There’s still hope if you are unable to access Facebook without a reset code or confirmation. Facebook’s Code Generator only one layer of security.
We will show you alternative ways to log in to your account and how to receive a Facebook confirmation code.
What is the purpose of a Facebook confirmation code?
After you have enabled Facebook’s two-factor authentication (which we highly recommend), Facebook will ask for a confirmation or security code to log in from another location or device. Learn more about two-factor authentication and why it is important.
You only need your username, email address, and password to log in to your Facebook account without two-factor authentication.
READ MORE: Is your Facebook account being hacked? How to tell (and fix it)
You can add an additional layer of security by activating Facebook’s 2-factor authentication.
How do I find a Facebook confirmation code?
There are three ways to get a Facebook login code:
- Facebook allows you to send a confirmation code via text message to a mobile phone number that is associated with your account.
- An authentication app such as Duo or Google Authenticator. The Facebook mobile app also includes a Code Generator, which automatically generates a new security code every 30-60 seconds.
- You can choose from a list saved to your backup Facebook recovery codes.
You can create codes in addition to creating a second-factor security code that allows you to log into Facebook via NFC or USB.
Two of the methods mentioned above require a mobile device. Make sure you have at minimum one alternative method to log in to Facebook in case your device is lost.
How to set up Facebook’s 2-Factor Authentication
Open Facebook, click the arrowhead at the top right to expand your navigation menu and then go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Security. Click Two Factor Authentication and then Edit to the right of Use two factor authentication. You might be asked to enter your password at this point.
Select the method that you would like Facebook to verify your identity. You have the option to proceed with an authentication app (recommended), a Text Message (SMS) or a Security key. Select your choice and then click Next.
We chose the Text Message option and entered the six-digit code Facebook sent to our mobile phone number. You can either use an existing phone number or create a new one. After entering the Facebook confirmation code, click End to complete the initial setup.
You can now add an authentication app and save recovery codes. You can also modify the phone number Facebook uses to send you a login code by clicking Manage beside the Text message (SMS) option.
Note: To check if the code from the Google Authenticator app isn’t working while you’re setting it up, open the Authenticator App, tap the three-dot icon at the top right and choose Settings > Time Correction for codes. It should now work.
To temporarily disable two-factor authentication on Facebook, click Turn off. You’ll then be able log in with your basic login credentials.
How do I access the Facebook Code Generator?
Code Generator allows you to quickly access two-factor authentication codes using your mobile number. This tool is useful for those who travel or don’t have access to mobile reception. The Code Generator is available in the Facebook app for iOS or Android.
Open the Facebook app and click the hamburger at the top. Scroll down to expand the Privacy menu and choose Code Generator. This will show you the tool running through new security codes every 30 to 60 seconds.
Have you lost your phone and can’t use the code generator?
It can be difficult to lose or damage your Facebook account key if your phone has been set up to be your key. This is how to deal with an incident where the Code Generator is lost or stolen.
1. Let Facebook Text You a Confirmation Code
Are you still able to access the mobile number that you used for two-factor authentication but not yet? Let Facebook send you a confirmation code in that situation. Facebook cannot use the same number to verify two-factor authentication even if other numbers have been set up under your profile.
Select You will be asked for a login code. Click Bottom left, then click Send me a login code and wait for it to arrive. Facebook can also call you.
2. Use saved recovery codes
You had the option to save a list of recovery codes after setting up two-factor authentication. You might have printed the code and taken a picture or written it down, then saved it in a safe place.
You should save recovery codes as soon as possible if you lose access to your account. If you lose Code Generator access, you can still log in to Facebook using one of these codes from a different device or location.
3. Sign off on the Login from an Authorized Device
Facebook will ask you if you’d like to save your login code every time you log in from a new device or application. The next time you access Facebook from this location and device, you won’t need to enter a login code. This could be your secret backdoor to your Facebook account, even though Code Generator is not available.
You can access Facebook using a browser or an app that you have used before. Perhaps you are still logged into Facebook on an old computer, your laptop at work, or your tablet. If you locate a device that allows you to access Facebook, you will receive a notification asking for your approval.
4. Confirm your identity
All of these failed to work? Send a request to Facebook. After you have selected You may need to authorize using another method (see option 1)), then select Get more help and Facebook will guide you through how to recover your account.
Enter an email address, and then upload a photo of your ID. This can include a passport, driver’s license, national ID card, or any other official document.
After you’ve provided the required information, Facebook will send you an email with additional steps to recover your account.
Are you able to log in again to Facebook? Make sure to save your recovery codes, create a new authentication app, update other recovery options, and set up new recovery options.
Have you lost your mobile device?
If you haven’t logged out of the app to prevent someone from accessing your Facebook account via a lost or stolen device, close the session. Go to Privacy > Settings & Privacy > Settings Mobile > Lost your phone? then click the Log out on Phone button.
You should remove the phone number.
There are many ways to log off Facebook from other devices if you’ve lost your device or have not set up your mobile number.
Go to Facebook on a recognized device. > Settings and Security > Settings and Login > Where you’re Logged in. You can end multiple sessions if you are unsure. This will log you off of the app.
You can save backup codes until you have your phone returned or you are able to set up Code Generator on another phone. To generate codes, you could also use a third-party app.
In the future, ensure that at least one device other than your phone or laptop has an authorized login. This could be your home computer, which you will always have access to. Facebook should only ever remember locations and devices that are safe and private. You should also regularly review your Authorized Logins, and Remove obsolete items.
Also, make sure to change your password on Facebook.
Protect Your Facebook Account
We hear daily from people who have lost their Facebook account. We can’t help all of them as they didn’t set up safety options or had their passwords cracked. The hackers also changed their passwords and recovery options. Facebook can help you recover an account in such cases.
Don’t let it get this far. It takes only a few minutes for you to enable two-factor authentication, and to save Facebook recovery codes. You can recover your Facebook account if disaster strikes again.
