How To Set Up Two-Factor Authentication
Setting up two-factor authentication means having that extra layer of security when you log in from a new phone, tablet or computer, or from a new location the website doesn't recognise. Some websites also require two-factor authentication every time you login or when you make a transaction.
This is a guide on how to set up two-factor Authentication on Facebook, but you can apply these steps to other apps and websites too.
The first step is to download an authenticator app via the App Store on an Apple device, or the Google Play store on an Android device.
Which Authenticator App Should I Download?
Here is a recommended list of authenticator apps:
Twilio Authy
Microsoft Authenticator
Google Authenticator
Duo Authenticator
How To Set Up Two-Factor Authentication on Facebook
Mobile App Guide:
- Tap Menu in the bottom right of Facebook.
- Scroll down and tap Settings & privacy, then tap Settings.
- Tap Accounts Centre.
- Tap Password and security.
- Scroll down and tap Use two-factor authentication. You may be asked to enter your password at this point.
- Choose the security method that you want to add and follow the on-screen instructions.
- 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.
Computer/Laptop Guide:
- Click on your profile picture in the top right, then click Settings and privacy.
- Click Settings.
- Click Accounts Centre, then click Password and security.
- Click Two-factor authentication, then click on the account that you'd like to update.
- Choose the security method that you want to add and follow the on-screen instructions.
- 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.
iPad App Guide:
- In the bottom right of Facebook, tap Menu.
- Scroll down and tap Settings & privacy, then tap Settings.
- Tap Accounts Centre.
- Tap Security and login.
- Scroll down and tap Use two-factor authentication. You may be asked to enter your password at this point.
- Choose the security method that you want to add and follow the on-screen instructions.
- 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.
NOTE: Once you've turned on two-factor authentication, you can get ten recovery login codes to use when you're unable to use your phone.
How To Get Recovery Codes:
Mobile App Guide:
- Tap Menu in the bottom right of Facebook.
- Scroll to the bottom and tap Settings and privacy, then tap Settings.
- Tap Accounts Centre, then tap Password and security.
- Tap Two-factor authentication, then select the account that you want to get the codes for. You may need to re-enter your password.
- Below How you get login codes, tap Additional methods, then tap Recovery codes.
- Tap Get new codes or Show codes.
Computer/Laptop Guide:
- Click your profile picture in the top right of Facebook.
- Select Settings and privacy, then click Settings.
- Click Accounts Centre.
- Click Password and security.
- Click Two-factor authentication, then select the account that you want to get the codes for. You may need to re-enter your password.
- Below How you get login codes, click Additional methods, then click Recovery codes.
- Click Get new codes.
iPad App Guide:
- Tap Menu in the bottom right of Facebook.
- Scroll to the bottom and tap Settings and privacy, then tap Settings.
- Tap Accounts Centre, then tap Password and security.
- Tap Two-factor authentication, then select the account that you want to get the codes for. You may need to re-enter your password.
- Below How you get login codes, tap Additional methods, then tap Recovery codes.
- Tap Get new codes or Show codes.