How to Turn On Facebook Protect

Caught in a loop trying to figure out how to turn on Facebook Protect? You're in the right place. This guide walks you through the entire process step-by-step, explaining what it is, why it matters, and how to get it enabled without any guesswork.

What is Facebook Protect and Why Is It Important?

Facebook Protect is an advanced security program designed to safeguard accounts that are at a higher risk of being targeted by malicious actors. Think of it as an extra layer of armor for your profile. Initially, Facebook rolled this out for people like journalists, human rights defenders, and political candidates who are often the focus of sophisticated online attacks. Now, it's expanded to include administrators of high-reach Pages and many regular users who want better protection.

The core of Facebook Protect revolves around two main security upgrades:

• A stronger password: It encourages and sometimes requires you to have a password that is difficult to guess.
• Two-factor authentication (2FA): This is the program's powerhouse. 2FA means that even if someone steals your password, they can't log into your account without a second piece of information, like a code sent to your phone or generated by an app.

By enforcing these standards, Facebook aims to dramatically reduce the number of account takeovers. For brand managers and social media professionals, this isn't just a recommendation, it's a fundamental step in protecting your digital assets, your community, and your brand's reputation.

Who Needs to Turn On Facebook Protect?

While Facebook has made it a mandatory requirement for certain accounts, the truth is that everyone benefits from better security. If you receive a notification from Facebook telling you it's time to turn on Facebook Protect by a certain date, then it's mandatory for you. Failing to do so can result in you being locked out of your account until you complete the steps.

The groups most commonly required to enable it include:

• Administrators of popular Pages: If you manage a Facebook Page with a large following, you are a primary target. A compromised admin account can lead to disastrous consequences for a brand's public image.
• Individuals in the public eye: Journalists, activists, public figures, and election officials fall into this category.
• Users randomly selected for the program: As Facebook expands the program, it is including more users to raise the overall security level of the platform.

Even if you haven't received a notification, turning on Facebook Protect (or at least its core component, two-factor authentication) is one of the smartest things you can do to secure your online presence.

Before You Start: What You'll Need

To make this process as smooth as possible, take a moment to get organized. Having these things ready will prevent you from having to stop and search for information mid-process.

• Access to your Facebook email and phone number: Make sure the email address and phone number associated with your account are up-to-date and that you can access them. You might need them to receive verification codes.
• Your Facebook password: Have it handy. If you’ve forgotten it, now is a good time to go through the password reset process.
• Your mobile phone: Most two-factor authentication methods rely on your smartphone, whether for receiving a text message or for running an authenticator app.

Once you have all this ready, you're set to begin.

How to Turn On Facebook Protect: A Step-by-Step Guide

Finding and activating Facebook Protect is straightforward once you know where to look. You can do this from a web browser on a computer or through the Facebook app on your phone. The steps are very similar.

From Your Computer (Desktop Browser):

1. Click your profile picture in the top-right corner of the screen.
2. From the dropdown menu, select "Settings &, Privacy" and then click "Settings."
3. On the next page, look at the menu on the left side and click on "Security and Login." In some newer layouts, this might be under the "Accounts Center" where you'll click on "Password and security."
4. You should see a section labeled "Facebook Protect." Click on the "Get Started" button next to "Facebook Protect is off."

From the Facebook App (Mobile):

1. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines, often called a "hamburger menu") in the top-right (Android) or bottom-right (iPhone) corner.
2. Scroll down and tap "Settings &, Privacy," then tap "Settings."
3. Tap "Password and security" (this may be inside a section called "Accounts Center").
4. Look for the "Facebook Protect" option and tap it to begin.

From here, Facebook will launch a wizard that guides you through the next steps. It will scan your account for potential vulnerabilities and walk you through fixing them.

Step 1: The Initial Security Check

The program will first show you what it’s about to do. It’s an informative screen that reinforces the benefits of the program. Click “Next” to continue.

Facebook will then scan your account for weaknesses, primarily focusing on two things at this stage: your password strength and your two-factor authentication status.

Step 2: Strengthening Your Password

The first item Facebook checks is your password. If it considers your password weak (too short, too common, or previously compromised in a known data breach), it will prompt you to change it. A strong password generally includes:

• A mix of uppercase and lowercase letters.
• Numbers and symbols (like !, @, #).
• A longer length (aim for at least 12 characters).

