Logging into Facebook can be made more secure by enabling two-factor authentication, which requires you to enter both your password and a special code generated by an authentication app. If you already set up two-factor authentication for your Facebook account but have lost or forgotten which app you used, there are a few ways to find out which authentication app is linked to your account.
Check Your Facebook Settings
The easiest way to find your authentication app is to check your Facebook settings. Here’s how:
- Open Facebook and click on the down arrow in the top right corner.
- Select “Settings & Privacy” from the dropdown menu.
- Click on “Settings” in the left sidebar.
- Select “Security and Login” from the list of settings.
- Under “Use Two-Factor Authentication” you should see a list of any authentication apps you’ve set up. The one at the top is most likely the app currently in use for two-factor authentication.
If you see the name of the app here, you’ve found your authentication app! You can tap on the app name to get more details about it from Facebook.
Check Recent Login Notifications
If you don’t see the authentication app name under your Facebook settings, another place to check is in your recent login notifications.
Facebook sends notifications whenever someone logs into your account. If you’ve logged in recently using two-factor authentication, this notification should indicate which app provided the verification code.
To find login notifications:
- Click on the bell icon in the top right of Facebook.
- Select “Notifications” to see your latest notifications.
- Look for any recent “Login Code” notifications. The message should indicate which app was used to generate the code.
Checking your recent Facebook login notifications can jog your memory about which app you’ve been using for two-factor authentication.
Try Logging In
If checking your settings and notifications doesn’t reveal the authentication app, you can figure it out when you actually log into Facebook using two-factor authentication.
Here’s what to do:
- On the Facebook login page, enter your username and password and click Log In.
- You will be prompted to enter a security code.
- Open the different authentication apps you have installed on your device one by one.
- Check if any of the apps display a 6-digit code that you can enter on the Facebook login screen.
- When you find the app with the matching code, you’ve found your authentication app.
This process of logging in and checking your authentication apps for the right code may help you identify which app Facebook is linked to for two-factor authentication. Just be sure not to go through too many wrong attempts, or Facebook may temporarily lock you out for security reasons.
Use Backup Codes
When you initially set up two-factor authentication on Facebook, you should have been prompted to save a set of one-time backup codes. These codes can each be used once to log into your account if you don’t have access to your regular authentication app.
If you saved your Facebook backup codes in a safe place, you can use one of them to log in now. The Facebook login page will indicate that you logged in using a backup code instead of the authentication app.
The downside to using a backup code is that you only have a limited number before they run out. But as a last resort, it can help you get into your account and view your authentication app details.
Look for App Notifications
Many authentication apps will send a notification to your smartphone whenever you sign into a site that requires two-factor authentication. The notification indicates that the app generated a new login code for you.
If you can’t remember your usual Facebook authentication app, check the notifications on your phone right after attempting to log into Facebook. Look for a notification that mentions Facebook or login codes. This should reveal which app is producing codes for you to access Facebook.
Check Your App Library
If you have a lot of apps installed on your device, you may have forgotten which one you used for Facebook login codes. Checking your full app library can help.
Look for any apps on your smartphone or tablet with names like:
- Authy
- LastPass Authenticator
- Google Authenticator
- 1Password
- Duo Mobile
- Microsoft Authenticator
One of these is likely the app you’ve used in the past to generate codes for accessing Facebook. You can open each one and check if Facebook is listed as one of the sites the app is providing codes for.
Check Linked Devices
In some cases, you may have originally set up two-factor authentication using an authentication app on one device, like your old smartphone. Later when you got a new phone, you lost access to that original app.
Luckily Facebook keeps track of all devices linked to your account. You can check connected devices on Facebook here:
- Go to your Facebook Settings.
- Click “Security and Login.”
- Select “Where You’re Logged In.”
This will display a list of devices that are authorized to access your Facebook account. Look for any old or unfamiliar devices in the list, and think about whether you may have originally enabled two-factor authentication using an app on that device.
Contact Facebook Support
If you still can’t figure out which app you’ve used for two-factor login, your last option is to contact Facebook support:
- Go to the Facebook Help Center.
- Click “Help with Two-Factor Authentication” or search for related support topics.
- Select “I lost my two-factor authentication device” under the results.
- Choose the option to have Facebook help identify your two-factor authentication app.
Facebook support may be able to use your account details and login history to determine which app you set up originally for two-factor authentication. However, be prepared to verify your identity by providing copies of your government ID and other information.
Prevent Future Problems
Once you’ve finally determined your authentication app, take steps to avoid this problem in the future:
- Make sure you can access the app on multiple devices – Install the authentication app on your current smartphone, tablet, backup phone, etc so you always have access.
- Know your recovery options – Save your backup codes in a secure place, and know your Facebook account recovery options.
- Note the app details – Record details about which app you set up for Facebook two-factor authentication so you don’t forget.
Enabling two-factor authentication is an important security step for Facebook, but the process is less secure if you get locked out of your account. Follow these best practices to ensure you can always access the app providing your login codes.
Conclusion
Finding your lost Facebook authentication app takes some detective work, but is doable. Check your Facebook settings and notifications for the app name, try logging in to identify the right app, or reach out to Facebook support if you’re still stuck. Moving forward, be sure to keep the app on multiple devices and stay organized about your security and recovery options.