How do I use text messages (SMS) for two-factor authentication on Facebook?

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If you're having trouble with logging in to your Facebook account, review these tips first.
When you turn on two-factor authentication, you're asked to choose either a security key, text message (SMS) codes or a third-party authentication app as your primary security method. If you choose to use text message (SMS), you'll be sent a text message (SMS) with a special 6-digit security code each time someone tries logging in to your Facebook account from a mobile device or browser that we don't recognise.
Note: Please make sure that you're viewing your personal profile before starting the steps below.
To turn on text message (SMS) codes for your mobile device:
  1. Click on your profile picture in the top right, then click Settings and privacy.
  2. Click Settings.
  3. Click Accounts Centre, then click Password and security.
  4. Click Two-factor authentication, then click on the account that you'd like to update.
  5. Click Text message (SMS), then click Next.
  6. Select a phone number already on your account, or add a new phone number, and click Next.
Note: Not everyone will be able to access this setting in Accounts Centre at this time. If these steps don't work for you, try this:
  1. Go to your Security and login settings.
  2. Scroll down to Use two-factor authentication and click Edit.
  3. Click Text message (SMS) when you're asked to select a security method and follow the on-screen instructions.
  4. Once you've turned on text message (SMS) codes, you should also set up a second security feature, such as a security key, trusted contacts or recovery codes. This helps to protect you in case your mobile phone is lost, stolen or hacked.
Other useful resources
  • Text message (SMS) security codes used for two-factor authentication are always six digits long.
  • To set up text message (SMS) two-factor authentication, you can either use a mobile number that's already been added to your account or add a new number. Learn more about how Facebook uses a mobile number added for two-factor authentication.
  • If you're not receiving your text message (SMS) verification codes, you may have turned off text messages from Facebook. Learn how to turn text messages (SMS) back on.
  • If you want to turn off text message (SMS) codes and use a different security method for two-factor authentication instead, you'll need to have a third-party authentication app turned on or a security key added to your account.
  • You can disable text message (SMS) verification codes by clicking or tapping Turn off next to the mobile phone number that you want to stop using. If you don't have a third-party authentication app turned on or a security key added to your account, turning off your mobile phone number will also turn off two-factor authentication.
  • You can turn back on text message (SMS) codes for a mobile phone by clicking or tapping Use two-factor authentication, then Text message. Click or tap on the mobile phone number that you want to start using again and follow the on-screen instructions.
  • Learn more about managing two-factor authentication settings.
  • Learn about what you can do if you turned on two-factor authentication but are now having trouble with logging in.
Note: Facebook doesn't charge you for using text messages (SMS) for two-factor authentication. However, your mobile provider's standard rates for sending and receiving messages still apply.
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