Here's how to set up two-factor authentication on your Facebook account and use Facebook Code Generator for added security.
The best way to protect your Facebook account is to enable two-factor authentication (2FA), formerly known as login approvals. Once enabled, you will need a login or verification code every time you want to log into your Facebook account from a new device. This feature will protect your account from hackers, even if your password is weak.
Facebook can provide the passcode to your mobile number. Alternatively, you can use an authenticator app or Facebook's Code Generator app on your phone or tablet to “manually” generate a code. If you set up all supported 2FA methods, you will be able to log into Facebook, even when you are offline or cannot receive text messages.
Let us show you how to set up two-factor authentication and code generator on your mobile device. We've covered these steps on Android, but they should work the same on iPhone.
What are Facebook login codes
Facebook uses login or confirmation codes, also known as two-factor authentication, as an additional layer of security. 2FA will make it harder for someone to hack into your Facebook account. If someone tries to access your account from a device you haven't previously authorized, they'll need both your password and an access code.
Also, when someone tries to log into your account from another computer, and if you're not using an authentication app, you'll get indirect notification of this login attempt in the form of a text message containing a security code.
That said, you can also enable login alerts and have them sent to your email address, Facebook or Messenger account. In the Facebook mobile app, tap the hamburger menu , expand Settings and privacy , select Settings> Password and security> Receive alerts on unrecognized logins and enable your favorite login alerts. We highly recommend enabling email notifications.
How to set up two-factor authentication
Facebook two-factor authentication requires a mobile number or an authentication app. If you want to use a phone number for two-factor authentication, please note that you can no longer use the same number to reset your password.
How to add a phone number to Facebook
You can add a phone number when setting up two-factor authentication. If you want to make sure you have a registered phone number or add a second one before starting the process, here's how:
- Tap the hamburger menu in the Facebook mobile app
- Expand Settings and privacy
- Go to Settings> Personal and Account Information> Contact Information
You can add as many numbers as you like and we highly recommend adding at least two. Note that adding a number will automatically enable text notifications to the last number added, which you may want to disable.
How to enable two-factor authentication on Facebook
To enable two-factor authentication, access a Settings> Password and security> Use two-factor authentication , choose if you want to use an authentication app , for an text message (SMS) or a security key and follow the onscreen instructions to configure your choice.
2FA via text message (SMS)
When you tap this option, all you have to do is select the phone number you want Facebook to use. As mentioned above, you can also add a new phone number when setting up two-factor authentication.
After completing the setup, you can always go back and change the phone number. Each time you do this, you will need to enter a confirmation code sent to the new phone number.
2FA via authentication app
When you choose to use a third-party authentication app, you can scan a QR code, set it up on the same device, or manually enter a code into the desired authentication app.
We went with the third party app and it was all done in seconds. Please note that when you return to Facebook, you will need to enter a confirmation code from the app to finalize the setup.
Always set backup Facebook restore methods
After turning on two-factor authentication, make sure you keep your phone numbers up-to-date and always have an authorized device as a backup to access or change settings. The most important thing, however, is to set up the following backup security methods:
- Un telephone number which can receive recovery codes via SMS. It may be the same number you have already added, but you will need to confirm it as the backup method.
- An app of authentication additional; on a separate device, for example.
- Recovery codes which you can copy digitally or manually and store in a save location.
All of these methods are available in Settings> Password and security> Use two-factor authentication . You can also go back to update or disable any of these methods.
How to set up the code generator
While you can set up and access most of the features described above by Facebook in your browser, Code Generator is a unique feature of the Facebook mobile app. If you've always installed the app, Code Generator should already be available.
When you first log into the Facebook mobile app and have already set up two-factor authentication, you will need a security code to complete your login. Within the Facebook app, open the hamburger menu i went his Settings> Password and Security> Code Generator e Activate it . That's all.
The next time you want to log into Facebook on a new device and can't receive a text message, for example, if you don't have a signal or your SIM cards have changed, you can use Code Generator instead. Simply open your Facebook app, go to Code generator and long touch the code to copy it to your device clipboard.
If you ever lose access to the Facebook Code Generator (for example, if your phone has been stolen), you can log into Facebook from a recognized device, log out of the phone and remove Code Generator. Until you get your phone back, you can also set up a third-party app to generate codes.
