How To Configure Facebook Two-Factor Authentication

Earlier this year we described how to secure your Gmail account with 2-step verification. Facebook has recently launched a similar security feature called Login Approvals and in this article I will describe how to enable it.

Introduction

Login Approvals is a security feature that requires two-factor authentication from the user before access is permitted. This is a type of security feature which requires two separate steps to identify a user. In short, instead of just using a password, the user must input some other information. In this case that other information is a code sent to an authenticated mobile phone.

Set-Up Two-Factor Authentication

To set-up two-factor authentication, you have to enable the option in Facebook.

Once you have logged into Facebook, click the Account link at the top of the page and select Account Settings.

This will open up your general Facebook Account Settings page. Here, click the “change” link next to the “Account Security” option.

This will open up a drop-down below the “Account Security” section.

Firstly, you have the option to enable “Secure Browsing” which automatically switches your Facebook session over to a secure HTTPS connection.

Secondly, you can enable “Login Notifications” which notifies you via email and text messages whenever someone logs in to your Facebook account.

Finally, you have the option to enable “Login Approvals“. Check the box next to “Require me to enter a security code sent to my phone” to activate this feature.

After you do so, a pop-up will open which will guide you through the process of enabling this security option.

After selecting Next you should receive a text message on your phone which will be in the following format:

“Please use the code 12345 to confirm access to your phone for login approvals.”

Keep the code in mind and enter it into the box to confirm your phone.

If the phone number displayed is incorrect, select “Change my phone” to enter the mobile number you wish to associate with your Facebook account.

You have to confirm this number through a text message. Once you have added your number, you are directed back to the original page to continue setting up the two-factor authentication.

Once you have confirmed access to your phone, you will have to name your computer to add it to a list of recognized devices. Essentially, this computer will not require authentication after it is “recognized”.

That’s it! Two-factor authentication is now enabled for your Facebook account.

Logging In With Two-Factor Authentication

When logging into your Facebook account from a new device, a code will be sent to your phone which you will have to enter before you are granted access to your Facebook Account.

Once you enter the code, you will have to name your new device and add it to the list of “recognized devices”.

If you don’t have your phone, you will not be able to login to your Facebook account from a new computer. However, you can still login to your account from a computer that has already been authorised.

Conclusion

The two-step login verification function is a useful feature implemented by Facebook. However, it can become a problem if your phone is lost or for some reason you are not able to see the code on it. For example, if you travel to an area with no mobile reception, you will not be able to receive the code that allows you access to your Facebook account. On one hand this feature is useful if you are abroad and you want to ensure that your account is protected. On the other hand, you would not be able to use the two-step verification because your phone may not have roaming enabled. Although mobile phones are generally within easy reach, there will be plenty of times when login may become impossible simply because your mobile phone is not at hand. Hence, we suggest considering whether the benefits outweigh the difficulties of using the service.