Best ways to Enable or Disable Facebook Two-Factor Authentication: Like most people, you have a love-hate relationship with Facebook. On the one hand, it’s a fantastic way to keep in touch with friends and family. But, on the other side, it’s a huge waste of time. But there is one aspect of Facebook that you should appreciate: its security measures. Its two-factor authentication (2FA) function, in particular. 2FA adds a level of security by requiring you to input a code from your phone in addition to your password. As a result, it makes it far more difficult for hackers to access your account. Unfortunately, the Facebook Two-Factor Authentication is not activated by default. So we’ll teach you how to activate it in this blog article.
What is Two-Factor Authentication?
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra level of security to your account to help prevent illegal access. When you activate 2FA, anytime you attempt to log in to Facebook, you will be requested to input a code from your authentication app. The program generates this code, which is unique to your account. It allows us to verify that you are attempting to access your account, even if someone else knows your password. If you have a phone that can receive text messages or calls, we suggest enabling 2FA for your Facebook account.
Why There is Need to Enable Facebook Two-Factor Authentication?
In this digital age, nothing is more vital than your online security, from keeping your privacy to protecting your accounts and passwords. But, unfortunately, someone is always keen to take advantage of a weakly protected Facebook account, which should not be yours!
Aside from standard security precautions (a strong password), Two-factor Authentication (2FA) requires you to provide a code to a secondary account or phone number before getting access. If you adequately configured Facebook Two-Factor authentication, you will get an SMS or email message with a one-time enter code. This code, which is usually numeric, expires after a few minutes and has nothing to do with your personal information (it’s not your birthdate or the last four digits of your SSN).
Of course, 2FA, like all kinds of security, is not without drawbacks. There may come a point when dropping the authentication is preferable to keeping it. For example, someone with your phone may access your Facebook account using the 2FA function. This post will cover how to set up 2FA on your Facebook account and delete it. It also lists a few more security safeguards the social media tech giant provides. You may activate 2FA on Facebook in a variety of ways. The sections that follow will teach you how to implement two-factor authentication on different platforms.
How to Use a Web Browser to Enable Facebook 2FA
If you haven’t previously activated two-factor authentication, do the following:
- Log in to Facebook, then pick the downward arrow symbol in the top-right corner, followed by Settings & Privacy.
- Select Settings.
- Select Security & Login from the left-hand menu.
- Scroll to the bottom and choose Use two-factor authentication.
- Follow the steps to designate the contact to receive your 2FA codes after clicking Use text message (SMS).
You will now be required to verify a random code given to that security method whenever you log into Facebook. However, be aware that if you do not have access to it that way, you may be unable to access your Facebook account in the future.
How to Enable 2FA on an Android App
Follow these instructions if you’re an Android user who needs to activate Facebook Two-Factor authentication while on the go:
- Tap on the three horizontal lines in the top right-hand corner of the Facebook app. Then, choose Settings & Privacy, followed by Settings.
- Choose Security and Login.
- Select the Use two-factor authentication option.
- Select the option to enable 2FA. Then, ensure that it is turned on (it gives you the chance to turn it off).
How to Enable 2FA on the Facebook iOS App
iPhone users may do the following steps:
- On your iPhone, open the Facebook app and touch on the three horizontal lines in the bottom right-hand corner.
- Select Settings & Privacy, then Settings.
- Select Security and Login.
- Select the Use two-factor authentication option.
- To activate or disable 2FA, tap Turn On or Turn Off.
After you’ve activated Facebook Two-Factor authentication, double-check that your phone number can receive text messages and alerts.
How to Turn Off 2FA on the Facebook
If 2FA is no longer functioning for you or you need to turn it off for whatever reason, follow the procedures below.
- Log in to Facebook, click the Settings tab, then the Security & Login page.
- Click the Edit button next to the 2FA option. After that, enter your existing Facebook password.
- You can now deactivate two-factor authentication by clicking Turn Off.
Now, follow the on-screen instructions to delete Facebook Two-Factor Authentication. After that, you may log into Facebook without a verification code.
Things to Do Before Enabling 2FA
As previously said, 2FA is a beautiful security feature, but you must take specific steps before ensuring that you will not have difficulties logging in later. Because 2FA is so secure, even you (the account owner) may have trouble logging in if you don’t set it up properly. So the first step is to ensure that all of your contact information on Facebook is up to date.
Check that your Facebook contact information is correct
- Use one of the device ways to access Facebook 2FA settings (browser, Android, iOS) until you reach and choose Use Two-factor authentication.
- If you haven’t previously, click Manage next to your mobile number or Use text message (SMS). Check and, if necessary, change your phone number.
- Nothing further is necessary if you choose the built-in 2FA option.
- Select Turn Off when using a third-party 2FA option.
Note: Because the built-in Facebook 2FA option stops that same phone number from changing your password, Facebook suggests using a third-party 2FA app.
Maintaining your phone number is critical to your security and ability to obtain access to Facebook on a new account. If this number is no longer valid, you will not be sent a security code, thus locking you out of your account. You should also update your contact information if your phone number changes.
Alternatives to Facebook’s Built-In 2FA
If you no longer have a phone number or wish to use the built-in 2FA, you aren’t entirely out of luck. Facebook provides an alternate method of account security.
How to Use Third-Party Facebook 2FA Verification Apps
A third-party authentication app is a fast and simple alternative to Facebook 2FA. Google Authenticator is a popular and trustworthy software for iOS and Android users, but you may use any 2FA app you choose, such as Authy for Facebook.
- Use one of the device ways to access Facebook 2FA settings (browser, Android, iOS) until you reach and choose Use Two-factor authentication.
