Maintaining online security is vital in today’s digital and social media-energized era. Nowadays, there is always someone who is willing to take advantage of your improperly secured Facebook account, and if you don’t want that to happen with your account, two-factor authentication can help you with it. Of course, passwords protect your Facebook account, but if you want to add an extra layer of security to your Facebook account, two-factor authentication can do it. However, if you are wondering how to enable two-factor authentication on Facebook, here is a step-by-step guide. Keep reading!

What is Two-Factor Authentication?

Two-factor authentication is known as 2FA or multi-factor authentication. It is the security procedure in which users must provide two different authentication factors to confirm their identity. For example, in 2FA, you need to enter your password and also send a code to your phone.

It will verify your identity and protect your account against any unauthorized access. By enabling 2FA, you will receive the unique verification code on your smartphone or email ID whenever you log in from the new device. You must enter this code and your password to access the account.

In short, this extra layer of security makes it hard for hackers to access your account.

How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Your Smartphone

Whether you are using an Android or iOS mobile, the steps to enable 2FA remain the same.

•       Open your Facebook app and click on the three horizontal lines in the upper-right corner.
•       Click on Settings & Privacy -> Settings.
•       Choose Security and Login.
•       Click on two-factor authentication. Turn this option ON.
•       Check the phone number properly because it is the number on which you will receive text messages and alerts.

How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Your Browser

The steps to enable two-factor authentication on your browser are as follows.

•   Log in to the Facebook account and choose the downward arrow present in the upper-right corner.
•   Select Settings & Privacy. Click on settings.
•   You will see the Security and Login option in the left-hand menu bar.
•   Click on it and scroll down. Choose Use Two-factor authentication option.
•   Select the security method. Choose SMS. After that, follow the prompts. You will get the 2FA code on the same number. You will get two options for security methods – A third-party authentication app and a text message.

If you are using a third-party app verification method, you need to follow the below steps.

1.     Enable 2FA Through Third-Party Apps

•       Click on Use Two-Factor Authentication -> Get Started.
•       Now, click on the authentication app.
•       Facebook will provide you with a scannable QR code and a unique code that you need to set up for your third-party app.
•       Follow the on-screen instructions.
•       Click continue.

2.     Enable 2FA Via Text Message.

If you use the SMS security method, Facebook will send you a unique code each time you try logging in to your account through a mobile device or any browser that Facebook does not identify.

How to Disable Two-Factor Authentication?

If you feel 2FA is no longer useful for you and you want to disable it, here are steps that you need to follow.

•   Open Facebook and choose Settings and Privacy.
•   Select Settings.
•   Click on Password and Security -> Two-factor authentication.
•   Choose Edit and enter your current Facebook password.
•   Tap on Turn Off, and it will disable two-factor authentication.

Best Practices to Follow to Prevent Your Facebook Account From Hackers

Besides two-factor authentication, here are several measures you need to take to keep your Facebook account secure.

•   Keep solid and difficult-to-guess passwords. Your password should include numbers, letters, and special characters.
•   Update your password regularly.
•   Do not use the same password for multiple websites.
•   If you receive any suspicious SMS or links, do not click on them even though your friends have sent them.
•   Immediately log out from the devices that you no longer use or don’t recognize
•   Last but not least, turn on login alerts to receive notifications whenever you or someone else access your account from any unauthorized device.

Wrapping Up

 In summary, protecting your Facebook account is vital; two-factor authentication ensures that only you can access your account. It helps you protect your digital identity. However, 2FA should not be the only line of defence that you should use to protect your account from cyber attacks. Try creating difficult-to-remember passwords and regularly review and update your security settings. Hopefully, the above guide help you understand how to enable two-factor authentication.