How To Enable Two-Factor Authentication On Facebook

How To Enable (Or Disable) Two-Factor Authentication On Facebook

In this digital age, there is nothing more important than your online security, from maintaining your privacy to keeping your accounts and passwords secure. There is always someone willing to take advantage of an inappropriately secured account and it shouldn't be yours!


How To Enable (Or Disable) Two-Factor Authentication On Facebook
How To Enable (Or Disable) Two-Factor Authentication On Facebook



How to enable (or disable) two-factor authentication on Facebook

In addition to the standard security protocol (a perfect password), 2FA provides a code to a secondary account or phone number before you can access it. When you set up 2FA correctly, you will receive an SMS or email message with a one-time entry code. Usually numeric, this code expires after a few minutes and is in no way related to your personal information (this is not your birthday or the last 4 of your SSN).

2FA, like other types of security, is certainly not without its flaws. There may come a time when you are safer to keep the authenticity away than to maintain it. If someone has your phone, they can easily log in to your Facebook account using the 2FA feature. Most of the time, you just have to click on 'this was me' to bypass the unique and secure password you set up.

This article reviews how to set up 2FA in your Facebook account and teaches how to remove it. It also mentions a few other security features that the social media giant has to offer.

How to enable 2FA

There are several ways you can enable 2FA on Facebook. The following sections will show you how to enable two-factor authentication on different Facebook platforms.

How to enable 2FA in a web browser

If you don't already have 2FA enabled, follow these steps:

Log in to Facebook and select the arrow icons to access the Settings and Privacy menu. Then, select Settings again.

Select Security and Login in the menu on the left.

Scroll down and click 'Edit' to the right of 'Use two-factor authentication'.

From here, you'll need to sign in to Facebook again using your current password. Follow the prompts and assign contacts to receive your 2FA codes

Now, any time you log in to Facebook, you need to verify a random code sent to that security system. But be careful; If you do not have access to that method, you may be unable to log in to your Facebook account in the future.

How to enable 2FA in Android mobile app

If you are an Android user and want to enable 2FA on the go, follow these steps:

Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner. Then, tap Settings and Privacy and Settings.

Tap on Security and Login.

Tap Use two-factor authentication.

Tap on the option to turn on 2FA. Then, verify that it is turned on when it gives you the option to turn it off.

You can follow these same steps to disable 2FA in the Facebook mobile app for Android devices.

How to enable 2FA in iOS Facebook app

iPhone users can follow these steps:

Open the Facebook app on your iPhone and tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner. Then, tap Settings and Privacy. Tap on Settings.

Tap on Security and Login.

Tap Use two-factor authentication.

Tap Enable or Disable 2FA to enable or disable.

After you enable 2FA, verify that the phone number is one where you can receive text messages and alerts.

How to disable 2FA

If 2FA no longer works for you, you can disable it by following these steps:

Following the same instructions as above, log in to Facebook and go to the Security and Login page under the Settings tab.

Click 'Edit' next to the 2FA option. Next, you need to input your current Facebook password.

You can now click 'Turn Off' to disable two-factor authentication.

Now, follow the prompts to move 2FA. Once completed, you can log in to Facebook without a verification code.

Things to know before activating 2FA

As mentioned above, 2FA is a nice security feature, but there are some things you need to do first to make sure you don't have trouble logging in later.

2FA is so secure that even you (account owner) may have difficulty logging in. Before following the instructions below, the first thing you need to do is check that all your contact information is up-to-date.

Follow the instructions above to access the 2FA settings, then find the option to choose your security method. Select 'Manage' next to your SMS option to update your phone number.


Keeping your phone number up-to-date is critical to your security and your ability to access a new Facebook account. If this number is out of date, you will not receive a security code, effectively lock yourself out of your account. Your contact information should be updated when changing your phone number.

2FA option

If you do not have a phone number or you want to use 2FA, then you are not completely out of luck. Facebook offers a number of security features to keep your account secure.

2FA Third-Party Verification App

A quick and easy alternative to the SMS 2FA option is a third party authentication app. Google Authenticator is a comprehensive and trusted application for iOS and Android users, but you can choose the app you want.

Follow the instructions above to update your phone number, but this time, choose 'Manage' under 'Third-Party Authentication App' in Facebook settings.

