When you want to log into Facebook from a new device or browser, Facebook will sometimes ask you to enter a 6-digit code to confirm your identity. This security code is sent to you via text message or email to verify that it’s really you trying to access your account. Here are some quick tips on how to find your Facebook 6-digit code when prompted:
Check your text messages
The most common way to receive your 6-digit Facebook code is via text message. As soon as you try to login from an unrecognized device or browser, Facebook will send a text message to the phone number listed on your Facebook account with the 6-digit code. This text will come from the number 32665 (FBOOK).
Make sure to have your phone handy so you can access the text message and input the code. The text with the code may take a minute or two to arrive so you may need to wait and check your messages. If you don’t see it, you can select to have the code resent to your phone number.
Check your email
If you don’t have your phone handy or didn’t receive the text message, you can opt to have the 6-digit code sent to your email address associated with your Facebook account.
When prompted for the code, click the link to have it emailed instead. Then open up your email inbox and look for a message from Facebook containing the 6-digit code. The email subject will be something like “Your Facebook security code” or “New login to Facebook.”
Copy the 6-digit number from the email and input it on the Facebook login screen to verify your identity. If you can’t find the email, you may need to check spam or other folders.
Use backup codes
If you have set up backup codes for your Facebook account, you can use one of those codes instead of having the 6-digit code sent to you.
Backup codes are set up in your Facebook Security settings. You can generate a list of 10 one-time backup codes to keep handy in case you ever lose access to your primary verification methods.
If you have backup codes available, select the option to use one of those codes when prompted for the 6-digit login code on Facebook’s login screen. Enter one of your unused backup codes.
Try logging in again
In some cases, trying to login to Facebook again may prompt the 6-digit code to be sent again. If you didn’t receive the text or email with the code the first time, select the option to have the login code sent again.
Give it a minute or two and then check your text messages or email again for the code Facebook sent. Be sure to look carefully for the message from Facebook or 32665. Trying the login process again should re-send the 6-digit code if you didn’t get it the first time.
Use third-party authentication apps
If you have set up third-party authentication apps like Duo Mobile or Google Authenticator with your Facebook account, you may be able to generate a login code through those apps.
Instead of entering a texted or emailed code, select the option to use your authentication app to get a code. Open the app, and it should generate a new 6-digit code you can use to verify on Facebook’s login screen.
This allows you to securely login without needing the code sent to your phone or email. The authentication app will generate a new valid code every 30 seconds.
Reset your password or security key
If you cannot access your text messages, email, or any of your backup login options, you may need to reset your Facebook password or security key to regain access to your account.
On the login page, select the Forgot Password or Forgot Security Key option. This will initiate a password or security key reset. Follow the on-screen prompts to reset your password or undergo security key verification.
Once your password is reset or security key verified, you should be able to attempt logging in again and receive a new 6-digit code via text or email to grant access to your Facebook account.
Use account recovery options
If you cannot reset your password because you cannot access your email, phone number or other account recovery options, you will need to go through Facebook’s account recovery process.
Go to Facebook’s account recovery webpage and select the option that you can no longer access your email or phone number associated with your Facebook account. Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm your identity and recover access to your account.
This process may take a little while but will allow you to get back into your Facebook account so you can enable a new verification method and regain access.
Contact Facebook support
If you have tried all other options and still cannot receive your 6-digit Facebook login code or get into your account, you can contact Facebook support for further help.
Go to the Facebook Help Center and find the option to submit a support ticket describing your login issue and what troubleshooting you’ve already tried. Include as many details as possible.
A member of Facebook’s support team will then contact you to provide personalized assistance recovering access to your account. They have specialized tools and resources to help restore your access in a secure way.
Set up extra verification methods
To avoid issues accessing your 6-digit login code in the future, make sure to set up some extra verification methods for your Facebook account:
- Add multiple trusted phone numbers and/or email addresses
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication via SMS, authenticator apps, or security keys
- Set up backup codes to access your account if you lose your phone or email access
- Designate several trusted friends who can help with account recovery
Having multiple verification options and trusted devices on your Facebook account will ensure you can easily get back into your account if you ever lose access to your primary login method.
Conclusion
Retrieving your 6-digit Facebook security code is quick and straightforward if you have access to the phone number or email associated with your account. Check your text messages, emails or authentication apps for the code as soon as you need it. If you can’t receive the code, reset your password, go through account recovery, or contact Facebook support. Setting up multiple verification options will help prevent login issues in the future.
With over 2 billion active users, Facebook goes to great lengths to ensure the security of people’s accounts. The 6-digit code has proven an effective protection against unauthorized logins, especially as people access Facebook across many devices. While it can cause momentary inconvenience, having to enter the extra security code is worth it for the enhanced account safety it provides against hackers, phishing attempts and other threats seeking to compromise people’s accounts. People can feel more at ease knowing their private information and conversations are better protected.
Facebook has invested heavily in account security over the years. Features like two-factor authentication, suspicious login alerts, security checkpoints, and login approvals all aim to verify user identities and prevent malicious actors from infiltrating accounts. The security code is one more barrier to entry and gives people control over new logins to their accounts. Facebook is sure to continue expanding and improving its safety measures to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated cybercriminals looking to exploit people’s personal data.
For the billions relying on Facebook to connect with loved ones and engage with causes they care about, their account security is incredibly important. The 6-digit code may on occasion create a roadblock to easy access, but it’s roadblock worth having. Peace of mind is invaluable, and people can rest easier knowing their private conversations, photos, connections and information aren’t easily compromised. Especially as users add more intimate life moments and personal data to their profiles, strong security protections are needed now more than ever.
While no system is infallible, Facebook’s security teams work tirelessly to ensure people’s accounts and data remain protected. The 6-digit code is one of numerous safeguards Facebook has implemented behind the scenes to monitor every login attempt and prevent breaches. What may seem like a minor inconvenience to occasionally retrieve a code is actually a powerful shield defending people’s priceless online lives and connections.