Facebook Streamlines Its Two-Factor Authentication Process For Account Logins

Perhaps one day in the future we will no longer have to fumble with passwords when logging into sites and services. In the meantime, passwords rule the day, and you can make them more secure by enabling two-factor authentication where possible. it's a feature that exists on Facebook, and today the world's largest social networking site is making it easier to enable two-factor authentication with a couple of changes.

The first thing Facebook has done to make enabling two-factor authentication more convenient is streamline the setup. Facebook basically holds its users hands as they enable the feature, ensuring that a lack of tech savvy doesn't get in the way of improved security. Here's how the process looks on a mobile device:


There's really not much to it, at least once you dig through settings to find the option. That part is still a bit convoluted, given the number of switches and dials that litter Facebook's account UI. To get there on your phone, click on the three horizontal lines on the bottom-right corner. Scroll down and tap on Settings & Privacy to expand the menu, then tap on Account Settings. Next, select Security and Login at the top, then scroll down and tap on Use two-factor authentication.

If you're on a PC and viewing Facebook from your web browser, click the arrow in the upper-right corner and select Settings (or click here). Next, click on Security and Login in the left-hand column, then the Edit button next to Use two-factor authentication and follow the prompts.

The other change that Facebook made is to allow enabling two-factor authentication without registering a phone number with the service. This basically means Facebook now supports two-factor authentication through third-party apps like Google Authenticator and Duo Security.

"We previously required a phone number in order to set up two-factor authentication, to help prevent account lock-outs. Now that we have redesigned the feature to make the process easier to use third-party authentication apps like Google Authenticator and Duo Security on both desktop and mobile, we are no longer making the phone number mandatory," Facebook said.

These are welcome changes and should help users to better security their accounts, should they choose to.