Facebook sends two kinds of SMS codes: a confirmation code that checks the mobile number on your account, and a login code for two-factor authentication. If a confirmation code does not arrive, check the number, resend once, or confirm with your email address instead. If a login code does not arrive, approve the login on another device or use a recovery code.
Which code Facebook is sending you
| When | If it does not come | |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmation code | New account or newly added mobile number | Check the number, resend, or confirm by email |
| Login code by SMS | Two-factor authentication on a new device or browser | Approve on another device, or use a recovery code |
| Code from an authentication app | Two-factor authentication with an app | Nothing is sent; open the app |
| Code you never asked for | Someone typed your number or email | Do not share it with anyone |
Facebook at a glance
- Virtual numbers
- Depends on the number range
- Code sent by
- SMS
- Code length
- 5 digits
- Asks for the number again later
- Yes
- One number per account
- No
SMS code not arriving: what to check
- Look at the number Facebook used Open the link to see which number you entered. If it is wrong, choose to update your contact info, enter the correct number and add it.
- Give the carrier a few minutes Facebook's help says carriers sometimes deliver codes late. Look again after a few minutes before asking for more.
- Check signal and inbox The phone needs mobile reception, and a full message inbox can block new texts.
- Resend once Use Resend SMS a single time, then wait. Several requests in a row only slow things down.
Getting the code by email instead
For a confirmation code you do not need the phone at all. Facebook lets you confirm the account with an email address instead of the mobile number.
- On the confirmation screen, choose to update your contact info.
- Enter your email address and add it.
- Open the email from Facebook and enter the code or follow the link.
- Nothing there? Use Resend email and check spam.
If the code keeps failing
- Approve from another device. If you are logged in on another phone, tablet or browser, check its notifications: Facebook may ask you to confirm the new login there without a code.
- Use a recovery code. These one-time backup codes come from your security and login settings; each works once.
- Update your methods afterwards: a new mobile number, another authentication app or a security key, so this does not happen again.
- Ask Facebook to confirm your identity if nothing else works; the help page leads you there.
Setting up a new account and the confirmation text never comes to your own number? A one-time number can take that single code; add your email straight away so later checks reach you. Repeated tries: too many attempts.
Common questions
How many digits is a Facebook confirmation code?
The confirmation code Facebook texts to check your mobile number has five digits. Type it in exactly as it arrives, and only on Facebook's own screen.
Can I confirm my Facebook account without a phone?
Yes. Add an email address on the confirmation screen and confirm the account with the code Facebook sends there.
What is a Facebook recovery code?
A one-time backup code from your security and login settings. Enter it instead of the SMS login code; each one works once.
Why did I get a Facebook code I did not request?
Someone entered your number or email, by mistake or on purpose. Do not pass the code on, and change your password if you are unsure.