Facebook uses SMS codes, also known as text messages, for several purposes related to account security and verification. When you try to log into Facebook from a new device or browser, you may be prompted to enter a code sent via text message to verify your identity. Facebook also sends SMS codes when you try to enable or disable certain security features related to logging in or making payments. Read on to learn more about why Facebook uses SMS codes and how to use them when prompted.
Verifying Your Identity When Logging In
One of the main reasons Facebook will send an SMS code is to confirm your identity when attempting to log in. This commonly occurs if you try to access your Facebook account from a new device, such as a friend’s phone or a public computer. It also happens if you use a browser you don’t normally use to log into Facebook, even if it’s on your own personal laptop or phone.
When Facebook detects an attempt to log in from an unrecognized device or browser, it will prompt you to enter your phone number to receive a 6-digit confirmation code via text message. This acts as a form of two-factor authentication, providing an extra layer of security beyond just your password to verify you are indeed the legitimate account holder trying to log in.
Once you enter your phone number and Facebook texts you the code, you must enter that same code into the Facebook login screen within a certain time limit, usually 15 minutes. If entered correctly, this confirms your identity and allows you to fully log into your account. If not entered in time, the code expires and Facebook will send a new one.
Why Facebook Uses SMS Codes for Login Verification
There are a few key reasons why Facebook relies on SMS codes when you attempt to log in from an unknown browser or device:
- It prevents unauthorized access – By requiring the code, only you can log in since only you have access to your phone to receive the text.
- It blocks hackers and scammers – Even if someone has your password, they can’t log in without the SMS code sent to your phone.
- It alerts you to suspicious activity – If you’re prompted for a code without trying to log in, it’s a sign someone else may be attempting to access your account.
- It’s two-factor authentication – The code acts as a second layer of verification on top of your password for enhanced security.
Overall, the SMS login codes help prevent compromise and misuse of your Facebook account by unfamiliar devices or browsers. It gives you time to investigate suspicious logins and ensures only you can fully access your account.
Enabling/Disabling Login Notifications
In addition to sending SMS codes when logging in, Facebook can also text you login notifications whenever your account is accessed from new devices or browsers. This serves as an alert system, so you can monitor account activity and watch for any potentially unauthorized access attempts.
To enable Facebook login notifications via text:
- Go to your Facebook Settings
- Click on the Security and Login option in the left sidebar
- Under the Where You’re Logged In section, turn on the toggle for Get alerts about unrecognized logins
- Enter your phone number and select Text or SMS as your preferred method of notification
Once enabled, Facebook will text you details whenever your account is accessed by an unrecognized device or browser. The text will specify the type of device, location, and time of login. This gives you the chance to review the activity and take action if anything seems suspicious.
You can disable login notifications at any time by returning to the Where You’re Logged In section of your Facebook Security Settings and turning off the toggle. However, leaving alerts enabled is recommended for monitoring your account’s security.
Benefits of Facebook Login Notifications
There are several advantages to enabling login notifications via SMS for your Facebook account:
- Get real-time alerts on account activity from unfamiliar devices or browsers
- Quickly identify suspicious or unauthorized login attempts
- Provides details like location and device type to assess risk
- Gives you a chance to change password or secure account if a login seems fraudulent
- Acts as a monitoring system to detect potential hacking threats
With login alerts enabled, you can stay informed on who is accessing your Facebook account at all times. The instant SMS notifications let you respond fast to suspicious logins and help keep your account secure.
Confirming Sensitive Account Changes
Beyond just logging in, Facebook may also text you an SMS code when you try to make important changes to your account’s security settings. This provides extra verification to confirm you intended to make the change and prevent unauthorized alterations.
Some examples of sensitive account changes that require confirmation via text message include:
- Enabling two-factor authentication
- Disabling two-factor authentication
- Changing your primary email address on file
- Changing your password
- Removing trusted devices from your account
For instance, if you try to enable two-factor authentication, Facebook will send a 6-digit code to your phone that you need to enter before the feature is activated. This confirms your identity and ensures someone else isn’t trying to modify your account’s security settings without your permission.
Confirming Payments and Transactions
In addition to account changes, Facebook may also text you confirmation codes when you make payments or conduct financial transactions through the platform. For example, if you add a new debit/credit card as a payment method, Facebook will text you a code to enter before the card is fully linked.