Facebook will give you a scannable QR code and an alpha-numeric code to set up your third party app. Follow the instructions and click 'Continue'.


Now, you can log in to Facebook with 2FA without a phone number.

Unknown login alert

Facebook offers alerts for unfamiliar devices. If a new browser or Facebook app is detected, you'll receive a notification alert. The notification is versatile because you can deny access directly from your device


If you receive one of these warnings, perhaps changing your Facebook password is a good idea. But also, change your email password. A hacker has gained access somehow, so it's best to make careful mistakes and update both passwords.

App password

A unique feature of Facebook's security lineup is the option to use a separate password for linked applications. If you've ever talked to someone on I.T., they've probably asked you to use a different password for each account. This advice is very important because if you use only one or two passwords on your device, a hacker will need to log in to multiple accounts.

Facebook offers easy login to multiple applications. Your favorite mobile game from Tinder. We often hear the mantra 'use different passwords', go to the security and login page just like you did before.


Select 'Add' next to the 'App Password' heading and create a new password for your linked apps.

How to prevent being locked out

Assuming you set up 2FA using one of the methods described above, Facebook has a backup option to prevent you from being locked out. Even if you lose your phone or change your phone number, you can set up one of these methods to gain access.

Returning to the same settings menu we used to set up 2FA, scroll to the very bottom of the login and security page. Select one of the available backup options


Recovery codes are a great choice because you can store them securely and access them anytime you want to access Facebook bypassing 2FA. Just be careful, if someone holds your security code, they can log in too.

From this same page, you can also assign three Facebook friends to help restore access if you wish to do so. It is ideal to set up these functions before reading the login problem. Once you've been locked out, you'll be asked 'Problems logging in?' Need to communicate with Facebook support using? Button on the login screen. Then, you are at the mercy of Facebook to respond and help you regain access to your account.

How to update your phone number

2FA mainly depends on your phone number unless you use an authentication app. But, what if your telephone number is wrong or out of date? Well, you can definitely update it!

Follow the same instructions above to access Facebook's security settings and tap 'Edit' next to 2FA. Tap 'Manage' next to 'Your security method'.

Then, click 'Use a different number' from the dropdown menu.

Click 'Add Phone Number,' then 'Continue.'

Type in your new phone number and tap 'Continue'.

New phone number should appear. But, if it doesn't or you get an error code, you can turn off 2FA and restart. Doing this will allow you to input a new phone number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Protecting your Facebook account is very important nowadays. We've included this section to answer your further questions.

Do I need 2FA?

2FA or similar options are highly recommended, especially for Facebook. You have access to a lot of personal information on social media sites that you probably didn't think of, for one thing. You do not want hackers to have that information. Things like your location, identity, and even payment information are stored on Facebook

If your account is hacked, Facebook may take it upon itself to deactivate your account completely. This kind of action means you will not get your account back and you will lose all your pictures, friends and meaningful memories.

What can I do if I don't get the 2FA code?


Assuming you have no backup options and no longer have access to the phone number in the file, you will need to use an alternative method to log in. Your best option is to use a recognized device to get your security codes In settings.

If you do not have a recognized device, do not have a security code, and do not have access to one of the contact forms listed in your account, use the 'Trouble signing in' option from the login page.

I can't turn off 2FA on Facebook. What's going on

There are several possible reasons why Facebook won't let you down 2FA. If you have a specific app connected to Facebook, someone may prevent you from turning off the feature because it is required for security. Try removing any linked jobs or school apps, then follow the instructions again.

If you encounter an error, try using another web browser to turn off the security feature as this may be a problem for the browser itself.

Assuming you are using the correct password when logging in, you may need to contact Facebook support for further assistance. Generally, Facebook doesn't bother you to turn off this feature, so if you're having problems, it's probably account-specific, so you'll need a support team to help you.

What do I do if someone else logs in to my account and launches 2FA?
If you have already encountered an attack and hackers have launched 2FA, you will not be able to log in until the issue is resolved. Fortunately, Facebook is ready to help.

Visit this webpage to restore and regain access to your account so you can close or manage 2FA.

Do I need a verification code to close 2FA?

No, but you have a need to turn it on again. You will need a password to access security settings, but you will not need a text message verification code to turn it off.
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