Logging in to Facebook

Facebook will not let you in, or a login is needed on a new device? Below are all the ways to log in, along with fixes for the most common problems.

Logging in from a web browser

On a computer, a TV or a game console without a Facebook app, the browser is the simplest route.

1. Open www.facebook.com. If a cookie banner pops up, it can be closed with “Decline optional cookies”; Facebook works fine either way.
2. Type the login ID into the “Email or mobile number” field:
   • the email address linked to the account,
   • the confirmed phone number (with the country code, such as +44 or +1),
   • or the username, if one has been set.
3. Enter the password, then click “Log in”.
4. If two-factor authentication is on, also enter the code, or approve the login on another device that is already logged in.

Logging in on a phone

The app is free on both Android and iPhone. On Android, Facebook Lite is faster on a slow connection and uses less data.

1. Install the Facebook app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Open the app and enter the login ID.
3. Enter the password, then tap “Log in”.
4. The app stays logged in, so protecting the phone with a screen lock is a good idea.

Google Play App Store

Browser, app or Lite?

• Browser: nothing to install and fine on a shared computer, but remember to log out afterwards.
• Facebook app: sends notifications and makes sharing photos easier.
• Facebook Lite: smaller, uses less data and works on weak connections; available on Android.

When Facebook will not let you in

• Wrong password: besides Caps Lock and the keyboard language, check whether the browser is filling in an old saved password.
• The page does not load: try a different browser or a private (incognito) window, and check that the browser is not blocking all cookies.
• The app shows an error: update the app, restart the phone and check the internet connection.
• Too many attempts: Facebook may temporarily limit logins; requesting a new password is better than guessing.

On a shared or public computer

• Do not save the password if the browser offers to.
• A private (incognito) window is a good choice.
• Log out after use: click the profile picture, and “Log out” is at the bottom of the menu.
• If logging out was forgotten, the computer can be logged out from another device: Where am I logged in?