Facebook does not directly send text messages through its platform. However, there are some situations where you may receive text messages related to your Facebook account or interactions on Facebook.
Facebook Account Notifications
When you set up two-factor authentication for your Facebook account, you have the option to receive authentication codes through text message when logging in from a new device. This allows you to verify your identity and securely log in to your account.
Facebook may also send you text messages if you choose to receive login notifications by text. These texts will alert you when your Facebook account is accessed from a new location or device.
In addition, if you lose access to your Facebook account, you can request to reset your password via text message. Facebook will text you a special code that allows you to set a new password and regain access.
Facebook Messenger
While Facebook itself does not send texts, Facebook Messenger allows you to send text messages to your Facebook friends and contacts. When you exchange messages with someone on Messenger who has a mobile phone number linked to their account, your messages will be delivered to that person via text.
So if you do not have a Messenger app installed on your phone, conversations with Facebook friends through Messenger will come to you as text messages. Any messages you send back will be delivered to that friend through Messenger.
Facebook Marketplace
When buying or selling items on Facebook Marketplace, you may choose to contact sellers or buyers directly via text message or phone call. Your Facebook app will prompt you to confirm that you want to share your phone number before sending the message.
Facebook itself does not see the content of these communications. The texting and calling features are provided by third-party services, so the messages will not appear as coming directly from Facebook.
Notifications from Facebook Pages or Ads
Some Facebook pages let you sign up to receive text notifications for new posts, events, deals, and other updates. You would need to proactively opt in to these alerts and provide your phone number to the page owner.
Similarly, some Facebook ads prompt you to text a specified number to receive discounts, coupons, or other promotions from the advertiser. Again, this is not Facebook directly texting you but rather third-party businesses you have engaged with.
Facebook Policy on Text Messaging
Facebook’s data policy clarifies that advertisers and page owners who collect your phone number may use it to send you text messages. However, Facebook policy prohibits sending unsolicited, automatically dialed texts such as telemarketing messages.
Any business found to be violating the text messaging policy risks losing access to Facebook platforms and advertising services. So while you may receive some texts related to Facebook activity you have initiated, Facebook works to prevent unwanted spam texts through their service.
Third-Party Apps Connected to Facebook
When you allow a third-party app or service access to your Facebook account, it may retrieve your phone number or messaging data for its own purposes. This could potentially result in text messages that seem tied to your Facebook account.
For example, a game or quiz app might collect your profile info and then send promotional texts. Or a marketing app might automatedly text all users who have installed it. While this activity stems from your Facebook usage in some way, Facebook itself does not directly send the texts.
How to Avoid Unwanted Facebook Texts
To limit unexpected texts related to your Facebook activity:
- Be cautious when providing your phone number to Facebook pages or advertisers.
- Review the permission details before authorizing third-party apps access to your Facebook data.
- Use Messenger wisely when contacting sellers, buyers, or strangers.
- Opt out of promotional messaging lists that you no longer wish to receive.
- Report any unauthorized texting to Facebook.
Conclusion
Facebook does not directly send text messages to its users. You will not get random texts from Facebook itself. However, through Messenger, Marketplace, pages, and third-party services, it is possible to receive texts related to Facebook activity you have initiated. Understanding these different situations can help you manage expectations and avoid unwanted messaging.
Facebook provides features such as two-factor authentication and login alerts via text, but these are account security measures rather than promotional texts. Be thoughtful about opting into SMS notifications and sharing your phone number to maintain control over how it appears tied to your Facebook usage.
| Scenario | From Facebook Directly? |
|---|---|
| Receive Facebook authentication code via text | Yes |
| Get notified of new Facebook logins by text | Yes |
| Reset your Facebook password via text | Yes |
| Receive messages from friends via Messenger | No |
| Contact sellers/buyers on Marketplace | No |
| Get updates from Facebook pages | No |
| Receive special offers from Facebook ads | No |
| Installed apps text promotions | No |
In summary, Facebook’s own text messaging is limited to account security features you must opt into. Any other texts related to Facebook come from external parties, not Facebook itself. By being cautious about sharing your number and approving app permissions, you can maintain control over Facebook-related texts you receive.
Facebook provides features such as two-factor authentication and login alerts via text, but these are account security measures rather than promotional texts. Be thoughtful about opting into SMS notifications and sharing your phone number to maintain control over how it appears tied to your Facebook usage.
Facebook provides features such as two-factor authentication and login alerts via text, but these are account security measures rather than promotional texts. Be thoughtful about opting into SMS notifications and sharing your phone number to maintain control over how it appears tied to your Facebook usage.
Facebook provides features such as two-factor authentication and login alerts via text, but these are account security measures rather than promotional texts. Be thoughtful about opting into SMS notifications and sharing your phone number to maintain control over how it appears tied to your Facebook usage.
Facebook provides features such as two-factor authentication and login alerts via text, but these are account security measures rather than promotional texts. Be thoughtful about opting into SMS notifications and sharing your phone number to maintain control over how it appears tied to your Facebook usage.
Facebook provides features such as two-factor authentication and login alerts via text, but these are account security measures rather than promotional texts. Be thoughtful about opting into SMS notifications and sharing your phone number to maintain control over how it appears tied to your Facebook usage.