How do I use text messages (SMS) for two-factor authentication on Facebook?
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If you're having trouble logging into your Facebook account, review these tips first.
When you turn on two-factor authentication, you're asked to choose either a security key, text message (SMS) codes or a third-party authentication app as your primary security method. If you choose to use text message (SMS), you'll be sent a text message (SMS) with a special 6-digit security code each time someone tries logging into your Facebook account from a mobile device or browser we don't recognize.
Note: Please make sure you are viewing your personal profile before starting the steps below.
To turn on text message (SMS) codes for your mobile device:
- Go to your Security and Login Settings.
- Scroll down to Use two-factor authentication and click Edit.
- Click Text message (SMS) when you're asked to select a security method and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Once you've turned on text message (SMS) codes, you should also set up a second security feature, such as a security key or recovery codes. This helps to protect you in case your mobile phone is lost, stolen or hacked.
Other Useful Resources
- Text message (SMS) security codes used for two-factor authentication are always 6 digits long.
- To set up text message (SMS) two-factor authentication, you can either use a mobile number that’s already been added to your account or add a new number. Learn more about how Facebook uses a mobile number added for two-factor authentication.
- If you're not receiving your text message (SMS) verification codes, you may have turned off text messages from Facebook. Learn how to turn text messages (SMS) back on.
- If you want to turn off text message (SMS) codes and use a different security method for two-factor authentication instead, you'll need to have have a third-party authentication app turned on or a security key added to your account to do this.
- You can disable text message (SMS) verification codes by clicking or tapping Turn off next to the mobile phone number you want to stop using. If you don't have a third-party authentication app turned on or a security key added to your account, turning off your mobile phone number will also turn off two-factor authentication.
- You can turn back on text message (SMS) codes for a mobile phone by clicking or tapping Use two-factor authentication, then Text message. Click or tap on the mobile phone number you want to start using again and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Learn more about managing two-factor authentication settings.
- Learn about what you can do if you turned on two-factor authentication but are now having trouble logging in.
Note: Facebook doesn't charge you for using text messages (SMS) for two-factor authentication. However, your mobile provider's standard rates for sending and receiving messages still apply.
