What is two-factor authentication and why is it used?
Two-factor authentication (2FA), sometimes referred to as two-step verification , is a security process in which users provide two different authentication factors to verify themselves.
Step 1.
Launch the Facebook mobile app on your smart device, or navigate to Facebook.com in your web browser. Log in to your Facebook account if prompted. You’ll arrive at your Facebook home screen.
Step 2.
Tap the “Menu” icon in the lower-left corner of the Facebook mobile app to display a menu. Scroll down to the bottom of the menu, tap “Settings & Privacy” to display the Settings & Privacy drop-down, and then tap “Settings.” The Settings screen will be displayed. Alternatively, you can click the down-pointing arrow icon in the upper left corner of the Facebook website in your web browser and then click “Settings” to arrive at the same Settings screen.
Step 3.
Tap “Security and Login” in the Security section on the Facebook mobile app. You’ll land on the Security and Login screen. Alternatively, tap “Security and Login” on the left side of the web application. The Security and Login screen will be displayed in the window on the right side of the screen.
Step 4.
Scroll down to the Two-Factor Authentication section, and then tap or click “Use Two-Factor Authentication.” The Two-Factor Authentication window appears.
Step 5.
Select “Get Started.” The Choose a Security Method screen appears.
Step 6.
You can choose to either receive a text message at the phone number associated with your Facebook account, or to use an app — such as Google Authenticator or Duo Mobile. In this example, I’ll choose to receive a code via text message to the phone number associated with my Facebook account. An Enter Code screen appears, prompting you to enter the code you received through your selected method.
Step 7.
Enter the confirmation code in the Confirmation Code field, and then tap or click “Next.” A confirmation screen will appear, informing you that you’ll receive a prompt for a confirmation code anytime you access your Facebook account from a device that Facebook doesn’t recognize.
Step 8.
Tap or click “Finish.” You’ll be returned to the Two-Factor Authentication screen, where you’ll now see that two-factor authentication is turned on for your Facebook account.
