As a social media security consultant helping clients recover access to locked accounts, I know firsthand how stressful it can be when Facebook‘s vital two-factor login codes suddenly stop arriving.
Without those codes, it‘s game over. You‘re shut out with no way to get back in. Or at least it can feel that way when your connection to friends and family is on the brink.
But here‘s the good news – even if you don‘t have access to the associated email or phone number, resolving two-factor authentication issues is very achievable.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll leverage my expertise to explain how Facebook‘s login codes work, why you may not be receiving them anymore, and most importantly, how to reliably fix two-factor not working so you can reclaim access to your account.
How Do Facebook‘s Two-Factor Login Codes Work?
To understand why they‘ve stopped coming, first you need to know how two-factor authentication works in the context of logging into Facebook:
Essentially it‘s double the identity verification. Logging in requires providing two factors:
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Something you know: Your account password
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Something you have: The six-digit code sent by Facebook
Requiring both the password AND a code sent to your phone or email prevents unauthorized access even if someone learns your password.
Once enabled under Facebook Settings, two-factor activates automatically when attempting to login from an unrecognized device.
Two-factor authentication is used by major banks, email providers, and social media platforms alike to block nearly 100 million extra account attacks annually.But it also inevitably means more things that can go wrong and lock you out if you suddenly stop receiving codes.
Why Did My Facebook Two-Factor Login Codes Stop Coming?
Based on my experience, some of the most common reasons are:
- Blocked Contacts: Facebook‘s number is accidentally added to your phone‘s block list.
- Outdated Phone Number: The phone number on your Facebook account is old and invalid.
- Reached Code Limit: Exceeding the daily limit for code requests triggers blocks.
- Connection Issues: Cell network problems interfere with Facebook‘s texts sending.
Issues can also occur if you lost access to your recovery email address or phone number linked to Facebook.
But fear not – as we‘ll cover, workarounds exist even losing access to those backup verification methods.
Fix 1: Unblocking All Contacts
One of the fastest fixes is double checking Facebook isn‘t a blocked contact on your mobile device.
Your phone simply won‘t display calls or texts from numbers specifically added to the block list:
- On iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts
- On Android, find Settings > Blocked numbers
- Tap Edit and remove any blocked numbers
- Attempt having Facebook resend a code
This instantly resolves issues if you previously blocked their SMS shortcode –
326-65 (FBOOK) - by accident or in the past when testing services like online dating or classifieds.
Fix 2: Report An Issue Verifying Your Account
If unblocking contacts doesn‘t restart code delivery, submitting an account support inquiry directly to Facebook is the next logical step:
- Visit https://www.facebook.com/help/contact/283958118330524
- Enter your registered email address and phone number
- Select your mobile carrier
- Describe the problem receiving codes
- Click Send
This sends your issue to Facebook‘s account security team. They can then investigate and remove any restrictions triggering two-factor login failures.
Response times average 3-5 days based on current queue volumes. 2021 saw a 63% increase in accounts needing post-ban reviews.It‘s important to ensure the email address you provide is one you can access. That‘s how Facebook will contact you if needing any clarification while working to restore access.
Fix 3: Report Facebook Texting Issues
A more direct way to get text-based two-factor working again is reporting mobile problems through another Facebook help form:
- Go to https://www.facebook.com/help/contact/352512044767949
- Select "Receiving Texts" for the issue type
- Enter your details like phone number and carrier
- Describe the problem with code delivery
- Click Send
This specially focused contact form sends your texting issue straight to the Facebook teams dedicated to messaging-related problems – for fastest possible resolution.
Proactive Ways to Avoid Two-Factor Problems
While the above help get your locked account reopened, ideal practice is preventing getting locked out in the first place:
- Don‘t block Facebook‘s SMS shortcode
- Keep phone numbers/emails on your Facebook account current
- Setup backup login codes or third-party authentication apps
- Mind code request frequency to avoid triggering overflow blocks
Staying up-to-date is always wise. Outdated recovery options make it impossible for Facebook to verify your identity.
I‘d also highly recommend having backup verification methods already enabled in case primary options like texts or emails ever stop working properly:
- Backup Codes – Single use codes you generate and store securely outside Facebook.
- Authentication Apps – Apps generating login approval notifications instead of texts.
In Closing
Losing access to an account as personal as Facebook can be destabilizing. But as we‘ve covered here today, solutions exist – whether you‘ve hit SMS limits, have contacts blocked, or lost access to previous email and phone recovery options.
Through a combination of built-in Facebook account recovery tools and knowing workarounds like unblocking all contacts, you can regain access and correct any two-factor authentication issues. As a last resort, Facebook‘s account reporting forms can facilitate the reactivation process if you get truly stuck.
I hope these tips empower you on the frustrating journey that is getting locked out of Facebook. And make sure you‘re taking proactive measures around properly configuring account security – so we can avoid this again down the road!
If you need any further one-on-one assistance getting back into Facebook or securing your other social profiles, please reach out. Helping fix account access issues is what I do best!
