If you’re ever in an emergency and need to sign in to Facebook, there are a few things you can do to make sure your account is secure. First, create a strong password. Second, make sure your Facebook account is connected to the internet and that your computer is up and running. Finally, make sure you have enabled two-factor authentication on your account. Two-factor authentication requires you to provide two pieces of information – your username and password – in addition to your Facebook login credentials. If any of these steps are not followed, someone could potentially access your account in an emergency. Here’s how to set up two-factor authentication on Facebook:
- Log into Facebook using the username and password you created for your account.
- Click on the three lines at the top of the main screen that say “Two-Factor Authentication.”
- Enter in both of your username and password as required. You’ll now be asked for a code that will activate two-factor authentication on your account. Copy the code below and save it somewhere safe:
Click the downward-facing arrow in the top-right corner of the website, then navigate to Settings & Privacy > Settings.
Head into the “Security and Login” tab from the menu on the left.
Scroll down to the “Setting up extra security” section and select the “Edit” button next to “Choose 3 to 5 friends to contact if you are locked out.”
Click the “Choose Friends” link.
In the following pop-up prompt, select the “Choose Trusted Contacts” button.
From the text box, look up the profiles of people you’d like to configure as your trusted contacts. You’ll have to add at least three friends.
Once you’ve picked your trusted contacts, click “Confirm.”
This process doesn’t require any verification from the contacts you’ve selected, so you’re all set.
Now, when you’re unable to access your account or can’t reset the password through email, Facebook will offer you an option to generate a recovery code via your trusted contacts on the “Forgot Password” page. You’ll need a code from all your trusted contacts, so make sure that you only add people you’re regularly in touch with.
As an extra security measure, Facebook will ask you to enter the full name of one trusted contact. Therefore, it’s best to note down the trusted contacts you’ve configured in a safe location.
If you’d like to update your list of trusted contacts, you can return to the same “Security and Login” menu and click the “Edit” button beside the thumbnails of your trusted contacts.
To make sure that your profile remains safe in the first place, there are several steps you can take to secure your Facebook account.