Facebook offers many layers of security, and if you value your account, you should enable them all. You can use a strong password, add your mobile number for possible recovery, set up trusted contacts, login notifications, login approval, and a code generator.
Of course, this system can fail if you've logged out of Facebook and lost access to recovery options. For example, what if you can't log in to Facebook on your new computer because you don't have access to your phone's Code Generator? So let's talk about Login Approvals.
What are Connection Approvals?
Login Approvals are Facebook's version of two-factor authentication. Normally, you only need your password and username or email address to log in to your Facebook account. Now, let's say someone knows your email address, then all they need to do is crack your password, and that's easier than you might think!
Once you enable Login Approvals, you add an extra layer of security to your account. Every time you try to log in to Facebook from a new location or device, Facebook will ask you for a security code to complete the login. A security code can be obtained in three different ways:
- With a text message to your mobile number.
- From the Code Generatorinthe Facebook mobile app, which automatically generates a new code every 30 seconds.
- From a downloaded set of backup codes.
So, even if someone manages to crack your password, they won't be able to log in without the security code.
Note, however, that two of the above methods depend on your phone. If you enable Login Approvals, make sure you have a backup plan in case you lose your phone.
How to enable Login Approvals and the Password Generator
To enable Login Approvals, open Facebook in your browser, click the arrow in the top right corner to expand the navigation menu, and go to Settings –> Security –> Login Approvals. Here, select “Require a login password to sign in to my account from unknown browsers,” make sure your mobile number is up to date, and click the Save Changes.
The Code Generator is a convenient way to get Login Approval codes without a mobile number. It is very useful when you are traveling or have a poor signal. The Code Generator is available within the Facebook app for iOS and Android. The Windows Store app mimics the Facebook website and does not include a Code Generator. To enable the Code Generator from your browser, go to Facebook –> Settings —> Security –> Code Generator, click Enable and follow the on-screen instructions.
Once the Code Generator is enabled on your mobile, you should test it in your browser for the feature to be fully activated.
Please note that after enabling Login Approvals, you may need a code the next time you want to access your Facebook app. This first code will be sent to your mobile phone.
What if you lose your cell phone?
When you set your mobile phone to be the key to your Facebook account, losing or destroying it can cause you problems.
Save Login Approvals codes as a backup
After enabling Login Approvals, head to Facebook's Security Settings and save a set of Login Approval codes as a precautionary measure. You can print the codes to keep a physical copy or make a digital copy, such as a screenshot, and keep it in a safe place.
In case you never have access to your phone, you can use one of these codes to log in to Facebook from a new device or location.
Don't forget Recognized Devices
Every time you log in to Facebook from a new device, app, or browser, you will be asked if you want to save it. When you log in to Facebook from a Trusted device and location, you will not be asked for a Login Approval code. In case you lose your phone, this method could be your private backdoor to your account.
Use this option on at least one device that you're unlikely to lose and likely to have access to, in addition to your phone. Tell Facebook about devices and locations that are private and secure. Also, frequently go back to your Recognized Devices list and remove those you no longer use.
Log in from a Recognized Device and End Facebook Session
So, you've lost your phone and you haven't backed your security codes. If you want to log in to Facebook from a new location, you're in trouble. Before that, though, you can log in to Facebook from a recognized location, as we mentioned above. This could be your desktop browser or the Facebook app on your tablet.
The first thing you need to do to prevent your lost phone from accessing your Facebook account – in case you haven’t logged out of the app – is to end your Facebook session on the app. If you’ve provided your phone number, go to Facebook –> Settings –> Mobile –> Lost your phone? and click on “Log out of mobile”.
At this point, you should remove the number of the lost phone.
Go to Facebook in Recognized Devices (Facebook –> Settings –> Security )–> Device you were logged in to, find the corresponding session and click the End Activity. If in doubt, end multiple sessions. This will log you out of the Android app on your phone.
Until you recover your phone or install the Code Generator on a new phone, you can save a set of security codes, as described above. You can also install a third-party app to generate codes. For this second option, go to Facebook –> Settings –> Security –> Code Generator and click “Set upanother way to get security codes.” Then follow the on-screen instructions.
To be even more secure, also update your Facebook password.
