If you need to send or receive a Facebook code over SMS, there are a few different options you can try. Facebook uses codes sent over SMS for two-factor authentication, account recovery, and notifications in some cases. Here are the main ways to get a Facebook code through a text message.
Getting a Login Approval Code via SMS
When you turn on two-factor authentication for your Facebook account, one of the options is to get login approval codes through SMS/text messages. Here’s how it works:
- Go to the Facebook Settings menu and select Security and Login.
- Under the Use Two-Factor Authentication heading, click Edit.
- Toggle on the Get Codes via Text Message option.
Once this is enabled, whenever you try to login to Facebook from a browser or device that isn’t recognized, it will send a 6-digit login approval code to your phone number on file. Enter this code on the login screen to complete the login. This adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password.
Enabling SMS for Account Recovery
You can also choose to get security codes from Facebook via SMS when recovering or accessing your account:
- Go to Settings > Security and Login.
- Under Recovering Your Account, click Edit.
- Toggle on the Get Codes via Text Message option.
This will send a 6-digit code via SMS that you’ll need to enter whenever you use Facebook’s account recovery or support options. It provides a way back into your account if you forget your password or get locked out.
Receiving SMS Notifications from Facebook
Finally, you can opt in to receive certain alerts and notifications from Facebook via text message to your phone:
- Go to Settings > Notifications.
- Toggle on Text Messages to enable notifications via SMS.
- Scroll down and toggle on any specific notifications you want to get as text messages.
This allows Facebook to send you text message notifications for friend requests, when you’re tagged, event reminders, and other Facebook alerts. Useful if you want notifications even when you aren’t logged into the Facebook app.
Responding to Codes from Facebook via Text
When Facebook sends you a 6-digit code via text message, you can respond to complete the action:
- Open the text message from Facebook on your phone.
- Type the 6-digit code into the reply field.
- Hit send to text the code back to Facebook.
The code is only valid for a short time, usually 10-15 minutes. Entering it in the Facebook app or website interface should also work if you get the text message on a different device.
Troubleshooting Facebook Codes via SMS
If you are having trouble receiving or sending Facebook codes through text messages, here are some things to check:
- Make sure your current mobile phone number is listed in your Facebook account settings.
- Confirm SMS is enabled for login approvals, account recovery, and notifications as covered above.
- Check for signal or connectivity issues that may be preventing texts to or from Facebook.
- Try disabling and re-enabling SMS for codes in your Facebook settings to reset it.
- Log out and back into your Facebook account to verify proper authorization.
- As a last resort, you can remove your phone number and re-add it to your Facebook account.
Dealing with Invalid Facebook Codes
If Facebook sends you a code via SMS and it doesn’t work, try these steps:
- Double check you are entering the code correctly and haven’t made a typo.
- Press for a new code to be sent, the previous one may have expired.
- Copy and paste the code from the text message instead of typing it.
- Make sure your phone’s clock is set correctly for codes to be valid.
- If issues persist, use another 2FA method or account recovery option.
What to Do If You Aren’t Getting the SMS
Some common reasons you may not be receiving a Facebook code text message include:
- Text message blocking enabled on your phone.
- Cellular reception or WiFi connection problems.
- Wrong number on file with Facebook for your account.
- SMS disabled for the Facebook features you are trying to use.
- Your phone number reached the limit for SMS codes in a short period.
Try the troubleshooting tips mentioned earlier to fix SMS issues with Facebook. Reach out to Facebook support if you exhaust all self-service options.
Sending Codes to Facebook from a Desktop
If you received the Facebook code SMS on your phone, but need to enter it on a desktop or laptop, here are some options:
- Forward the code via text message to your email, then copy/paste it.
- Take a screenshot of the code on your phone and email it to yourself.
- Write the code down manually and enter it on your computer.
- Copy the code into a note on your phone that syncs across your devices.
- Temporarily enable SMS on the desktop if your carrier supports it.
The same code should work on any device as long as you enter it within the valid period. Typically 10-15 minutes after it was sent.
Ways to Get Facebook Codes Without Needing Your Phone
If you don’t have access to your phone or the SMS option, Facebook provides these alternative methods to get security codes:
- Generate codes from the Facebook mobile app or third-party apps with push notifications.
- Use a physical security key like YubiKey via USB or NFC.
- Set up backup codes to access your account if you lose your phone.
- Have codes sent to your email address instead of your phone number.
- Use third-party authenticator apps like Authy or Google Authenticator.
You can set up multiple options for getting Facebook codes in your account settings. Just having SMS configured as well can give you more flexibility.
Other Facebook SMS Code Scenarios
Beyond just security codes, there are a few other cases where you may receive an SMS from Facebook:
- SMS notifications – For new friend requests, being tagged, event reminders, and other alerts.
- Facebook Support – Texting with Facebook support agents for account issues.
- Messenger codes – Scannable QR-style codes for easy Messenger connections.
- Alerts – Important notifications like suspicious login attempts.
Facebook will identify itself properly whenever they send an SMS. If you get a suspicious text claiming to be from Facebook, do not click any links or reply with personal information. Go directly to the Facebook website or app.
Conclusion
Facebook’s integration with SMS provides increased account security, recovery options, and notifications. Make sure to have a valid mobile number on your account to take advantage of Facebook codes via text message. Enable two-factor authentication, account recovery, and notifications to receive relevant codes. Troubleshoot any issues with SMS connectivity or settings. With the proper configuration, SMS can be a convenient way to get Facebook codes when you need them.