# 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.

***

### 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

***

## Step-by-Step Guide

<figure><img src="/files/Acdnx8fV9biwxl4RrNqu" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Step 1: Log in to Facebook

1. Open any browser.
2. Go to [**www.facebook.com**](http://www.facebook.com)
3. Enter your username and password.
4. Complete the existing verification (code sent via SMS or WhatsApp).

***

### 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.

***

### 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.

***

### 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).

***

### Step 5: Add Authentication App Method

Under **Add a backup method**, click on:

**Authentication App**

Before proceeding, Facebook will ask for verification.

***

### 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.

***

## Setting Up Google Authenticator

<figure><img src="/files/qNYCIFfeo8EYNidSpgex" alt="" width="324"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 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.

***

### 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.)

3. Select **Scan a QR Code**.

Your camera will open.

***

### 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.

***

### Step 10: Enter the 6-Digit Code

<figure><img src="/files/X59k7eHavBVBy8cBvy7G" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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.

***

## 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.

***

## 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.


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