There are a few reasons why you may have received a verification code from Facebook that you did not request. Here are some of the most common explanations for this.
You Recently Changed Your Password
If you recently changed your Facebook password, either on purpose or because you were required to due to a potential security breach, Facebook will send a verification code to confirm the change. This is to protect your account from being accessed by someone else without your knowledge.
So if you reset your password after noticing suspicious activity or simply wanted to update to a new, stronger password, receiving an unprompted verification code is normal. Just enter the code Facebook sent you to complete the password change process.
Someone Tried to Log In to Your Account
Another possibility is that someone else was attempting to access your Facebook account. If there was a login attempt from an unrecognized device or location, Facebook will require that person to enter a verification code before gaining entry to your account.
Since you did not initiate this login, you will receive the verification code sent to your phone or email on file. This serves as a warning that someone else knows your password and is trying to access your account. Do not share the code with anyone. Instead, use it as a prompt to change your password immediately.
You Enabled Two-Factor Authentication
If you recently turned on two-factor authentication for added security on your Facebook account, the verification codes are an expected part of the process. Enabling two-factor requires you to enter a code sent to your phone whenever you log in from a new device.
So if you just set up two-factor and then tried logging in on your phone after only using Facebook on your computer in the past, for example, you would properly receive a verification code without requesting one. The code is meant to confirm your identity.
Your Primary Email or Phone Number Changed
Facebook automatically sends a verification code if you change your primary email address or phone number associated with your account. This helps ensure that the new contact information belongs to you and not someone else trying to access your account.
If you recently updated the email or phone number tied to your Facebook profile, either intentionally or because your old information was outdated, expect to receive a text or email with a confirmation code. Enter it to verify that you are the one making the change to your account details.
You Requested a Login Code Through Facebook
There is also the possibility that you or someone else with access to your account requested a login code directly through Facebook’s security options. On the Facebook app or website, you can select to receive a code to help verify your identity before logging in.
If you or someone authorized on your account recently did this, a verification code being sent makes sense. Use the code to access your account. However, if you’re certain you did not request a login code, be cautious, as it could mean someone is trying to gain access without your permission.
Your Account Was Compromised
Unfortunately, receiving an unexpected verification code can also be a sign that your Facebook account’s security has been compromised. If a hacker was able to gain access to your account and changed your contact email or enabled two-factor authentication, for example, you would receive a code without expecting it.
Take an unexpected verification code as a red flag. Use the code to log in, then immediately change your password and review your security settings to see what changes may have been made without your knowledge. Enable two-factor authentication if you have not yet for an added layer of security moving forward.
You Have a Login Approval Setting Enabled
Under Facebook’s security settings, you can enable login approvals. This requires you to enter a special code each time someone tries accessing your Facebook account from an unrecognized device.
If you have login approvals turned on, you may periodically receive verification codes even if you did not initiate a login. This code is meant as an extra precaution to confirm you are the one trying to access your account.
What to Do If You Get an Unexpected Verification Code
Whenever you receive a Facebook verification code you were not expecting, consider the following actions:
- Do not share the code with anyone. Codes are single-use and can grant one-time access.
- Log in to your Facebook account using the code. Check your security settings.
- Change your password if you believe your account may be compromised.
- Enable two-factor authentication if you haven’t already.
- Check the login activity section to see if any logins look suspicious.
- Update your primary email or phone number if needed.
- Consider adding backup contact options like a secondary email or phone number.
- Remove unfamiliar devices from your account.
While an unexpected verification code can be startling, in most cases it is Facebook’s security protocols working to protect your account. However, it should still prompt you to double check your settings and account activity to ensure no unauthorized changes have been made.
How to Prevent Unexpected Verification Codes
To help avoid getting surprised by Facebook verification codes in the future, here are some tips:
- Set a strong password that would be difficult for others to guess.
- Never reuse the same password across multiple accounts.
- Do not share your Facebook password with others.
- Enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security.
- Carefully review login notifications to watch for unauthorized activity.
- Check your security settings routinely to ensure your email, phone, two-factor authentication and other info is up to date.
- Pay attention to where and what device you left yourself logged in on and log out when necessary.
- Avoid using public WiFi networks for logging in without a VPN.
- Only login to Facebook through the official website or app.
Keeping your login details and account information secure makes a big difference in reducing the chances of unexpected verification codes being sent. But occasional codes may still arrive due to Facebook’s proactive security checks whenever your account is accessed.
Conclusion
Getting a Facebook verification code without expecting one can seem odd, but is often not a cause for concern. In many cases, it is just Facebook taking precautions to confirm your identity and protect your account from unauthorized access.
Review why the code may have been sent based on your recent Facebook activity. If it was an expected security measure, go ahead and enter the code to continue using your account normally.
However, unexpected codes could signal suspicious behavior, in which case you should take action like changing your password immediately. Enabling two-factor authentication is also recommended to provide more rigorous security going forward.
With Facebook’s many security options, an unexpected verification code is typically just an inconvenience and not a sign your account is in danger. But it should prompt you to double check your settings and account activity to determine where it came from and ensure everything looks normal.
| Reason for Unrequested Verification Code | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Changed your password recently | Enter code to complete password change |
| Someone attempted to log in | Change password immediately, do not share code |
| Enabled two-factor authentication | Enter code to complete two-factor setup |
| Updated email/phone number on your account | Enter code to verify new contact info |
| Requested login code through Facebook | Use code to access your account |
| Account potentially compromised | Log in with code, check security settings, change password |
| Login approval setting enabled | Enter code to complete extra security check |
As the table summarizes, the main steps whenever you receive an unexpected Facebook verification code include:
- Logging in with the code
- Checking your account’s security settings
- Changing your password if account compromise is suspected
- Confirming no unauthorized changes were made
- Strengthening security going forward if needed
While extra verification codes may seem annoying or concerning, Facebook sends them in order to look out for your account’s safety. The best practices are to enter the code, but also thoroughly inspect your account details and security measures to ensure no suspicious activity has occurred without your knowledge. With the proper precautions enabled, an unexpected code is just a small hurdle before securely accessing your account.