Facebook Not Sending Code

Facebook may send you an authorization code to verify your identity if you try to log in with a different browser or device. Additional security is necessary to protect your account, but it doesn't always work well.

For example, there are times when you're waiting for a code that doesn't arrive, which could obviously prevent you from logging in and using Facebook. There are several reasons why your code might not arrive; Here are seven of the best ways to resolve this annoying and time consuming issue.

Check your spam folder

By far the most common reason people don't receive, or think they don't receive, their security code is because it ends up in a spam or junk folder. It's easy to miss, especially in the heat of the moment when you're trying to sign in on a new device, so go to the spam folder of your email program and see if it's waiting for you there. If you expect this code to arrive via SMS, be aware that many phones filter incoming messages from known and unknown service providers; your code may be in the unknown senders folder.

iPhone messaging app

Many text messaging apps have some sort of spam folder, so check your security code.

Verify that two-factor authentication is enabled

You will receive a code to confirm that you have access to Facebook if you have two-factor authentication enabled. If you can access a website without receiving or entering a code, you probably have two-factor authentication turned off. Easily check and re-enable two-factor authentication, if needed.

In a web browser, open the Facebook page and click your account icon at the top of the page. From the menu, select Settings and privacy, and then Settings. In the left pane, click Security & login, then in the Two-factor authentication section of the main page, click Edit next to Use two-factor authentication. Follow the instructions to start the job.

Facebook Settings in Chrome

Make sure two-factor authentication is enabled for optimal security.

If you're using the Facebook app on your phone, tap the three-line menu icon at the bottom right of the page. Tap the Settings cog at the top right of the next page, then tap Password & Security in the Account section. In the two-factor authentication section, click Use two-factor authentication and turn on the feature.

Ask for codes by other means

It just so happens that most people get their Facebook security code via email, but that's not your only option. If you requested this code and you don't seem to have received it via email, you can transfer it to your mobile messaging app via SMS or vice versa.

To do that, try to log in to Facebook. When it asks for a code, select Resend. If you still don't receive the code, click I need another way to verify and follow the instructions to use an alternate delivery method, such as an email address on file with your account.

Using an authenticator app like Google Authenticator is usually a two-pronged solution that is both convenient and secure. Once you've logged into your account, consider making the authenticator app your primary two-factor authentication solution. To do that, go into the two-factor authentication settings (see troubleshooting step above) and follow the instructions to add the authenticator app.

Make sure you have a reliable internet connection

Don't overlook the obvious: Do you have a website that works and is reliable? If you're requesting a code while connected to public Wi-Fi, for example, a bad connection could mean the request is never sent successfully. Turn off Wi-Fi on your phone and use only phone data. When you're home, consider restarting your Wi-Fi router.

Reboot your devices

There are other simple things you can do to get up and running with Facebook. For example, your phone or computer may have a temporary glitch that can be fixed with a reboot. Before restarting any of your devices, test the app: close Facebook completely (see how to close the app on Android or close the app on iOS), then restart the app. On the computer, shut down and restart the browser. If that doesn't fix the problem, turn off your iPhone and restart it. To turn off most Android phones, press and hold the power button, then select power off when the option appears on the screen. Then try Facebook again.

Make sure Facebook is online

It's not uncommon for Facebook to have a noticeable outage, but it can happen, and if you can't find the security code, it could be because Facebook is offline. You can also search for "Facebook down" in a web browser. If you are not logged in, you will need to wait for the service to respond and then try to log in again.

If Facebook is offline, you'll have to wait to log in on a new device.

Clear Cache Facebook

If you are trying to access your phone, the app may be misbehaving. Occasionally mobile apps on iPhone and Android can suffer from corrupted caches. Fortunately, the solution is quite simple. If you use Facebook on iPhone, please uninstall the app and then reinstall it from the App Store.

If you have an Android device, you can clear the cache without uninstalling the app. Launch the Settings app and click on Apps. If necessary, touch See all apps and then touch Facebook. Tap Storage & cache, and then tap Clear cache followed by Clear storage.