Simple Steps to Activate 2FA on Facebook

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Easy-to-follow steps to set up and use 2FA on Facebook in your web browser and the mobile app

Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: November 21, 2023

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On the Mobile App

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On a Computer

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Q&A

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This wikiHow teaches you how to turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for Facebook. When you enable 2FA, also known as two-step verification, Facebook will require a special code in addition to your regular password when signing into the app. This code can be sent to you via SMS or by using an authenticator app like Google Authenticator.

Things You Should Know

If you attempt to log in from an unknown area or device, Facebook will authenticate your login with a code sent via SMS or with an authenticator app.
For mobile, tap the three-line menu icon, then go to "Settings > Security and Login > Use two-factor authentication" and select a security method.
On a computer, go to "Settings & Privacy > Security and login > Use two-factor authentication" and select a security method.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

On the Mobile App

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It's the small white "f" in a blue tile on your app list.
It's the three horizontal lines at the bottom-right corner (or top-left, on some models) of the screen.

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It's near the bottom of the screen. This opens another set of menu options.
It's in the "Security" section.
It's about halfway down the page.
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Select a security method. If you want to receive confirmation codes via SMS text message, tap Text Message (SMS). If you have an authentication app like Google Authenticator or Authy, tap Authentication App.
- It's generally easier to use text messages because you'll have more time to enter the confirmation code when signing in.
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Set up your security method. The final steps will be different depending on the security method you chose:
- Using SMS: Add your phone number and tap Continue. When you receive the 6-digit authentication code via text message, enter it into the box and tap Continue. Last, tap Done to confirm.
- Using an authentication app: If you're using the phone that the authentication app is installed on, tap the long string of letters and numbers at the bottom of the screen to copy it to your clipboard, launch your authentication app, and then enter it on the screen where you add new accounts. If the authentication app is on a different phone or tablet, open the app to the new login screen, and then align the QR code to make the connection.
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Set up recovery codes. Two-factor authentication requires that you have your smartphone with you so you can authenticate by text or authentication app. But what if you can't find your phone? To avoid catastrophe, follow these steps to create a set of 10 login codes to use in emergencies:
- Tap the menu in Facebook and go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.^{[1]
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- Tap Security and Login and select Use two-factor authentication.
- Verify your password and navigate to Recovery Codes > Get New Codes.
- Write down the codes and store them somewhere safe.
Now that you've secured your account with 2FA, you can test it out by trying to sign in with your regular username and password. Once it's accepted, enter the code from the SMS message from Facebook (or the authenticator app) into the appropriate field to complete the sign-in.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

On a Computer

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Go to https://www.facebook.com in a web browser. If you're not already signed into your Facebook account, go ahead and sign in now.
To find it, click the downward-pointing arrow at the top-right corner of Facebook and select Settings & privacy.
It's near the middle of the page.
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Select a security method. If you want to receive your verification code by text message, select Use text Message (SMS). If you have an authentication app like Google Authenticator or Duo Mobile, you can choose Use Authentication App instead.
- If you're not the most technical person in the world, opt for receiving a text message. It'll be a lot easier to input a code from a text message than to learn how to use an authentication app.
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Verify your security method. The final steps are a little different depending on the security method you chose:
- Using SMS: Add your phone number and click Continue to receive a 6-digit authentication code via text message. When you get the text, enter the authentication code into the blanks on Facebook, click Continue, and then click Done to confirm.
- Using an authentication app: Open the authentication app on your smartphone or tablet, find the option to add a new login, and then use the camera to scan the QR code that appears on Facebook. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
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Set up recovery codes. Recovery codes are special one-time-use codes you can use in place of your regular two-step authentication method if you don't have your phone. For example, if you use text message authentication for two-step verification and lose your phone, you can still log in with a recovery code. To set it up:
- Click the downward-pointing arrow at the top-right corner of Facebook.
- Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.
- Click Security & Login and tap Use two-factor authentication.
- Click Setup next to "Recovery Codes."
- Click Get Codes and write the codes down exactly as you see them. Store them somewhere safe.
Now that 2FA is active, you'll need to have your phone and/or authenticator app handy when signing in to Facebook. After entering your login name and password, open your authenticator app or the text message from Facebook to find the code, and then enter it into Facebook to confirm.

Community Q&A

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Question

What do I do if I use 2 step verification, but I lost my phone?

Community Answer

You can use the email you have signed Facebook up for. You can also remove you phone from the 2 step verification and use the email.

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Question

How long does it take for my code to get texted to me when doing the 2-step verification on Facebook?

Community Answer

The code should be sent immediately, and you should get it within a couple of minutes.

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Question

I dropped my phone and it broke. I have my number, but I am unable to receive login codes from Facebook. What can I do to get my account back?

R2_d2000

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If you set up recovery codes, then try to use those. If you did not set up recovery codes, then click on "Need another way to authenticate?" at the bottom of the box that asks for your two-step verification code.

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Tips

Authentication apps are a little more complicated than receiving a text message. If you use text messages, Facebook sends you an SMS code that you'll type into the app when you're signing in. With an authentication app, you'll open an app that displays a code for somewhere between 15-30 seconds. If you don't type the code before it expires, you'll need to wait for the new code to appear and type that instead. If you're not a fast typist, it can get confusing.^{[2]
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