Login Alerts and Two-Factor Authentication
Facebook.com on mobile browsers is in the process of being updated. See more
Facebook.com on mobile browsers is in the process of being updated. We’ll be adding updated instructions to the Help Center for features that are available on mobile browsers. Check back over the coming months. See less
Managing Your Alerts and Authentication Methods
Get alerts about unrecognized logins to Facebook
Get alerts about unrecognized logins to Facebook
You can improve the security of your Facebook account by getting an alert when someone tries logging in from a device or web browser we don't recognize. These alerts will tell you which device tried logging in and where it's located.
Get alerts about unrecognized logins
Classic mobile browser experience
Classic mobile browser experience
1.
Tap 
in the top right of Facebook.
in the top right of Facebook.2.
Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy
, then tap Settings
.
3.
Tap Accounts Center
, then tap Password and security
.
4.
Tap Login alerts
.
5.
Choose where you want to receive your alerts, such as your email account or with a Facebook notification from a recognized device.
6.
Tap Save
.
Updated mobile browser experience
Updated mobile browser experience
1.
Tap 
in the top right of Facebook.
in the top right of Facebook.2.
Scroll to the bottom of the menu and tap Settings and privacy
, then tap Settings
.
3.
Tap Accounts Center
, then tap Password and security
.
4.
Tap Login alerts
.
5.
Choose where you want to receive your alerts, such as your email account or with a Facebook notification from a recognized device.
After you start getting alerts about unrecognized logins:
When you receive a login alert, you can tell us if you recognize the login activity by clicking or tapping This was me
.
If you don't recognize the login activity, click or tap This wasn't me
and we'll help you reset your password and secure your account.
You can save a device or browser to your list of trusted browsers or recognized devices. This way, you won't get alerts about the computer or mobile device you usually use to log into Facebook. Don't choose this option if you're using a public computer (such as one in a library or cafe).
A list of recent devices that have logged into your Facebook account can be found in your
Security and Login Settings
.
How two-factor authentication works on Facebook
How two-factor authentication works on Facebook
If you're having trouble logging into your Facebook account, review these tips
first.
Two-factor authentication is a security feature that helps protect your Facebook account and your password. If you set up two-factor authentication, you'll be asked to enter a special login code or confirm your login attempt each time someone tries accessing Facebook from a browser or mobile device we don't recognize. You can also get alerts
when someone tries logging in from a browser or mobile device we don't recognize.
Turn on or manage two-factor authentication
Classic mobile browser experience
Classic mobile browser experience
1.
Tap
in the top right of Facebook.
in the top right of Facebook.2.
Scroll to the bottom and tap Settings
.
3.
Scroll down and tap Password and security
.
4.
Scroll down and tap Use two-factor authentication
. You may be asked to enter your password at this point.
5.
Tap Use authentication app
or Text message (SMS)
.
Updated mobile browser experience
Updated mobile browser experience
1.
Tap
in the top right of Facebook.
in the top right of Facebook.2.
Scroll down and tap Settings
, then tap Password and security
.
3.
Scroll down and tap Use two-factor authentication
.
4.
Choose the security method you want to add and follow the on-screen instructions.
If you've successfully turned on two-factor authentication for your Facebook account, a checked box will appear next to Two-factor authentication
at the top of your settings.
When you set up two-factor authentication on Facebook, you’ll be asked to choose one of three security methods:
Tapping your security key
on a compatible device.
Login codes from a third party authentication app
.
Text message (SMS) codes
from your mobile phone.
Once you've turned on two-factor authentication, you can get 10 recovery login codes to use when you're unable to use your phone. Learn how to set up recovery codes
.
Other Useful Resources
If you haven't saved the browser or mobile device you're using, you'll be asked to do so when you turn on two-factor authentication. This way you won't have to enter a security code when you log in again. Don't click Save this browser
if you're using a public computer that other people can access (example: a library computer).
We need to be able to remember your computer and browser information so we can recognize it the next time you log in. Some browser features block this. If you've turned on private browsing or set up your browser to clear your history every time it closes, you might have to enter a code every time you log in. Learn more
.
