What to Do When Facebook Isn't Sending Security Codes

When Facebook doesn't send security codes, you're stuck on the login screen with no way to access your account. Here are some solutions we've verified that can help you get those security codes.

Why Won’t Facebook Send Me a Code?

It's often the case that Facebook did send the code. If you haven't had to use two-factor authentication in a while, it can be tricky to know where to look for the security code.

However, a real issue could be at play, including any of the following:

• The text that contains the code was marked as spam
• There's a service or data issue
• The app or website is malfunctioning
• You've requested too many codes too quickly

How to Fix Facebook Not Sending Security Codes

Given the variety of possible causes, there are also several potential fixes. Walk through these solutions in the order we've listed them here:

1. If Facebook didn't send you a text with the login code, open the authentication app you used when you first set up two-factor authentication. This code is just as valid as an SMS code.

2. Use a different approval method. On the login screen should be several ways to get into your account.

   For example, you should see a message that says "We sent a notification to your [device name]." Open Facebook on that device (or any device where you're logged in) to approve the request; select Continue > This was me.
   

   You can also tap Need another way to confirm it's you? to confirm your identity.

3. Check your spam folder. Texts from Facebook shouldn't be marked as spam by your phone, but it's possible that you tapped the wrong button once in the past, and that's all that's needed to hide security code texts.

   On Android, tap your profile image and then select Spam & blocked to see those messages. iPhone users can't see these texts, unfortunately.

4. Check your internet connection. If you're offline, either on the device you're trying to log in from or the device that should be receiving the security code, then there's no way Facebook can complete this extra login step.
   

   One quick thing to check is Airplane Mode; it should be off. If your device can't access other websites or Facebook is loading slowly, you need to figure out why you can't get online.

5. Restart your device. This can clear up everything from Facebook issues to texting problems. If this works, you'll get the code when your phone boots up.

   How you reboot your device depends on the platform: iOS [Restart an iPhone], Android [Restart Android], or Windows [Restart a PC].

6. Clear the Facebook cache. The app's cache may be full or corrupt, so deleting it could fix the problem.
   

7. Wait it out. If Facebook is having its own problems, then there's nothing you can do but wait for them to fix it. Similarly, if you've requested security codes too frequently, you might need to wait 24 hours to get another one.

8. Ignore the request and log in to your account at Facebook.com. It's possible you never really set up two-factor authentication for Facebook and the login page you see is a phishing scam meant to steal your password.

   If this is the case, change your Facebook password immediately and then set up Facebook 2FA.

9. Recover your Facebook account if you still can't log in.