- Instead of Text Message, choose Use Authentication App (SMS).
- To set up your third-party app, Facebook will provide you with a scannable QR code and an alpha-numeric code. Continue after following the instructions.
You may now use a third-party app to log in to Facebook with 2FA without providing a phone number.
How to Unlock Your Facebook Account Using Friends
Another option for Facebook 2FA is to use your friends. Although this approach is mainly used when you are locked out of Facebook, it still functions as a 2FA method since it employs keys. Your trustworthy buddy offers you a Facebook code and URL to help you log back in.
- Access Facebook 2FA settings using one device as mentioned earlier (browser, Android, iOS) until you reach the Security and Login menu.
- Select Choose 3 to 5 people to notify if you are locked out in the Setting Up Extra Security section.
- Choose Pals if you haven’t already added any friends.
- Choose Trusted Contacts from the popup menu.
- Enter each friend’s name in the next window and choose them from the search list. After selecting the first to repeat the procedure, you’ll write the next one.
- Once you’ve chosen three to five friends, click Confirm.
Options for Deprecated/Removed 2FA
Facebook used to offer the “Add a Backup Method” section under “Security and Login,” which allowed universal two-factor authentication (U2F) through a browser or 2FA-compatible USB devices, as well as near-field communication (NFC), but it no longer does. Setting Up Extra Security replaces the Add a Backup Section.
To begin with, Chrome has deprecated the U2F security protocol in favor of FIDO2/WebAuth security keys. Other browsers have followed their lead. Second, Facebook has opted to allow you to use three to five “trusted” friends to assist you in unlocking your account, which you can locate under the Setting Up Extra Security area.
As a result, you only have two alternatives for logging into Facebook: 2FA (by SMS or an authenticator app) and friends.
How to Change Your Phone Number
2FA is mainly based on your phone number unless you use authenticator software. But what if your phone number is inaccurate or out of date? Of course, you may edit it!
- To access Facebook’s Security Settings, follow the same steps as previously and hit Edit next to 2FA. Tap Manage next to Your security method.
- Then, from the dropdown menu, choose to Use a new number.
- Continue after clicking Add Phone Number.
- Enter your new phone number and press the Continue button.
If the new phone number does not show or you get an error code, you may turn off 2FA and then set it back on. It will allow you to enter a new phone number.
Questions and Answers
Nowadays, protecting your Facebook account is critical. This section has been included to address any additional queries you may have.
How do I activate Facebook Two-factor authentication?
You can activate Facebook Two-Factor Authentication by navigating to the Security and Login settings page and selecting the Edit button next to Two-Factor Authentication. You will then be able to choose whether you wish to create codes via text messages or an app.
They’ll send codes to the mobile phone number linked with your Facebook account if you want to use text messaging. If you decide to use an app, we suggest downloading one of the following: Google Authenticator, Authy, or Duo Security are all options. Once you’ve downloaded one of these applications, please open it and add Facebook as an account. Then, to finish the setup, follow the directions inside the program.
Once you’ve enabled two-factor authentication, you should add a backup method in case you lose your phone or don’t have access to it for whatever reason. Return to the Security and Login settings page and choose Edit next to Two-Factor Authentication. Scroll down and choose to Add under Backup Codes. These codes may be used if you cannot receive codes through text messages or apps for any reason. We suggest you save these codes in a secure location, such as a password manager, so you can access them if necessary.
Is 2FA required for Facebook?
Two-Factor Authentication is strongly advised, particularly for Facebook. For one thing, social networking site has access to much personal information about you that you probably aren’t aware of. You don’t want a hacker to have access to such information. Facebook stores information such as your location, identity, and even payment information.
If your account is hacked, Facebook may decide to cancel your account permanently. Unfortunately, this action will result in losing your account and all your photos, friends, and valuable moments.
What if I don’t get the 2FA code?
If you don’t have a backup plan and no longer have access to the phone number on file, you’ll need to use another means to log in. Your best bet will be to use a recognized device to get your security codes under Settings. If you don’t have a recognized device, security code, or access to one of the contact methods indicated on your account, use the ‘Trouble signing in’ option from the login screen.
I’m unable to disable 2FA on Facebook, How to Fix it?
There are many reasons why Facebook won’t let you disable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). If you have particular applications linked to Facebook, one of them may prohibit you from disabling the function since it is essential for security reasons. Remove any related work or school applications, then retry the steps.
If you get an error, use another web browser to disable the security feature since the problem might be with the browser itself.
Assuming you’re signing in with the proper password, you should contact Facebook support for more assistance. In general, Facebook makes it easy to disable this function, but if you run into trouble, it’s most likely account-specific, which is why you’ll need to contact support.
What should I do if another user signed in and enabled 2FA on my account?
If you’ve previously been hacked and the hacker enabled 2FA, you won’t be able to log in until the issue is rectified. Fortunately, Facebook is ready to assist.
Visit this page to recover and restore access to your account to disable or manage 2FA.
Is a verification code required to disable 2FA?
No, however, you will need one to turn it back on. Again, you will need your password to access the security settings, but no text message verification code is required to turn it off.
Final Words Facebook Two-Factor Authentication
No matter how strong your password is, it may be cracked. Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds security by requiring you to confirm your identity before logging in. When 2FA is enabled, you must input your password and a code issued by an Authenticator app on your phone before logging in. As a result, it is far more difficult for someone to break into your account even if they know your password.
Enabling Facebook Two-Factor Authentication is a fantastic approach to secure your account, but it is not perfect. For example, someone with access to your phone may still create the codes required to log in. As a result, it’s essential to use a strong password and keep your phone secure. Also read how to change your IP address frequently?
