It usually happens without warning. You open the app, and instead of your feed you see a screen asking you to confirm your identity — with a photo of your ID, or a short video selfie.
It is one of the most searched Facebook problems, and it is understandably stressful. Here is what is going on.
Why Facebook Asks For Your ID
Facebook (Meta) asks people to confirm their identity in a few common situations:
- Suspicious activity. A login from a new device or location, lots of friend requests in a short time, or anything that looks like your account might be hacked.
- Your name. If you changed your name, or your name was reported as not being your real name.
- Your age. If something suggests the account may belong to someone too young to use Facebook.
- Account recovery. If you are locked out or your account was disabled and you are asking to get it back.
In most cases it is a security check — Facebook trying to make sure the person using the account is really you.
What To Do
- Only follow the steps inside the Facebook app or on facebook.com. The real request appears right there when you try to use your account.
- Use a clear photo. Good light, all four corners of the ID visible, no glare, and the name and birthday readable. The name on your profile should match your ID.
- If you are asked for a video selfie, follow the on-screen instructions: face the camera and turn your head slowly when prompted.
- Be patient. Reviews can take from a few minutes to several days. Submitting again and again usually does not make it faster.
Facebook shows a notice during the process explaining how your ID is stored and when it is deleted — read it before you upload.
How To Spot The Scam Version
Scammers copy this exact situation. Be careful if:
- A message in Messenger, an email or a text claims to be "Meta Support" and asks for your ID, password or login code
- You are asked to pay to get your account back or to "verify" it
- The link goes to anything other than facebook.com or meta.com
Facebook does not ask for your password or payment through a chat message. You can check which emails really came from Facebook in your settings under Emails from Meta.
If Your Account Gets Locked Or Disabled
Go to facebook.com/help on a browser, search "account disabled" or "locked", and use the official form. Keep the email address and phone number on your account up to date — they are the fastest way back in.
Save this post and share it with friends and family. Almost everyone sees this screen at some point, and knowing the difference between the real request and the scam can save an account.
