How to Change Two-Factor Authentication from WhatsApp/SMS to Google Authenticator on Facebook

If your Facebook verification codes sometimes don’t arrive on SMS or WhatsApp, switching to an authentication app like Google Authenticator is a more reliable option.

This guide will help you change your two-factor authentication (2FA) method on Facebook from SMS/WhatsApp to Google Authenticator in a simple, step-by-step manner.

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Why Switch to Google Authenticator?

• No dependency on network or SMS delivery

• Works even without mobile signal

• Faster and more secure login

• Reduces OTP not received issues

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Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Log in to Facebook

1. Open any browser.

2. Go to www.facebook.com

3. Enter your username and password.

4. Complete the existing verification (code sent via SMS or WhatsApp).

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Step 2: Open Settings

1. Click on your profile icon (top right corner).

2. Click on Settings & Privacy.

3. Then click on Settings.

You will now see the Settings page.

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Step 3: Open Accounts Center

1. On the left-hand side, look for Meta Accounts Center.

2. Click on See more in Accounts Center (blue text).

3. A new tab will open.

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Step 4: Go to Password & Security

1. In the new tab, under Account Settings, click Password and Security.

2. Click on Two-Factor Authentication.

3. Select your Facebook account.

You will now see your current 2FA methods (SMS / WhatsApp) and the phone number (last 2 digits visible).

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Step 5: Add Authentication App Method

Under Add a backup method, click on:

Authentication App

Before proceeding, Facebook will ask for verification.

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Step 6: Verify Using Existing Method

1. A verification code will be sent to your registered phone number (SMS).

2. Enter the code on your laptop screen.

3. Click Continue.

Now you can proceed with setting up the authentication app.

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Setting Up Google Authenticator

Step 7: Install Google Authenticator

On your mobile phone:

• Go to Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone).

• Download and install Google Authenticator.

Open the app.

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Step 8: Start Setup in Google Authenticator

1. Tap Get Started.

2. Choose:

   • Continue with Google account OR

   • Use without an account

(Either option works.)

1. Select Scan a QR Code.

Your camera will open.

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Step 9: Scan the QR Code

On your laptop screen, Facebook will display a QR code.

1. Scan that QR code using your mobile camera.

2. After scanning, click Next on your laptop.

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Step 10: Enter the 6-Digit Code

1. Google Authenticator will now show a 6-digit code.

2. Enter this code on your laptop screen.

3. Click Next.

You will now see a confirmation message that Two-Factor Authentication is turned on using the authentication app.

Click Done to complete the process.

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What Happens Next?

From now on:

• When logging in from an unrecognized device, Facebook will ask for a code.

• You must open Google Authenticator and enter the 6-digit code shown there.

• No SMS or WhatsApp code will be required.

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Important Tip

Once Google Authenticator is successfully set up, you may choose to:

• Keep SMS as backup OR

• Remove SMS/WhatsApp completely (optional)

Using an authentication app is generally more secure and avoids OTP delay issues permanently.