A great method for creating a strong, memorable password is to use a passphrase, such as "Three!BrownBears-Singing99" instead of something simple like "Password123."

Step 3: Turning On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

This is the centerpiece of Facebook Protect. You absolutely must have 2FA enabled to complete the setup. If it's already on, Facebook will give you a green checkmark. If not, it will prompt you to set it up now. Click “Turn on now” and you’ll be asked to choose your preferred security method.

Understanding Your Two-Factor Authentication Options

Facebook gives you three primary methods for 2FA. Each has its pros and cons, but any of them are far better than having no 2FA at all.

1. Authentication App (Recommended)

This method involves using a third-party app on your phone, like Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Duo. When you log in, you'll open the app to get a temporary, time-sensitive code.

• Why it's recommended: It's more secure than SMS because it's not vulnerable to SIM-swapping attacks. The codes are generated directly on your device and don't rely on your cellular network.
• How to set it up: You'll be shown a QR code on your computer screen. Open your authenticator app, choose to add a new account, and scan the QR code with your phone’s camera. The app will then start generating codes for your Facebook account. Enter the current code to confirm, and you’re done.

2. Text Message (SMS)

This is the most common and user-friendly method. Facebook will text a special login code to your registered mobile number each time someone tries to log in from an unrecognized device or browser.

• Why it's popular: It's simple and doesn't require installing any new apps. As long as you have cell service, you can get a code.
• How to set it up: Select the text message option, confirm your phone number (or add one if you haven't yet), and Facebook will send you a test code. Enter that code to verify your phone, and 2FA will be active.

3. Security Key

This is the highest level of security available. It involves a physical hardware device (often a USB stick, like a YubiKey) that you need to physically plug into your computer or tap against your phone (via NFC) to approve a login.

• Who it's for: This is an excellent option for journalists, politicians, activists, or high-profile brand managers who face an elevated threat level. For most users, it's more security than is necessary.
• How to set it up: You'll need to purchase a compatible U2F security key. Follow Facebook’s on-screen instructions to register your specific key with your account.

Once you've set up your 2FA method, Facebook Protect will confirm that everything is complete. Congratulations, your account is now significantly more secure!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes things don't go as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to handle them.

• I can't find the Facebook Protect option in my settings. If you don't see it, it's possible Facebook hasn't required it for your account yet. However, you can still get the exact same level of security by manually navigating to "Security and Login" >, "Two-Factor Authentication" and setting it up yourself.
• I'm not receiving the verification code via SMS. First, double-check that you have good cell service. If that's fine, try restarting your phone. You can also use the "Resend code" option. If it still doesn't work, there might be a network delay, or you may want to try the authentication app method instead.
• I lost my phone and can't get my 2FA code. This is why recovery codes are so important! When you set up 2FA, Facebook provides you with a set of one-time-use recovery codes. You should save these in a safe, secure place (like a password manager or a locked document). You can find them under "Security and Login" >, "Two-factor Authentication" >, "Recovery codes."

After You’ve Enabled Facebook Protect: Best Practices

Keep your account safe by adopting a few healthy habits:

• Check your active logins: Periodically visit the "Where you're logged in" section in your security settings. If you see any unrecognized devices or locations, log them out immediately and change your password.
• Beware of phishing attempts: Be suspicious of emails or messages that claim to be from Facebook asking for your login details. Never click suspicious links.
• Keep your contact info current: If you change your phone number or primary email, remember to update it in your Facebook settings. This is essential for account recovery should you ever get locked out.

Final Thoughts

Turning on Facebook Protect is a simple process that packs a powerful security punch. By fortifying your account with a strong password and two-factor authentication, you're building a digital fortress around your personal information and any brands you manage, making it dramatically harder for unauthorized users to gain access.

Securing your Facebook profile is the foundation of an effective social media strategy. After protecting your accounts, the focus shifts to managing them well without adding more complexity to your day. We know firsthand that difficult-to-use social media tools can cause as much frustration as a security threat. That’s why we built Postbase to streamline everything. We handle the headaches like staying reliably connected to your accounts and making sure your scheduled video posts actually publish - so you can focus on creating great content, not fighting with your software.