How to Enable (or Disable) Two-Factor Authentication on Facebook

In the digital age, there is little more important than your online security. From maintaining your privacy to protecting your accounts and passwords, there's always someone out there ready to take advantage of a poorly secured account.

In addition to standard security protocols (a really good password), 2FA provides a code to a secondary account or phone number before access is granted. When you have successfully configured 2FA, you will receive an SMS or email with a one-time entry code. Typically numeric, this code expires after several minutes, and it's not tied to your personal information in any way (it's not your birthday or the last 4 of your SSN).

2FA, like other forms of security, is not without its flaws, of course. There may come a time when you are actually safer to remove authentication than to maintain it. If someone has your phone, they can easily log into your Facebook account using the 2FA feature. Many times, just clicking "That was me" is enough to bypass the one-time, secure password you set up.

This article will look at how to set up 2FA on your Facebook account and remove it. We'll also go over a few other security features the social media giant has to offer.

How to enable 2FA

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

How to Enable 2FA on a Web Browser

If you haven't enabled 2FA yet, follow these steps:

1. Log in to Facebook and select the arrow icon to access the Settings and privacy menu. Then select Parameters again.
   
2. Select Security and connection in the left menu.
   
3. Scroll down and click 'Edit' at the right of 'Use two-factor authentication. '
   
4. From there, you'll need to log back into Facebook using your current password. Follow the prompts and assign the contact to receive your 2FA codes.
   

Now, every time you log into Facebook, you'll need to verify a random code sent to this security method. But beware; if you don't have access to this method, you may not be able to log into your Facebook account in the future.

How to Enable 2FA on Android Mobile App

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

1. Open the Facebook app and tap on the three horizontal lines in the upper right corner. Then press Settings and privacy, and Parameters.
   
2. Press Security and connection.
   

How to Disable 2FA

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

1. Following the same instructions as above, log into Facebook and head to the Security and connection page under the Parameters tongue.
   
2. Click on 'Edit' next to the 2FA option. Next, you will need to enter your current Facebook password.
   
3. You can now click 'Switch off' to disable two-factor authentication.
   

Now follow the prompts to remove 2FA. Once done, you can log in to Facebook without having a verification code.

Things to know before enabling 2FA

As stated above, 2FA is a great security feature, but there are a few things you need to do first to make sure you won't have problems logging in later.

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

Following the same instructions as above to access the 2FA settings, locate 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 crucial for your security and ability to access Facebook on a new account. If this number is outdated, you will not receive a security code, thus locking your account. Your contact details must be updated each time you change your telephone number.

2FA Alternatives

If you don't have a phone number or don't want to use 2FA anymore, you're completely out of luck with additional account security. Facebook offers many security features to protect your account.

Third-party 2FA verification apps

A quick and easy alternative to the SMS 2FA option is a third-party authenticator app. Google Authenticator is a popular and trusted app available for both iOS and Android users, but you are free to choose the app you feel comfortable using.

Follow the same instructions as above to update your phone number, but this time choose " Manage' under the 'Third-party authentication app' in the Facebook settings.

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

Now you can log into Facebook with 2FA without a phone number.

Unrecognized connection alerts

Facebook offers alerts for unrecognized devices. If a new browser or a new Facebook application is detected, you will receive an alert. The alert notification is great as you can also deny entry directly from your device.

If you get one of these alerts, it's probably a good idea to change your Facebook password. But also, change your email password too. A hacker gained access somehow, so it's best to err on the side of caution and update both passwords.

Application passwords

A unique feature of Facebook's security suite is the ability to use separate passwords for linked apps. If you've ever spoken to someone in IT, you've probably been told to use a different password for each account. This is very important because if you have one or two passwords, that's all a hacker will need to gain access to multiple accounts.

Facebook offers easy login to several apps. From Tinder to your favorite mobile game. In keeping with the "use a variety of passwords" mantra we hear so often, head over to the Security and connection page as you did before.

Select 'Add' next to the 'Application passwords and start creating new passwords for your linked apps.

How to avoid being blocked

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

To return to the same Settings menu we used to configure 2FA, scroll to the bottom of the Connection and security page. Select one of the available backup options.

Recovery codes are an optimal choice because you can store them securely and access them anytime to access Facebook, bypassing 2FA. Be careful, if someone gets their hands on your security codes, they can also log in.

From this same page, you can also assign three Facebook friends to help you regain access if you choose to do so. Setting up these features before you experience connection issues is ideal. Once you're blocked, you'll need to contact Facebook Support using the "Problem Signing In?" button. » button on the login screen. Then you're at Facebook's mercy to respond and help you regain access to your account.

How to update your phone number

2FA mostly relies on your phone number, unless you're using an authenticator app. But what if your phone number is incorrect or outdated? Well, you can update it, of course!

1. Follow the same instructions as above to access Facebook's security settings and tap "Edit" next to 2FA. Next to "Your security method," tap "Manage."
   
2. Next, click "Use a different number" from the drop-down menu.
   
3. Click on “Add a phone number”, then on “Continue”.
   
4. Enter your new phone number and press “Continue”.
   

The new phone number should appear. But, if it doesn't or you receive an error code, you can disable 2FA and then re-enable it. This will allow you to enter a completely new phone number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Securing your Facebook account is way too important these days. We have included this section to answer more of your questions.

Do I need 2FA?

2FA or a similar alternative is highly recommended, especially for Facebook. The social media site has access to a lot of your personal information that you probably didn't think of, for one thing. You don't want a hacker to have this information. Things like your location, your identity, and even your payment information are all stored on Facebook.

If your account is hacked, Facebook can take care of completely deactivating your account. This means that you will not recover your account and you will lose all your significant photos, friends and memories.

What can I do if I cannot receive the 2FA code?

Assuming you haven't configured a backup option and you no longer have access to the saved phone number, you'll need to use another method to log in. Your best option will be to use a reputable device to ensure your safety. codes in the settings.

If you don't have a recognized device with you, you don't have your security codes, and you don't have access to any of the contact forms listed on your account, use the "Problem signing in" option. ” in the login page.

I can't disable 2FA on Facebook. What is happening?

There are several possible reasons why Facebook does not allow you to disable 2FA. If you have certain Facebook-related apps, one of them may prevent you from disabling the feature as it is required for security reasons. Try removing any related work or school apps and follow the instructions again.

If you receive an error, try another web browser to disable the security feature, as it could be a problem with the browser itself.

Assuming you are using the correct password when logging in, you may need to contact Facebook Support for assistance. Generally, Facebook gives you no problem disabling this feature, so if you're having a problem, it's probably account-specific, which is why you'll need the support team to help you out.

What should I do if someone else has logged in and enabled 2FA on my account?

If you have already suffered an attack and the attacker has enabled 2FA, you cannot log in until the problem is resolved. Fortunately, Facebook is ready to help.

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

Do I need a verification code to deactivate 2FA?

No, but you need it to turn it back on. You'll need your password to access the security settings, but you won't need an SMS verification code to turn it off.