Facebook allows you to recognize devices so that you can easily and securely log into your Facebook account from multiple devices. When you enable device recognition, Facebook remembers the devices you use to access your account. Then when you log in from a recognized device in the future, you may not need to enter your password or security codes as frequently. This can make logging in quicker and more convenient.
Adding recognized devices is easy to do through the Facebook mobile app or Facebook settings on the desktop site. It just requires turning on the device recognition setting and logging into your account from the devices you want recognized. Here are some key things to know about adding and managing recognized devices on Facebook:
Benefits of Recognizing Devices
Some of the main benefits of recognizing devices on Facebook include:
- Fewer login steps – You may be able to log into your account more quickly without needing to enter passwords or security codes as often.
- Added security – Recognizing your personal devices allows Facebook to better distinguish them from unfamiliar devices and prevent unauthorized logins.
- Convenience – Switching between recognized devices is seamless since you stay logged into Facebook on all of them.
- Control – You can remove recognized devices at any time if a device gets lost or stolen.
How Facebook Recognizes Devices
When you first log into Facebook from a new device, you will go through Facebook’s standard login flow requiring your password and possibly security codes sent to your email or phone.
Once logged in, if you have device recognition enabled, Facebook will register certain signals from that device including:
- IP address
- Hardware identifiers
- Device signatures
- Cookies
The next time you log in from the same device, Facebook will detect these signals and recognize the device, allowing you to bypass steps like re-entering passwords.
Enabling Device Recognition
You can enable device recognition in both the Facebook mobile app and on the desktop site. Here are the steps:
Facebook Mobile App
1. Open the Facebook app and tap the three-line Menu icon.
2. Scroll down and choose Settings & privacy > Settings.
3. Tap Security and login.
4. Turn on the toggle next to Recognized devices.
Facebook Desktop Site
1. Go to Facebook.com and click the down arrow in the top right.
2. Choose Settings & privacy > Settings.
3. Click Security and login on the left side.
4. Turn on the Recognized devices toggle.
Once enabled, you can start adding recognized devices by logging into your Facebook account from them.
Adding Recognized Devices
To start recognizing a device on Facebook:
1. Log into Facebook from the device for the first time with your username and password.
2. Complete any additional login steps like entering a security code.
3. Facebook will now recognize that device going forward.
You can repeat these steps to add and recognize additional devices like your home computer, work computer, phone, tablet, etc.
The next time you log into any recognized device, you may bypass certain login steps if Facebook identifies that device as familiar. This allows you to log in faster and more easily switch between devices.
Recognizing Public Computers
It’s best not to recognize public or shared computers. When logging in from a public computer, uncheck the box that says “Remember this browser” on the Facebook login screen.
This prevents Facebook from recognizing that shared device so others can’t access your account from it. Only recognize personal devices that only you use.
Managing Recognized Devices
You can view, edit, and remove the devices Facebook recognizes at any time from your security settings. Here’s how:
View Recognized Devices
1. Go to your Facebook Settings.
2. Click Security and login.
3. Under Recognized devices, click Edit.
4. You will see a list of your currently recognized browsers and devices.
Remove Recognized Devices
1. Follow the steps above to get to your list of recognized devices.
2. Hover over a device and click Remove.
3. The device will no longer be recognized by Facebook for seamless login.
You should remove any devices you no longer use or have sold/given away to prevent access to your account from those devices.
Require Password Confirmation
You can keep a device recognized but still require your password to be entered periodically for added security:
1. Go to your recognized devices list.
2. Click the toggle next to Ask for password confirmation to enable it.
3. Choose a frequency like 1 day, 7 days, or 30 days.
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some troubleshooting tips for managing recognized devices:
Forgotten Passwords
If you forget your Facebook password, you will need to go through the password reset process. Facebook will send a reset link to your email or mobile number on file.
Not Recognizing a Device
If Facebook isn’t recognizing a device you expect it to, try re-logging into Facebook on that device and making sure “Remember this browser” is checked. You can also remove the device and then re-add it.
Too Many Login Steps
If Facebook is still asking for your password or security codes on recognized devices more than it should, go to your recognized device list and confirm the “Ask for password confirmation” setting is disabled or set to longer than 1 day intervals.
Unauthorized Logins
If you see logins from unrecognized devices in your Facebook activity log, secure your account immediately by changing your password. Also scan devices for malware just in case.
Best Practices for Recognizing Devices
Here are some top tips for safely managing device recognition on Facebook:
- Only recognize personal devices you own like phones, home computers, tablets, etc.
- Never recognize public, shared, or untrusted devices.
- Periodically review recognized devices and remove ones you no longer use.
- Enable password confirmation requests for added security.
- Use strong unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
- Never recognize devices when using public WiFi networks.
Following these best practices will help ensure you benefit from the convenience of device recognition while still keeping your Facebook account secure.
Conclusion
Recognizing devices on Facebook makes it faster and easier to securely access your account from multiple personal devices. Simply enable device recognition, log into devices you want recognized, and manage your list of recognized devices from your security settings.
With recognized devices you can seamlessly switch between devices without constant re-authentication. But be sure to only recognize private personal devices and periodically review and remove old devices to maintain account security.