How to Add a Security Key to Facebook

* This article is from our Tip of the Day newsletter. . *

A security key is a physical device you can take with you that acts as a key to accounts with sensitive information. In the digital age, it's nice to have something tangible that works the old-fashioned way instead of having to rely on memory or have your iPhone on you at all times for two-factor authentication. If you already own a security key and are ready to secure your Facebook account, here's how to set up a security key.

Why You'll Love This Tip:

  • Learn how to set up your Facebook account with your security key.
  • Keep your Facebook account extra secure with multi-factor authentication.
  • Using a physical security key to secure your account means hackers can't simply crack your password to gain access.

What Is a Security Key for Facebook

System Requirements

This tip was performed on an iPhone 12 running iOS 17.4 or later. Learn how to update to the latest iOS. You will also need an NFC-enabled physical security key to complete the tip below.

If you have a security key already, then you know how important it is to have something a bit stronger than just a password to protect your most sensitive accounts. However, if this is your first time hearing about security keys, the most important thing to understand is that the security key acts as a second step when signing into accounts you've linked it to.

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Once you've associated your accounts with the security key, you will need both your password and the key itself in order to log in to your accounts. This keeps your accounts secure and protected from hackers who may have your password. However, if you use a security key, they will not be able to hack your account unless they have the security key.

Set Up Security Key for Facebook Account

If you're ready to set up your security key with your Facebook account, follow the steps below. Make sure your security key is nearby. If you like learning about keeping your devices secure, be sure to sign up for our free Tip of the Day!

  1. On your iPhone, open Facebook.

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  2. Tap Menu in the bottom right corner.

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  3. Tap the Settings button.

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  4. Tap See more in Accounts Center.

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  5. Tap Password and Security.

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  6. Tap Two-factor Authentication.

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  7. If you have multiple accounts linked, choose an account.

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  8. Tap Security Keys.

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  9. Tap Next.

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  10. Tap Register Security Key.

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  11. Bring your security key with NFC against the top of your iPhone until the iPhone scans it.

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  12. Enter a pin for your security key.

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  13. Bring your security key with NFC against the top of your iPhone again.

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  14. Facebook will indicate that the key has been added. Tap Done.

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  15. Next, return to the Password and Security menu and tap on Two-factor Authentication.

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  16. Tap on Security Keys and then tap Next.

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  17. Tap on the key you just added.

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  18. Tap on Rename, and give the security key a unique name so that if it is stolen, you will know which one to remove from your Facebook account.

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  19. Tap Save.

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Pro Tip

It's not a bad idea to add at least one more security key using this same process. That way, if you lose one, you will not be permanently locked out of your Facebook account.

And that's how you set up your security key with your Facebook account. Now, you can rest easy knowing your private information is safe!

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Author Details

Rachel Needell's picture

Author Details

Rachel Needell

Rachel Needell is a Feature Writer at iPhone Life, and a poet and author. With 10-plus years of experience working with Apple devices, she specializes in all-things iPad and is a Notes App expert, having worked on both the 2023 iPad Guide and the Notes App Guide. You can usually find her writing in the Daily Tip newsletter as one of our senior Tip writers. Rachel received her Master’s degree in English Literature in 2021 and her most recent work appears in the Winter ’21 edition of New Note Poetry. When she’s not obsessing about Apple products, you can find her voraciously reading fantasy books with her cat in Asheville, North Carolina.