How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication on Facebook

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Two-factor authentication (2FA) helps to protect your account from hackers and fraudulent use.  It is a recommended security best practice that only takes a few minutes to set-up.

2. Settings from Website

To change your Facebook Settings from the website, go to the Settings menu

3. Security Settings from Website

Select Security and Login setting

4. Two-Factor Authentication from Website

Go to Use two-factor authentication setting and click Edit

5. Get Started with Two-Factor Authentication from Website

 Click Get Started

6. Choose Authentication Method from Website

Select your preferred method to receive confirmation codes for two-factor authentication.  Receiving a text message to your mobile phone is the default option.  Alternately, you can use an authentication app such as Duo Mobile.

7. Enter Authentication Code from Website

Enter the six digit code that was sent to your mobile phone via text.  This step authenticates you to make this change to your account.  Please note, the text message will come from a five digit number, for example 32665.  This is NOT the code.  The six digit code is in the text message itself.

8. Finish Two-Factor Authenitcation from Website

Two factor authentication is now set-up on your Facebook account.

9. Select Your Security Method in the Facebook App

Whenever Facebook notices a login from a browser or device they don't recognize, they'll ask you for your password and a verification code. How you get a verification code depends on which security method you are using. You can pick either the Authentication App or Text Message (SMS).

1. In the upper-right, tap the menu then go to Settings.
   

1. Scroll down and tap Security and Login.
   

1. Under Two-Factor Authentication, tap Use two-factor authentication.
   

1. From here, you may select your two-factor authentication method. Select Authentication App if you want to verify via an app like Google Authenticator or Duo Mobile. If you prefer to receive a text message to verify, select Text Message (SMS).
   

10. Receive Verification Codes via Text Message (SMS)

If you want to receive a text message with your verification code, follow the steps below.

1. Put a check next to Text Message (SMS).
   

1. Which phone number do you wish to get your verification code at? Pick one from the list or add a new phone number. Tap Continue when you are done.
   

1. When you receive the text message, make note of the verification code contained within the text. It'll be a six-digit number.
   

1. Enter the six-digit code that was sent to your phone. If you didn't receive the text message, verify that the obfuscated phone number is correct. If you still don't have the code, hit RESEND CODE to try again, or the back button to check your settings or try another phone. Hit Continue when done.
   

1. Re-enter your password and hit Continue.
   

1. Success! Two-factor authentication is now on. The next time you log in from a device Facebook doesn't recognize, they'll send a verification code to your phone. Tap Done.
   

11. Receive Verification Codes via Authentication App

If you want to generate a verification code in an authentication app like Google Authenticator or Duo Mobile, follow the steps below.

1. Put a check next to Authentication App.
   

Use an Authenticator on This Phone

1. If you are currently on the phone you'll be using the authenticator on, tap Set up on same device.
   

1. Success! Press OK on any prompt.

Use an Authenticator on Another Phone

1. To use the authenticator app on your phone, you'll need to scan the following QR code into the app using the camera.
   

1. Open Google Authenticator or Duo Mobile and scan the QR code. Alternatively, you can enter the 32-digit setup key in the app.