When Facebook rolled out the new text message security features, I signed up right away. It’s an extra authentication measure so you cannot login to your Facebook account on a ‘new’ computer until you put in a six digit code that Facebook texts you. In theory you’ll never be without your cell phone. It works all fine and dandy until you don’t have cell service.
It just so happens there was a storm in my area last night that must have knocked out the AT&T tower because since I’ve had no service at all at home. A mile up the road where I hit off the Pennsylvania tower I get some service.
Earlier today as I cleared my browser’s cookies as I usually do not thinking anything of it. Clearing my cookies deleted Facebook’s cookie and now it considers my computer as ‘new’. So I drive up the road to where I get service and wait for the text message. I get back on my computer and the code has expired. D’oh! I request a new one and race up the road then back down put the code and success I’m in! First thing I did was disable the texting feature while praying that it didn’t trigger another code, it didn’t.
Facebook really isn’t to blame. I enabled the option and it’s for my own security but why Facebook doesn’t go by IP address or at least match your IP, browser, and OS I don’t know.
#1 by Thoran on January 16, 2012 - 11:48 pm
Hi Dan,
I have been logging many miles to borrow a phone that receives text so i can log on. Is there a way to avoid the security text step if you already have no login approval? Seems like facebook is picking on poor people by demanding that they have a phone that receives text. Facebook does claim that you can call in but that is a lie. I have called so many times…..never an answer….
#2 by Big Dan on January 16, 2012 - 11:57 pm
Hi Thoran,
Once you login to Facebook you can disable the text message security. It’s just an extra (optional) level of security.