Two-factor Authentication (2FA) is an additional security layer for your Messenger account. 2FA is an extra layer of security which will help keep your data safe, even if your password is compromised. Once you’ve set up 2FA, we will periodically ask you to verify your identity as part of our standard security process. To do this, we’ll send you a security code – use this when you log into your account.
2FA has many benefits, including:
To set up 2FA on your account firstly login to your Messenger account. Go to Settings then navigate to the Security Options area.
Upon clicking Security Options in Settings, you will be greeted with the below. Click Enable Two-Factor Authentication to continue with the setup.
There are three ways you will be able to verify your identity. You will need to choose one set up method. You can set up additional authentication methods. For example, if one of the authenticators was used for the first authentication, then SMS can be used as a backup option.
If you wish to use an SMS message as your additional security step, then click SMS as shown above then continue by entering the mobile number you would like the SMS message to be sent to and click Next.
*Note we only use the number you provide for security purposes.
Upon clicking Next, a verification code will be sent to the mobile number you just entered into the previous popup. Enter this verification code into the box and click Done.
Authenticators are phone apps where you can receive security codes. To use an Authenticator, you must have the Authenticator app installed on your phone. Both Microsoft Authenticator and Google Authenticator are available on Android (Play Store) and Apple (App Store).
When choosing your 2FA method, click on Google Authenticator. If you haven’t done so already, then download the Google Authenticator app from the Play or Apple Store. Open the app and set up a new two-factor authentication. The app will ask you to scan the barcode you see on your screen with your mobile phone. Once finished, click Next.
Upon clicking Next, a verification code will be sent to the Google Authenticator app. Enter this verification code into the box and click Done.
Note* the verification codes on the Google Authenticator app have a timer. Once the timer is depleted, the code will refresh.
When choosing your 2FA method, click on Microsoft Authenticator. If you haven’t done so already, then download the Microsoft Authenticator app from Play or Apple Store. Open the app and set up a new two-factor authentication. The app will ask you to scan the barcode you see on your screen with your mobile phone. Once finished, click Next.
Upon clicking Next, a verification code will be sent to the Microsoft Authenticator app. Enter this verification code into the box and click Done.
Note* the verification codes on the Microsoft Authenticator app have a timer. Once the timer is depleted, the code will refresh.
Once your first authentication method has been configured correctly, you can add a backup method. As mentioned before, if you chose to use the Google Authenticator or Microsft Authenticator as your primary authentication method, then you can choose SMS as your backup.
To do this, go back to Security Options in Settings, and you will see an Alternative Authentication Method section.
As mentioned before, Once 2FA is set up, from time to time, we will ask you to use a security code to verify that it is you logging in to your Messenger account. You’ll receive this code via your chosen method – enter it when prompted when you log in.
If you have any questions on setting up two-factor authentication on your Messenger account please contact our support team as we will be happy to help answer any questions you have.