There are a few reasons why you may have received a text message that appears to be from Facebook. Here are some common explanations and what to do about them:
You signed up for text notifications from Facebook
If you opted in to receive text notifications from Facebook, that could explain the message. Facebook offers text notifications for certain activity on your account, such as friend requests, comments, messages and more.
To check your notification settings:
- Open the Facebook app on your phone and tap the three-line Menu icon
- Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Notifications
- Review the different notification options and toggle text notifications on or off as desired
So if you see a text from Facebook but don’t remember signing up for texts, double check your notification settings. You may have enabled text alerts accidentally or forgotten that you switched them on.
It’s a message from a Facebook friend
The text you received could also be from one of your Facebook friends. If someone has your phone number saved in their contacts, they can send you Facebook messages via text.
When one of your friends sends you a Facebook message from their phone, it will appear to you as a regular text message. The message will include the name of the friend who sent it.
To respond, you can text them back directly or open the Facebook app and message them there. The texting threads are synced between Facebook Messenger and your regular texts.
It’s an automated text from Facebook
Facebook also sends automated text messages sometimes for account security purposes. Here are some common examples:
Login code
If Facebook notices a login attempt from a new device or location, you may receive a 6-digit code via text to confirm it’s you. Enter that code on Facebook to complete the login.
Suspicious activity alert
If there is suspicious or unusual activity with your account, Facebook may text you to confirm whether it was you or not. These alerts help detect hacking attempts.
Account recovery
If you are trying to regain access to a disabled account, Facebook will text a code to your linked phone number. Enter it to verify your identity and recover your account access.
It’s spam or a scam
Unfortunately, spammers and scammers sometimes send texts pretending to be from Facebook. These texts may try to trick you into clicking suspicious links, calling phone numbers, or providing personal information.
Here are a few signs it may be a scam text:
- It comes from an unknown number not saved in your contacts
- Typos, grammatical errors, or other suspicious details
- Generic greetings like “Hello” instead of your name
- Urgent warnings or threats related to your account
- Requests for personal information like passwords or bank details
- Links to sketchy websites instead of Facebook.com
If the message seems suspicious, do NOT click any links, provide information, or call phone numbers provided. Instead, log into Facebook directly through the app or website and check for any notifications there.
How to handle unwanted texts from Facebook
If you receive texts from Facebook that you want to stop, here are some options:
Unsubscribe from notifications
Adjust your notification settings within Facebook to disable texts. See instructions above.
Reply STOP
Replying STOP should opt you out of further texts from Facebook to that number.
Block the number
Block the sending number directly on your phone to prevent more texts.
Report as spam
Mark unwanted Facebook texts as spam with your wireless carrier so they are filtered.
Disable texts in Facebook
In Facebook’s settings, you can remove your phone number which will prevent texts to that number.
Conclusion
Receiving a text from Facebook is often harmless – it may be a notification you enabled, a message from a friend, or an account security alert. But texts can also come from scammers pretending to be Facebook, so be cautious with any links or personal information requested over text.
You can manage your Facebook notification settings, report spam, or take other actions to stop unwanted texts. But legitimate messages from Facebook can often be identified by looking for an explanation within your Facebook account directly. Checking your notifications there can help determine if the text is valid or cause for concern.
| Reason for Facebook Text | Example | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| You enabled notifications | Friend request alert | Check notification settings |
| Message from a friend | Hi John, it’s Mary! | Reply via text or Facebook |
| Account security alert | Your login code is 123456 | Enter code on Facebook |
| Spam or scam | Urgent! Click here to secure your account | Don’t click, report as spam |
In summary, not all texts from Facebook are cause for worry. But be vigilant for any suspicious details, links or requests for information. Manage your notification settings, report spam, and verify legitimacy within the Facebook app when in doubt.