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.
Learn about what you can do if you turned on two-factor authentication but are now having trouble logging in
.
How do I use text messages (SMS) for two-factor authentication on Facebook?
How do I use text messages (SMS) for two-factor authentication on Facebook?
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:
Classic mobile browser experience
Classic mobile browser experience
1.
Tap
in the top right of Facebook.
in the top right of Facebook.2.
Scroll down and tap Settings
, then tap Password and security
.
3.
Scroll down and tap Use two-factor authentication
. You may be asked to re-enter your Facebook password at this point.
4.
Tap Use text message (SMS)
when you're asked to select a security method and follow the on-screen instructions.
5.
Once you've turned on text message (SMS) codes, you should also set up a second security feature, such as a security key
, trusted contacts
or recovery codes
. This helps to protect you in case your mobile phone is lost, stolen or hacked.
Updated mobile browser experience
Updated mobile browser experience
1.
Tap
in the top right of Facebook.
in the top right of Facebook.2.
Scroll down and tap Settings
, then tap Accounts Center
.
3.
Tap Password and security
4.
Scroll down and tap Use two-factor authentication
. You may be asked to re-enter your Facebook password at this point.
5.
Tap Use text message (SMS)
and follow the on-screen instructions.
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.
Get security code for two-factor authentication to log into Facebook
Get security code for two-factor authentication to log into Facebook
If you're having trouble logging into your Facebook account, review these tips
first.
If you've turned on two-factor authentication
, there are several ways you can get your security code or approve your login attempt.
Get security codes
You can use a six digit text message (SMS) code
sent to your mobile phone.
By tapping your security key
on a compatible device.
With a security code from a third party app
you've associated with your Facebook account.
You can approve your login attempt from a device we already recognize.
With one of your printed recovery codes
.
If you're unable to receive your security code, learn more about how to troubleshoot login with two-factor authentication
.
Using an authentication app for two-factor authentication on Facebook
Using an authentication app for two-factor authentication on Facebook
You can only add a third-party authentication app or other two-factor authentication method if you already have access to your Facebook account. If you can't access your Facebook account, you can learn how to try and recover it
.
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. A third-party authentication app (such as Google Authenticator or LastPass) can be used to generate login codes that help us confirm it's you when you log in from a new device for the first time.
Use a third-party authentication app for login codes
Classic mobile browser experience
Classic mobile browser experience
1.
Install a third-party authentication app on your device. It's best to install the app on the device you normally use to access Facebook.
2.
Tap
in the top right of Facebook.
in the top right of Facebook.3.
Scroll down and tap Settings
, then tap Security and Login
.
4.
Scroll down and tap Use two-factor authentication
.
5.
Tap Authentication App
, then tap Add a new app
.
6.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
Updated mobile browser experience
Updated mobile browser experience
1.
Install a third-party authentication app on your device. It's best to install the app on the device you normally use to access Facebook.
2.
Tap
in the top right of Facebook.
in the top right of Facebook.3.
Scroll down and tap Settings
.
4.
Tap Password and security
.
5.
Scroll down and tap Use two-factor authentication
.
6.
Tap Get Started
. You may be asked to re-enter your password at this point.
7.
Tap Use authentication app
when you're asked to choose your security method.
8.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
Setup Facebook login recovery codes
Setup Facebook login recovery codes
Some features may not be available to all users.
You'll need to set up two-factor authentication
before you can use this feature.
If you've turned on two-factor authentication, you can get 10 recovery login codes to use when you're unable to use your phone.
Once you have your recovery codes, you can use one in place of your authenticator code when logging in.
Get your codes
1.
Tap
in the top right of Facebook.
in the top right of Facebook.2.
Scroll to the bottom and tap Settings
, then tap Security and Login
.
3.
Tap Use two-factor authentication
.
4.
Enter your password and tap Continue
.
5.
Tap Recovery Codes
, then tap Show Codes
.
