This is how you use Facebook two-step verification with a verification app

Facebook two-step verification with apps

At Facebook you can use two-step verification in two ways: with an SMS code or via verification apps such as Google Authenticator, 1Password or iCloud Keychain. Using verification codes with apps is the best because it eliminates the need to leave your phone number with Facebook. That is good news, because it has turned out that Facebook also uses your telephone number for advertising purposes, while that is of course not the intention. Moreover, sending codes via SMS is an outdated method that is not very secure. More and more apps and services are switching to two-step verification with varying verification codes. We explain how this works at Facebook in this tip.

• What is it?
• Set up
• Apps

Set up two-step verification with Facebook

You can set up two-step verification via the Facebook website. In this example, we’ll use the verification codes in iCloud Keychain:

1. Open the Facebook website on the desktop.
2. Tap the down arrow at the top right to open your settings.
3. Choose Settings & privacy > Settings > Security & login.
4. The list shows Two-Step Verification.

5. Tap Edit.
6. Tap Get started and enter your password.
7. Choose how you want to use two-step verification. In this case, choose Verification app and click Next.
8. Scan the QR code via the app or enter the code manually. If the verification app is on the same device, you can immediately take over. For iCloud Keychain, go to Settings > Passwords and tap your Facebook information. Then choose Configure verification code.
9. There is now one crucial final step: click Manage behind SMS code and disable this method.

On future login attempts, iCloud Keychain (or any other app used) will give you a verification code that you must enter to access your account. There are several verification apps for two-step verification that you can use (see also below). For convenience, we recommend iCloud Keychain. If you want some more advanced features, then 1Password is recommended, because it has proven to be a reliable app for years and is constantly adding new features. You can also choose authentication apps from Microsoft, Google or other providers.

If you have previously set up two-step verification, you can change this by clicking Manage behind Verification app. Then choose Add new app. You can also switch it off, but then you will have to rely on the (less secure) SMS code again.

Why two-step verification?

By setting up two-step verification, your Facebook account is extra secure. In addition to the password, you always need the code from the app to log in to Facebook. And for that, you will need to access the authentication app you have chosen. This way, someone who has only found out your password will never gain access to your account. Facebook has a special help page that tells you more about what two-step verification is and how it works.

Two-step verification apps

Want to know which two-step verification apps are available? Then take a look at the list below. Duo Security, Authy and Google Authenticator are the most commonly used, but you have some more options.

You can find more Facebook tips here:

• Facebook Save: this way you can save links and other media for later
• This way you can revoke and limit the permission of apps on Facebook
• This way you can delete Facebook, cancel your account and download data
• This is how you prevent Facebook from knowing everything about you: 6 privacy tips
• How to use Facebook photo filters on iPhone and iPad

View our complete iPhone tips overview. With hundreds of iPhone tips, we discuss almost every setting and option!