You may also receive SMS codes when:
- Purchasing ads or other services through Facebook
- Making donations through fundraisers on Facebook
- Sending or receiving payments on Messenger
This provides an added layer of security around financial transactions on Facebook. The SMS code must match what Facebook texts you to properly complete purchases, donations, or money transfers through Messenger.
What If You Don’t Get the SMS Code?
In most cases, Facebook’s SMS codes are received within a minute or two of being requested. However, occasionally issues can prevent delivery of the text message with your code.
Here are some troubleshooting tips if you aren’t receiving an expected Facebook SMS code:
- Double check your phone number on file is correct in your Facebook account settings
- Verify your phone has cellular signal and can send/receive text messages
- Open your text messaging app and tap to refresh in case messages are delayed
- Try toggling your phone’s airplane mode on and off to re-establish connection
- Be sure your text inbox isn’t full which could prevent new messages
If you still aren’t receiving the Facebook code after 10-15 minutes, you can request a new code be sent. Just click the “No longer valid?” link next to where you enter the code. This will resend a new 6-digit confirmation code via text to complete the login or account change.
Setting Up Texts from Facebook
To receive SMS codes or login notifications from Facebook to your phone, you may need to complete a one-time text verification to confirm your number.
Here are the steps to set up text messaging from Facebook on an iPhone or Android phone:
iPhone
- Open the Facebook app and go to Settings
- Tap Mobile > Text Messages
- Tap Continue and select Send Code
- Enter the 6-digit code texted to you and tap Verify
- You will now be able to receive SMS codes and alerts from Facebook
Android
- Open the Facebook app and go to your Profile
- Go to Personal Information > Contact Info
- Tap Mobile Phones then Verify via SMS
- Enter the code texted to you and tap Confirm
- This will enable SMS messaging through Facebook on your device
Once texting is set up, you should begin receiving any login codes or notifications via SMS from Facebook. If your default text messaging app ever changes, you may need to re-verify SMS through Facebook’s settings.
Charges or Fees for Facebook SMS Codes
An important question many users have is whether Facebook charges for sending SMS codes and text messages. The good news is Facebook does not directly charge fees for texts.
However, standard text messaging rates from your phone carrier may apply. Most carriers include unlimited texting on phone plans these days, in which case Facebook messages would not cost extra. But if you have limited texts, Facebook alerts could count against your monthly allotment and incur overage fees.
To avoid surprises on your phone bill, check with your mobile provider to understand costs for sending and receiving text messages. Make sure your messaging plan has enough included texts to support any verification codes or alerts sent by Facebook.
Increasing Security with Authentication Apps
While SMS codes provide an extra layer of login security, they can still be intercepted or redirected since they are delivered over an unencrypted cellular network.
For enhanced account protection, experts recommend switching from SMS to an authentication app for receiving your Facebook verification codes:
- Google Authenticator – Free app that generates time-sensitive codes to authorize logins.
- Authy – Provides encrypted authentication codes from all your devices.
- LastPass Authenticator – Generates one-time passcodes for logins and can sync between devices.
Authentication apps help eliminate risks associated with SMS-based two-factor authentication. The codes are generated locally on the app and rotate constantly, making them far more difficult for hackers to intercept.
To enable an authentication app for Facebook:
- Download the app such as Google Authenticator
- In Facebook, go to Settings > Security and Login
- Under Use Two-Factor Authentication, click Set Up
- Select Authentication App and follow prompts
With an authenticator configured, you can use time-sensitive codes from the app rather than SMS texts to securely verify your identity when logging into Facebook.
Conclusion
Facebook relies on SMS codes, also known as text messages, to enhance security around logging in, sensitive account changes, payments, and other transactions. The 6-digit verification codes provide two-factor authentication by requiring access to both your password and your phone. This prevents unauthorized logins and account tampering.
To fully leverage Facebook’s use of SMS security codes:
- Make sure you have SMS alerts enabled for unrecognized logins
- Keep phone number updated in Facebook account settings
- Know when Facebook will text codes for confirmation
- Set up SMS messaging properly on your mobile device
- Consider even stronger protection via an authentication app
With the proper alerts and notifications enabled, Facebook’s SMS codes give you visibility into account activity and help protect your account from compromise or misuse.