What is two-factor authentication and how does it work?
If you're having trouble logging into your Facebook account, review these tips first.
Two-factor authentication is a security feature that helps protect your Facebook account in addition to your password. If you set up two-factor authentication, you'll be asked to enter a special security code or confirm your login attempt each time someone tries accessing Facebook from a computer or mobile device we don't recognize. You can also get alerts when someone tries logging in from a computer we don't recognize.
To turn on or manage two-factor authentication:
- Go to your Security and Login Settings by clicking
in the top-right corner of Facebook and clicking Settings > Security and Login. - Scroll down to Use two-factor authentication and click Edit
- Choose the authentication method you want to add and follow the on-screen instructions
- Click Enable once you've selected and turned on an authentication method
There are several authentication methods you can use with your Facebook account when logging in from an unrecognized computer or mobile device:
- Text message (SMS) codes from your mobile phone
- Security codes from Code Generator
- Tapping your security key on a compatible device
- Security codes from a third party app
- Approving your login attempt from a device we recognize
- Using one of your printed recovery codes
Keep in mind: You can use as many authentication methods as you'd like, but you need to have at least text message (SMS) codes turned on, or at least both a security key and Code Generator turned on.
Other Useful Resources
- If you haven't saved the computer or mobile device you're using, you'll be asked to do so when you turn on two-factor authentication. This way you won't have to enter a security code when you log in again. Don't click Save this browser if you're using a public computer that other people can access (example: a library computer).
- We need to be able to remember your computer and browser information so we can recognize it the next time you log in. Some browser features block this. If you've turned on private browsing or set up your browser to clear your history every time it closes, you might have to enter a code every time you log in. Learn more.