This morning we had a couple of team members mention that their Facebook account was restricted from advertising. With all the sweeping deactivations lately, we assumed this was similar. However, after a closer look, we found out it was a simple fix that anyone can do.
At some point between 7pm last night and 9am this morning, Facebook implemented an update where if you do not have 2 Factor Authentication enabled, you will be restricted from advertising on Facebook. You will also be unable to make any changes within the business manager.
I’m sure you know what 2 Factor authentication is, but for those that might not, Wikipedia defines it as:
Multi-factor authentication (MFA; encompassing Two-factor authentication or 2FA, along with similar terms) is an electronic authentication method in which a computer user is granted access to a website or application only after successfully presenting two or more pieces of evidence (or factors) to an authentication mechanism: knowledge (something only the user knows), possession (something only the user has), and inherence (something only the user is). It protects the user from an unknown person trying to access their data such as personal ID details or financial assets.
In non-tech speak, it means that simply logging in with a password is not enough. You must also verify your login another way – either with a text message or authenticator app.
Enabling 2 Factor Authentication is usually pretty easy. For Facebook specifically, their documentation is pretty helpful. You can also follow the steps below:
To turn on or manage two-factor authentication:
- Go to your Security and Login Settings.
- Scroll down to Use two-factor authentication and click Edit.
- Choose the security method you want to add and follow the on-screen instructions.
When you set up two-factor authentication on Facebook, you’ll be asked to choose one of two security methods:
- Login codes from a third party authentication app.
- Text message (SMS) codes from your mobile phone.
You’ll need to have at least one of these set up in order to use two-factor authentication. Once you have added either text message (SMS) codes or a third party authentication app on your account, you’ll also be able to set up some of the optional methods below:
- Approving your login attempt from a device we recognize.
- Using one of your recovery codes.
- Tapping your security key on a compatible device.
The authenticator app we prefer is Google Authenticator. Get it for free from the Apple Store or Google Play.
To see if any of your team members are affected, review the People in your Facebook Business Managers and give them a courtesy heads up.
PSA: Facebook is rolling out an entire new security practice due to fraudulent activity occurring across the platforms’ Business Manager accounts and Ads Manager.
If you don’t want to get shut down and experience issues such as ads randomly being disapproved, it’s critical to make sure that you verify your Business Manager and turn on Two-Factor Authentication for your agency’s Admins.
Follow along as we take you through step-by-step how to easily verify your Business Manager, turn on Two-factor Authentication, and avoid future problems!
Verifying your Business Manager
1. Go to business.facebook.com
2. Select the business you need to verify to be directed to its Business Manager
3. From the Business Manager home page, click Business Settings > Security Center
4. Under Business Verification, click Start Verification
5. Enter your Business Details and click Next to proceed
6. Select your business from the list provided, and click Next
IMPORTANT: If your business is not listed, follow Facebook’s guide for uploading official documents: //www.facebook.com/business/help/159334372093366
Once you’ve confirmed your Business Details, the
next step is to receive a Verification Code via text message, phone call, or email.
7. Enter your business contact phone # and click Text Me Now, OR enter your business email and click Send Email
IMPORTANT: If you are unable to use your business contact phone # or business email, click Continue to be guided through the steps to upload supporting documents.
8. Enter the 5-digit verification code you received, and click Submit
You’ve officially submitted your business verification details! Now, Facebook will review your submission. Make sure to look out for a notification once the review is complete!
Turning on Two-Factor Authentication
1. Go to business.facebook.com
2. Select the business you need to verify to be directed to its Business Manager
3. From the Business Manager home page, click Business Settings > Business Info
4. Locate Business Options, and under Two-Factor Authentication, toggle “No one” to Admins only
5. Click Save
Now that you have your Business Verification details submitted and Two-Factor Authentication turned on, you won’t have to worry about Facebook shutting you down or disapproving your ads because they suspect fraudulent
activity, and so much more!