Many Facebook users have experienced issues with Facebook not sending the SMS code required to complete two-factor authentication login. This can be frustrating as it prevents access to your Facebook account. However, there are several troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve this issue and regain access to your account. In this article, we will explore the common causes of Facebook not sending the SMS code and provide solutions to fix the problem.
Why is Facebook Not Sending the SMS Code?
There are a few common reasons why you may not be receiving the SMS code from Facebook when trying to log in:
Incorrect Phone Number
The most obvious cause is that you have an incorrect phone number associated with your Facebook account. When you enable two-factor authentication, you must provide a valid mobile phone number that Facebook can send the login code to. If the number is entered incorrectly or you have changed your number without updating it in your Facebook account settings, you will not receive the code.
Phone Verification Needed
Facebook requires you to verify your phone number before it will send the login code. If you recently added a new number to your account, you may need to verify it first. Facebook will send a test code to confirm you have access to that number. Enter the confirmation code on Facebook before proceeding with login.
Exceeded SMS Limit
Facebook will only send a certain number of SMS codes over a short time period before blocking further messages. This limit is designed to prevent abuse and fraudulent attempts to access accounts. If you have requested too many codes in a short time span, Facebook will not send additional codes for a period of time.
Wrong App Settings
The Facebook app settings on your phone could be blocking receipt of the SMS code messages. Check that message notifications are enabled for the Facebook app and that SMS permissions are enabled. Disable any app settings that block texts from short codes.
Temporarily Blocked by Carrier
Some cell phone carriers will temporarily block short code messages if there are too many attempts in a short time period. This is another measure to protect against spam and fraud. If your carrier has applied this type of block, you will need to wait until it is lifted before you can receive the Facebook code via SMS again.
How to Fix Facebook Not Sending the Code
If you have determined why Facebook is not sending your two-factor authentication SMS code, you can take steps to remedy the issue:
Confirm Your Phone Number
Log into your Facebook account and go to your account settings. Under the Mobile section, ensure your primary phone number listed is correct. If not, enter the right phone number and click Confirm. Facebook will send a test code to verify you can access that number.
Remove Other Numbers
While in your Facebook account settings, check for any old phone numbers in the Mobile section. Remove any numbers you no longer use or have access to.
Verify Your Phone Number
If your account shows you need to verify your phone number, select the option to verify it. Facebook will send a 6-digit confirmation code. Enter this back into Facebook to complete the verification process.
Wait to Retry Code Request
If you have reached Facebook’s SMS limit, you will need to wait a while before trying to login again. The time period varies, but waiting an hour should reset the limit.
Update App Settings
On your phone, open the Facebook app settings. Make sure you have notifications enabled and that the app can send SMS messages. Grant the necessary permissions if prompted.
Use Backup Codes
As a backup option, use one of your printed authentication codes if you have those available. These single use codes can get you into your account if you cannot receive the SMS code.
Try Logging in from Desktop
Log into your Facebook account from a desktop computer browser. Here you can enter a code that is emailed to you instead of sent via SMS. Check your email inbox for the Facebook verification code.
Use Third Party Authentication App
Apps like Google Authenticator and Authy can generate verification codes for Facebook login. Use your authentication app to get a fresh code if Facebook is not sending the SMS.
Preventing Future Login Issues
To avoid Facebook login issues in the future, there are some best practices you can follow:
– Keep your primary phone number up to date in account settings.
– Only add phone numbers you regularly access to your Facebook account.
– Enable login notifications in the Facebook app.
– Don’t request too many SMS codes in a short timeframe.
– Print out a few backup verification codes to access your account if SMS is not available.
– Setup a third party authenticator app as a backup method for codes.
– Ensure SMS messages are not blocked on your phone.
– Contact your carrier if you suspect they have blocked Facebook’s short code.
Using Other Recovery Options
If the SMS code issue persists and prevents you from accessing your account entirely, Facebook offers some additional account recovery options:
Trusted Contacts
You can list trusted friends who can provide you with a code to regain account access in the event you cannot receive an SMS code. Contact a trusted contact and ask them to generate a code to assist you.
Security Key
If you have set up a physical security key as a two-factor sign in method, you can use that device to log into your Facebook account. This bypasses the need for an SMS code.
Identity Confirmation
As a last resort, you can confirm your identity to recover your account access. This involves submitting an ID photo to prove your identity. Facebook will then email you a link to regain access without an SMS code.
Contacting Facebook Support
If none of the above solutions succeed in restoring your ability to log into Facebook, you can contact Facebook support for additional help:
– Click the Help link at the bottom of any Facebook page to start a support request.
– Use the Facebook mobile app and go to Settings > Help & Support to get assistance.
– Visit Facebook’s Help Community and post your issue to get help from other users or staff.
Be prepared to provide details on when the issue started, steps taken to troubleshoot, and any error messages you receive when trying to access Facebook. Support can investigate issues sending the SMS code on the back end and restore access to your account if needed.
Conclusion
Not receiving the two-factor authentication SMS login code from Facebook can prevent you from accessing your account. Typical causes include an incorrect phone number, exceeding the SMS limit, phone app settings blocking messages, or your carrier blocking the short code. Fixes include updating your phone number, waiting and retrying the code request, using backup verification methods, and contacting Facebook support if nothing else resolves the issue. With some diligent troubleshooting, you should be able to regain access to your Facebook account even if the SMS code is not being sent.