Facebook requires users to enter a login code sent via text message when logging in from an unrecognized device or web browser. This extra security measure helps prevent unauthorized access to your account. However, sometimes the code may fail to send due to technical issues. If you are unable to receive the Facebook login code, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the problem.
Check Mobile Device Settings
The first thing to check is your mobile device settings. Make sure your device can receive text messages properly. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Messages and confirm “Text Message Forwarding” is turned on. On Android, go to Settings > More settings > Text messages and make sure text messaging is enabled. You may also want to check your signal strength. Weak cellular signal can prevent codes from coming through reliably. Try moving to an area with better reception.
Verify Your Mobile Number
Log into Facebook and verify your account has the correct mobile number listed. Go to Settings > Mobile > Edit next to your mobile number. Make sure the number matches the SIM card in your device. An outdated or incorrect mobile number will prevent you receiving the login code. While here, you can also click “Text me a code” to have Facebook resend a code to your number as a test.
Check Text Messaging Apps
The code may have been sent to a texting app other than your default messaging application. Apps like WhatsApp or Messenger may be configured to receive text messages. Open up any texting apps connected to your mobile number and look for the code there. Note that the code expires after a short period, so you will need to request a new one if it’s no longer valid.
Disable Two-Factor Authentication
If you’re still not receiving the Facebook login codes, you can disable two-factor authentication as a temporary fix. Log into your account and go to Settings > Security and Login > Use Two-Factor Authentication > Turn Off. This will allow you to login without needing a code, but also removes the extra security protection. Re-enable two-factor authentication once the issue is resolved.
Contact Your Mobile Carrier
There may be an issue with your mobile carrier blocking the Facebook verification code. Contact your phone carrier’s customer support for help troubleshooting. Ask them to check whether short code messages from Facebook are being blocked. The codes are sent from the number 326-65 (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) or 729-45 (Sprint). Your carrier may need to whitelist this short code.
Use Backup Codes
If you’ve set up backup codes, you can use one of them instead of the texted login code. Backup codes are generated when you turn on two-factor authentication. Print or save them in case you ever lose access to your mobile device. Enter one of these backup codes on the Facebook login screen when prompted for the verification code.
Try Again Later
Spam filters or network issues out of your control may temporarily block the login code. Wait a while and try sending the code again later. Outages are rare but can prevent codes from being delivered reliably. Give it some time and retry requesting a new Facebook verification code after a few hours. The code should come through after the disruption is fixed.
Use Alternate Contact Info
As a last resort, you can add an alternate email or mobile number to your Facebook account to receive the login code. Log into your account settings and under the Security and Login section, choose Use Two-Factor Authentication. Here you can enter a secondary email address or mobile number. Select your alternate contact method to receive login codes.
Get Help from Facebook
If you cannot resolve the issue on your own, get help directly from the Facebook team:
- Request support through Facebook’s Help Center. Under the ‘My Account’ section you can find help with login verification codes.
- Submit a request asking for help with your login code. Explain the troubleshooting steps you’ve tried.
- Use the Get Support option on Facebook’s Contact page to explain your code issue and get in touch with a representative.
The Facebook team can perform a deeper investigation into why your verification codes are not coming through. They have the best tools to troubleshoot problems and may be able to resolve the issue directly from their end. Be ready to provide details like your mobile number, troubleshooting steps attempted, and any error messages seen.
Prevent Future Login Code Issues
Once you’ve regained access to your account, take proactive measures to avoid Facebook login code problems recurring:
- Set up backup verification methods like authenticator app codes or backup email/mobile options.
- Make sure you have backup codes saved securely in multiple places in case your primary options are unavailable.
- Log out of Facebook sessions on devices you don’t own to avoid getting locked out of your own account.
- Maintain an up-to-date mobile number and email on file with Facebook at all times.
- Periodically test that you can receive Facebook login codes to uncover any potential issues before you get locked out.
Following security best practices will minimize the chances of getting locked out due to two-factor authentication login code issues in the future.
Conclusion
Trouble receiving your Facebook login verification code can prevent you accessing your account. Check your mobile device settings, text messaging apps, mobile carrier, and Facebook account itself to make sure proper delivery of codes is enabled. Use backup codes if available, or temporarily disable two-factor authentication in order to login. If all else fails, contact the Facebook team directly for assistance recovering your account access. Consistently following good security habits can help avoid recurring issues with Facebook login codes going forward.