Keep your Facebook account secure with 2FA
What to Know
- On the Facebook website, select the down arrow > Settings & Privacy > Settings.
- Choose Security and Login. Next to Use two-factor-authentication, select Edit.
- Enter your Facebookpasswordto open the Two-Factor Authentication dashboard.
This article explains how to turn two-factor authentication on and off on the Facebook website.
How to Activate Two-Factor Authentication on Facebook
Facebook accounts often contain a great deal of personal information and other private data, so it's important to know how to activate two-factor authentication (2FA) on Facebook. With 2FA enabled, you are asked to validate your identity each time you log in. Validation uses methods that include entering a one-time code sent to your mobile device or approving the authentication attempt on another trusted device.
Go to your Facebook home page and click the down arrow in the upper right corner.
Click Settings & Privacy > Settings in the menu.
Select Security and Login in the left pane.
Scroll down to the Two-Factor Authentication section and select Edit located next to Use two-factor authentication option.
Enter your Facebook password and click Continue to open the Two-Factor Authentication dashboard for your account.
For 2FA, choose between receiving text messages with a code or using a third-party app.
For text messages, you can use a phone number already associated with your Facebook account or choose a new one to receive these texts.
Select an optional backup method. You have the option of using a static recovery code only you know or tapping the security key (such as Touch ID) on a compatible device.
These backup methods are not mandatory but are recommended in case you cannot access your primary 2FA device or application. To configure either, select Setup next to the Security Key or Recovery Codes option.
When 2FA is first enabled, you are asked if you want to save the computer, smartphone, or tablet you're currently logging in from. If you opt to do this, you won't be required to enter a security code every time you access Facebook from the device in question. You shouldn't do this on public computers or other devices used by other people.
How to Turn Off Facebook 2-Step Verification
While this isn't recommended, you can turn off two-factor authentication on your Facebook account by returning to Facebook's Security and Login screen.
Log in to Facebook and select the down arrow in the upper right corner of the screen. From the menu, choose Settings & Privacy > Settings > Security and Login.
Scroll down to the Two-Factor Authentication section and select Edit located next to the Use two-factor authentication option.
Enter your Facebook password and select Continue.
At the top of the screen is an indicator noting that two-factor authentication is turned on. Select Turn Off.
Select Turn Off again in the confirmation dialog to complete the process.
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This morning we had a couple of team members mention that their Facebook account was restricted from advertising. With all the sweeping deactivations lately, we assumed this was similar. However, after a closer look, we found out it was a simple fix that anyone can do.
At some point between 7pm last night and 9am this morning, Facebook implemented an update where if you do not have 2 Factor Authentication enabled, you will be restricted from advertising on Facebook. You will also be unable to make any changes within the business manager.
I’m sure you know what 2 Factor authentication is, but for those that might not, Wikipedia defines it as:
Multi-factor authentication (MFA; encompassing Two-factor authentication or 2FA, along with similar terms) is an electronic authentication method in which a computer user is granted access to a website or application only after successfully presenting two or more pieces of evidence (or factors) to an authentication mechanism: knowledge (something only the user knows), possession (something only the user has), and inherence (something only the user is). It protects the user from an unknown person trying to access their data such as personal ID details or financial assets.
In non-tech speak, it means that simply logging in with a password is not enough. You must also verify your login another way – either with a text message or authenticator app.
Enabling 2 Factor Authentication is usually pretty easy. For Facebook specifically, their documentation is pretty helpful. You can also follow the steps below:
To turn on or manage two-factor authentication:
- Go to your Security and Login Settings.
- Scroll down to Use two-factor authentication and click Edit.
- Choose the security method you want to add and follow the on-screen instructions.
When you set up two-factor authentication on Facebook, you’ll be asked to choose one of two security methods:
- Login codes from a third party authentication app.
- Text message (SMS) codes from your mobile phone.
You’ll need to have at least one of these set up in order to use two-factor authentication. Once you have added either text message (SMS) codes or a third party authentication app on your account, you’ll also be able to set up some of the optional methods below:
- Approving your login attempt from a device we recognize.
- Using one of your recovery codes.
- Tapping your security key on a compatible device.
The authenticator app we prefer is Google Authenticator. Get it for free from the Apple Store or Google Play.
To see if any of your team members are affected, review the People in your Facebook Business Managers and give them a courtesy heads up.