Facebook 2FA: no longer requires phone number, learn how to set it up

You no longer need to hand your phone number to set Facebook 2FA 

On May 23, the company announced in the blog post that Facebook had improved its two-factor authentication services. Primary, 2FA helps the users to protect their accounts against phishing and spam attacks. Once the user wants to log in, it is necessary to provide both, the password and either the number sent to your phone or code generated by an app. 

The main idea of the 2FA is to make sure that the person can prove his/her identity by providing two out of three options when logging in:

1. Password;
2. Fingerprint;
3. Numerical code.

The product manager at Facebook, Scott Dickens, says that the company has made it easier to help people protect their accounts without giving sensitive data:

We've made it easier than ever to enable two-factor authentication with a streamlined setup flow that guides you through the process. We've also expanded the ways in which you can secure your account with a second factor by ensuring that people can enable two-factor authentication without registering a phone number.

Authenticator apps are now used to set up Facebook 2FA

Previously, those who wanted an extra layer of security to avoid phishing attacks and other forms of the Facebook virus had to enter their phone numbers to set up Facebook two-factor authentication. Luckily, the company has improved this feature, and the mobile number is no longer mandatory.

Now people can use third-party authenticator apps like Google Authenticator or Duo Security on both, mobile and computer. Each user who decides to set up 2FA on Facebook is as the company claims streamlined with the setup flow that makes the process easier and quicker.

Here is how you can set 2FA without giving your number on Facebook

We strongly recommend each user to set 2FA on Facebook and other social media platforms since it is one of the most successful features which has helped people protect their accounts from hackers and other malevolent people. If you are unaware how to do that, please check this 5-step guide:

1. Log into your Facebook account;
2. Click on the downward-pointing arrow on the top-right corner of the window;
3. Select Settings and then go to Security and Log in;
4. Find Two-factor Authentication at the bottom of the page;
5. Once you find three options to set up 2FA, go for authenticator app;

Written by

Gabriel E. Hall

Malware Removal Expert

Malware removal Ransomware recovery Browser hijackers Spyware analysis Security tools testing

Gabriel E. Hall is a malware removal expert and cybersecurity researcher with over ten years of hands-on experience analysing threats and writing removal guides. She has documented hundreds of malware families — from browser hijackers and adware to ransomware and rootkits — providing step-by-step cleanup instructions tested against real infections. Gabriel's work combines deep technical analysis with clear, actionable language that readers without a security background can follow. Her guides consistently appear among the most-referenced resources for malware removal on Windows systems.

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