Hey there, it’s Michelle here.
I’ve got three words for you…Two Factor Authentication; the security feature that most digital programs and apps use in 2023 to keep our information safe. And, while I’m incredibly grateful for the added layer of security that two-factor authentication (2FA) provides, today’s cautionary tale takes a slightly juxtaposed angle. In recent weeks, 2FA has sent me on whirlwind journey of unnecessary stress and learnings.
Like many business owners, I have two factor authentication set up for my Facebook account. I also have it set-up for my banking, my accounting software, and pretty much any other online account where I feel an added level of security is needed. Makes sense, right?
Two factor authentication, or 2FA as it is commonly referred to online, is an amazing security feature…That is, until, like me in recent weeks, you are unable to access the device that was set up for your 2FA *queue hair pulling and panic stations*.
Here’s what happened.
I was using Google’s Authenticator app for my 2FA. I purchased a new phone and transferred all my data over before clearing my old device. However, what I didn’t realise at the time was that the codes from my Google Authenticator app didn’t transfer over and, you guessed it, I was LOCKED OUT OF EVERYTHING.
As you can imagine, sheer panic set in. What I will say, is that it took me less than 48 hours to get back into my banking and accounting software (phew!).
Facebook, however, was a different story.
Now, while I will happily write an ode to Facebook and express my immense appreciation for the platform and the benefits it brings to businesses, their customer service does leave a lot to be desired.
Thankfully I am back online, but believe me when I tell you that it did take two of the longest weeks of my life!
Like every stressful situation, I did take away a couple of helpful tips that I want to share with you. There is a safety measure you can put in place to protect your account in situations like this. So, if you have 2FA setup for your Facebook, please take my advice and follow the below steps to protect your account access in case you are unable to access your device that had 2FA setup:
Please note these steps can only be done on the desktop version of Facebook (not via the app).
Step One:
Click on your icon at the top right and navigate to ‘Settings & Privacy’.
Step Two:
Click on ‘Settings’.
Step Three:
Navigate to ‘Security and Login’ over on the lefthand side of the page.
Step Four:
Scroll down to ‘Use two-factor authentication’ and click on ‘edit’. Note: you may be required to put in your password or login code here.
Step Five:
Scroll down to ‘Recovery codes’ and choose the ‘Set Up’ option.
You will then be provided 10 codes you can use to access Facebook should you ever lose access to your 2FA option - Make note of these!
Voila! It really is that simple. Unfortunately, this process is not widely advertised as a pre-emptive solution to your 2FA worries on Facebook. Similarly, there’s not a lot of support from Facebook when it comes to account issues, including access, page ownership, connected assets and more.
But hey, if you can learn from my recent misfortune and unnecessary stress, then I guess we’ll call that a silver lining. I’m relieved to be back online, with access reinstated for all of my 2FA apps and programs.
Have you ever experienced this issue, or something similar? Let us know! When it comes to Meta, I truly believe that the more education we can share with one another, the better.
Let me finish by saying that I hope an issue like this doesn’t happen to you! However, if it does, I hope that these steps can save you some stress and frustration.
Schedule your complimentary 30-minute discovery session with Poppy Seed Media now to speak with one of our specialists about how we can partner with you to achieve your Digital Marketing goals. We can’t wait to chat!
Author Bio
Michelle Trimble is a degree qualified marketing specialist who is passionate about breaking down the barriers business owners face when it comes to digital marketing!
After nearly 10 years working in the industry, Michelle decided to start Poppy Seed Media with the mission to provide more accessible marketing services.
Every business has the right to incredible marketing!
Michelle has provided marketing training to hundreds of individuals, working with businesses around the world to improve their overall strategies. Outside of the working world, Michelle is a mum to three young boys and loves any opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.
If you would like to book a free discover session with Michelle, please reach out.
