How to set up Facebook two-factor authentication (2FA)
Whether you’re getting extra social or enjoying Facebook Gaming, it’s a good idea to protect your account with two-factor authentication.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Whenever two-factor authentication (2FA) is supported, you really should have it enabled. This is especially true on a service like Facebook, which handles a ton of your personal information and hasn’t exactly got a gleaming history when it comes to privacy.
Two-factor authentication adds an additional layer of security, requiring a token to complete a login attempt on your account which is generated by you and that only you know. It’s a huge extra barrier when it comes to keeping someone out of your account.
If you’re looking to get Facebook 2FA set up, we’ll walk you through it.
How to set up Facebook two-factor authentication
If you find yourself doing most of your Facebook browsing on your PC, the website is probably the easiest place to get two factor enabled.
There are two methods you’ll be able to turn on: SMS-based code generation, and app-based generation. The latter is definitely the better choice, it’s more secure and more difficult to spoof by would-be hackers. You’ll want to grab something likeMicrosoft AuthenticatororAuthyfor your Android device or iPhone.
Then simply follow these steps.
After you complete this process, anytime you log in to Facebook on any device you’ll be prompted to enter a six-digit code from your authenticator app before you’re allowed in. It’s absolutely crucial that you don’t share your QR code, or even your device, with anyone else who may also know or be able to find out your Facebook password.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
The steps above also relate to the Facebook mobile apps. The same menus exist in those apps and setting up two-factor authentication is done in the exact same way.
The only difference may be that you have to copy and paste the code or QR code into your authenticator app instead of simply scanning it with your camera.
And that’s all there is to it. Your Facebook account is now a whole heap more secure than it was before, and that is a very good thing.
Richard Devine is a Managing Editor at Windows Central with over a decade of experience. A former Project Manager and long-term tech addict, he joined Mobile Nations in 2011 and has been found on Android Central and iMore as well as Windows Central. Currently, you’ll find him steering the site’s coverage of all manner of PC hardware and reviews. Find him on Mastodon atmstdn.social/@richdevine