You can print or write down the 10 codes that appear. You'll only be able to use each code once. If you run out of codes or lose them, you can request new ones by clicking Get New Codes
.
If you're having trouble logging into your account and you have two-factor authentication turned on, learn more about how to troubleshoot login with two-factor authentication
.
Fix a Problem With Two-Factor Authentication
Login alerts showing same device at every login
Login alerts showing same device at every login
In order for you to use login alerts
, we need to be able to remember your computer, mobile device, and web browser information so we can recognize it the next time you try logging in.
If you're being asked to name a device you've already logged in from:
Make sure your device is listed in your Authorized Logins
in your Security and login settings
. You can save a device or browser to your list of trusted browsers or recognized devices after you log in.
If you're using private browsing
or incognito mode
on your mobile device or your computer's web browser, Facebook may not be able to recognize your device the next time you log in. Try turning off
private browsing or incognito mode when you use Facebook.
Log out of Facebook on another computer, phone, or tablet
Log out of Facebook on another computer, phone, or tablet
You can manage where you’re logged in from your Security and Login Settings. The WHERE YOU'RE LOGGED IN
section lists where you’re currently logged in. Each entry includes a date, time, location and device type.
End a session
Classic mobile browser experience
Classic mobile browser experience
1.
Tap
in the top right of Facebook.
in the top right of Facebook.2.
Scroll down and tap Settings
, then tap Password and security
.
3.
Go to the section WHERE YOU'RE LOGGED IN
. You may need to tap See more
to see all of the sessions where you're logged in.
4.
Find the session you want to end and tap 
then tap Log out
.
then tap Log out
.Tapping Log out
will immediately log you off of Facebook on that computer, phone or tablet.
Updated mobile browser experience
Updated mobile browser experience
1.
Tap
in the top right of Facebook.
in the top right of Facebook.2.
Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy
, then tap Settings
.
3.
Tap Accounts Center
, then tap Password and security
.
4.
Tap Where you're logged in
and select your account to see all of the sessions where you're currently logged in.
5.
Select the session you want to end and tap Log out
or scroll down and tap Select devices to log out
. You can select multiple sessions or all sessions by tapping Select all
, then tap Log out
.
Tapping Log out
will immediately log you out of Facebook on that device.
Review recent Facebook logins
Review recent Facebook logins
If you have two-factor authentication
turned on, you'll be asked to review recent logins anytime someone tries to log into your account and doesn't provide a security code. We'll show you where this happened, and you can let us know whether it was you (by clicking This was me
) or not (by clicking This wasn't me
).
If you approve the login attempt, you'll also have the option to remember the web browser or mobile device to log in more quickly in the future. You should only do this if that computer or mobile device belongs to you.
If you don't recognize the web browser or mobile device, follow the directions provided to secure your account. After you get back into your account, you may want to review these security tips
.
Note:
If you have two-factor authentication turned on and you're asked to enter a code every time you log in from a saved device, you may need to change your browser settings
.
When & why to save your device to your Facebook account
When & why to save your device to your Facebook account
When you turn on certain security settings, we might ask to remember your device.
When we ask to remember your device
We ask you to save your device to your Facebook account when you:
Turn on 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)
Turn on alerts for unrecognized logins
When you save your device information, we'll be able to recognize you the next time you login.
Find out more about 2FA
or how to get alerts for unrecognized logins
.
Why we want to recognize your login
We need to remember your device and browser info so that you don't have to:
Get unnecessary alerts
Enter a security code every time you log in
I have to enter a security code every time I log into Facebook.
I have to enter a security code every time I log into Facebook.
When you're using two-factor authentication
or getting alerts
about logins we don't recognize, we need to be able to remember your computer and web browser information so we can recognize it the next time you try logging in. Some web browser features block this. If you turned on private browsing or set up your browser to clear your history every time it closes, you might have to enter a security code every time you log in. Learn more
.
If your web browser includes a private browsing
or incognito mode
, using it to access Facebook will usually cause this to happen after closing your browser window.
