How to turn on two factor authentication facebook business manager

This morning we had a couple of team members mention that their Facebook account was restricted from advertising. With all the sweeping deactivations lately, we assumed this was similar. However, after a closer look, we found out it was a simple fix that anyone can do.

At some point between 7pm last night and 9am this morning, Facebook implemented an update where if you do not have 2 Factor Authentication enabled, you will be restricted from advertising on Facebook. You will also be unable to make any changes within the business manager. 

I’m sure you know what 2 Factor authentication is, but for those that might not, Wikipedia defines it as:

Multi-factor authentication (MFA; encompassing Two-factor authentication or 2FA, along with similar terms) is an electronic authentication method in which a computer user is granted access to a website or application only after successfully presenting two or more pieces of evidence (or factors) to an authentication mechanism: knowledge (something only the user knows), possession (something only the user has), and inherence (something only the user is). It protects the user from an unknown person trying to access their data such as personal ID details or financial assets.

In non-tech speak, it means that simply logging in with a password is not enough. You must also verify your login another way – either with a text message or authenticator app. 

Enabling 2 Factor Authentication is usually pretty easy. For Facebook specifically, their documentation is pretty helpful. You can also follow the steps below:

To turn on or manage two-factor authentication:

1. Go to your Security and Login Settings.
2. Scroll down to Use two-factor authentication and click Edit.
3. Choose the security method you want to add and follow the on-screen instructions.

When you set up two-factor authentication on Facebook, you’ll be asked to choose one of two security methods:

• Login codes from a third party authentication app.
• Text message (SMS) codes from your mobile phone.

You’ll need to have at least one of these set up in order to use two-factor authentication. Once you have added either text message (SMS) codes or a third party authentication app on your account, you’ll also be able to set up some of the optional methods below:

• Approving your login attempt from a device we recognize.
• Using one of your recovery codes.
• Tapping your security key on a compatible device.

The authenticator app we prefer is Google Authenticator. Get it for free from the Apple Store or Google Play. 

To see if any of your team members are affected, review the People in your Facebook Business Managers and give them a courtesy heads up.

• Two-factor authentication on Facebook adds an extra level of security to your social media account by connecting it with another device. 
• If someone tries to sign in from an unfamiliar device, the two-factor authentication will send a unique code to either your mobile device or a third-party authentication app. 

We all know someone who has had their Facebook account hacked — probably an uncle or a grandparent. To prevent any sort of hacking taking place on your account, it is important to set up two-factor authentication. 

Two-factor authentication provides social media users an extra layer of security for their accounts by connecting them to different devices or applications. Facebook allows its users to set up two-factor authentication using their phone numbers or with a third-party authentication app. Here's how to do both. 

How to set up two-factor authentication on Facebook using a mobile device

1. Open the Facebook app on your device. 

2. Select the three horizontal dots menu icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.

3. Scroll down the list and tap "Settings & Privacy." In the dropdown menu, select "Settings." 

4. Under "Security," select "Security and Login." 

5. Next, select "Use two-factor authentication." 

6. Under "Select a Security Method," select "Text Message (SMS)." 

7. Enter your phone number, then select "Continue." 

8. A six-digit code will be sent to your device. Enter it in the text box and then select "Continue." 

9. Two-factor authentication should now be enabled for your phone. When Facebook recognizes an unfamiliar device attempting to log into your account, it will send this code to your phone. 

How to set up two-factor authentication on Facebook using a third-party app 

1. Open the Facebook app on your device.

2. Select the three horizontal dots menu icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.

3. Select "Settings" from the list of menu options. 

4. Under "Security," select "Security and Login." 

5. Next, select "Use two-factor authentication." 

6. Under "Add a Backup Method," select "Authentication App." Facebook will recommend a third-party authentication app if you don't already have one installed on your device. 

7. If you already have a third-party app installed, use the QR code or copy and paste the code into your authentication app.

8. Select "Continue" and a pop-up will say that Facebook wants to open your already-installed app. Select "Open." 

8. Enter the confirmation code in the text box and then select "Continue." 

9. You should now be able to receive access codes from your third-party authentication app anytime you try to log into Facebook from an unfamiliar account. 

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

• How to set up two-factor authentication on Skype, and increase the security of all your Microsoft accounts

• How to set up two-factor authentication on Amazon to protect your account data and payment information

• How to turn off two-step and two-factor authentication on an iPhone, through your Apple ID account

• How to change your Facebook username, and help others better identify your profile or page

• How to disconnect your Instagram account from Facebook

Meira Gebel is a freelance reporter based in Portland, Oregon. She writes about business, culture, and technology for Insider. Her work has been featured in Digital Trends, Willamette Week, USA Today, and more. She is a graduate of Columbia Journalism School and San Francisco State University.  Feel free to reach out to her on Twitter, where she can be found most of the time, @MeiraGebel.

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