But don‘t worry – with this comprehensive walkthrough, I‘ll explain exactly why you‘re seeing this message, the steps to verify your identity with Facebook, and some pro tips to avoid getting locked out again in the future. Just stick with me through each section below and you‘ll be back scrolling your News Feed in no time!
Why Does Facebook Ask You to Confirm Your Identity?
Before we dig into the step-by-step instructions, it helps to understand exactly why Facebook prompts users to confirm their identity in the first place.
Essentially, these identity checks are triggered when Facebook‘s security systems detect suspicious activity that might indicate your account has been compromised. Some common red flags include:
- Logging in from a new, unrecognized device or location
- Connecting through an anonymous proxy or VPN service
- Noticeable changes in your posting behavior or language
- Attempts to edit your profile or privacy settings
- Multiple failed login attempts
Facebook has incredibly sophisticated algorithms monitoring all user activity behind the scenes. So if something looks slightly out of the ordinary, their automated systems will lock down your account as a precaution until you can prove you‘re the legitimate owner.
While I know it‘s inconvenient, try to think of this as Facebook having your back. They‘re adding an extra layer of security to keep your personal information safe when they notice potential account hijacking behavior. As someone who‘s had my profiles hacked before, believe me – you‘d rather go through this process than have a stranger accessing your private messages and posts!
Choose Your Preferred Identity Confirmation Method
Alright, now that you know why Facebook is being so cautious, let‘s jump into the step-by-step process to confirm your identity and regain access.
After tapping "Continue" on the initial alert message, you‘ll be taken to a page with different options to prove your identity. Here are the three methods available:
Approve from Another Device
This is my go-to choice since it‘s really quick. Facebook will show you a list of devices and browsers you‘ve previously used to access your account. If you see one you still own, like your phone or home laptop, select it and hit "Confirm."
A login approval notification will pop up, which you just need to tap "Yes" on. Easy as that!
Enter a Code
Alternatively, Facebook can send a one-time passcode directly to your phone via text or automated voice call. Choose this method and select the mobile number they should use.
When the code comes through, just type it into Facebook‘s prompt box and you‘re good to go.
Upload a Photo ID
If you don‘t have access to any of your previously recognized devices or phone numbers, you‘ll have to go the ID upload route.
Take a clear, well-lit photo of a valid government ID like your driver‘s license, passport, or national identity card. Make absolutely sure the text and photo are readable. Upload your document and wait for Facebook to review it.
My advice? Try the device approval or passcode first if possible, since the ID verification takes more time. But the photo upload is reliable if needed.
Provide an Alternate Contact Email Address
Once you complete the security check through one of the three methods above, Facebook will prompt you to add an email address they can use to send a recovery link.
This needs to be an email that is NOT already associated with your Facebook account. Use a personal contact email that only you control and have access to.
Double check that you entered the address correctly. Then mark the box confirming it‘s secure before continuing.
Trust me, nothing is worse than realizing you typo‘d your recovery email after getting locked out!
Wait Patiently for Facebook‘s Follow Up Email
After providing your alternate contact address, you‘ll get confirmation that Facebook will review your information and be in touch.
At this point, log out of Facebook and expect to receive a follow up email within a few hours. It may sometimes take up to 24 hours depending on how backlogged their team is.
Be sure to check your main inbox folder as well as spam and other categories, just in case. Patience is key during this waiting period. Resist the urge to continually retry logging in, as that can prolong the lockout.
Click the Recovery Link to Regain Account Access
As soon as you get the recovery email from the Facebook team, open it up and click the verification link inside. This will immediately log you back into your Facebook account, indicating the identity check worked and your access is restored!
Celebrate being reunited with your profile and don‘t take it for granted again. Just a few simple precautions will prevent you from going through this headache each time.
Pro Tips to Avoid the Confirmation Process Again
Now that you‘re back in your account, take some preventative measures to avoid triggering the identity check process again in the future:
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Enable two-factor authentication. This adds a second layer of login protection beyond your password. Use an authenticator app or your phone number for super secure access.
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Remove any unrecognized linked apps. Delete any apps or third-party services you don‘t remember approving access to your profile. These can be red flags.
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Change your password regularly. Don‘t make password management an afterthought. Update to a strong, unique one every 60-90 days.
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Review your security settings. Take time to check your login approvals list and who can view your profile content. Tighten as needed.
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Avoid public WiFi. Never access your social accounts from public hotspots. The unsecured connections make it easier for your activity to look suspicious.
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Update your device and app. Maintain the latest OS and software versions which contain security patches. Outdated apps increase vulnerability.
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Report suspicious emails. Forward any messages claiming to be from Facebook but look fishy to [email protected]. They‘ll investigate potential scams.
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Remove unfamiliar linked devices. Can‘t remember adding that "Galaxy S21" years ago? Delete it. Limit devices to only what you actually own and use regularly.
Following these tips will help reassure Facebook that your account is under your control. And then you can avoid the time-consuming identity confirmation process going forward!
Still Locked Out? Time to Contact Facebook Support Directly
I hope this walkthrough gave you everything you need to get back into your Facebook account after receiving the identity check prompt. But in rare cases, you may still find yourself locked out even after successfully completing all the steps.
If so, it‘s time to bring in the big guns: Facebook‘s customer support team.
Here‘s the secret to get in touch with a real human being for personalized help:
First, purchase any paid ad through Facebook‘s advertising platform. It can be as small as $1.
Next, wait 72 hours for the ad to be reviewed and approved. This assigns you an ad account manager.
Finally, visit https://www.facebook.com/business/help/support and look for the blue "Contact" button. Click it to get in touch directly!
I know that seems like a convoluted process, but it‘s the only reliable method I‘ve found for contacting Facebook support beyond their limited Help Center resources.
Explain your situation fully and hopefully they can manually review your account. Be patient but persistent and they should regain your access if the normal confirmation steps failed.
Good luck my friend! Let me know if this guide helped you finally defeat the "Confirm Your Identity" message and get back into Facebook. Tag me @socialsteve in a post, and help others by sharing this article!
