Alexis Kestler
Have you ever tried to log into Facebook, only to be blocked by an annoying "Login Approval Needed" message? As a fellow technology geek, I totally understand how frustrating this is.
This error pops up when Facebook detects you‘re trying to login from a new device, location or web browser. It‘s a security measure to confirm your identity and prevent unauthorized access.
But when you just want to stalk your ex or argue with strangers in the comments, it‘s an obstacle you want to bypass ASAP.
Not to worry my friend! I‘ve put together this comprehensive 2800+ word guide with all the insider tips and tricks to swiftly deal with the "Login Approval Needed" error.
Consider me your Virgil guiding you through the infernal circles of Facebook login hell. With my help, you‘ll be back scrolling your News Feed and harvesting those sweet, sweet dopamine hits in no time!
So plug in your best headphones, grab your preferred streaming beverage, and let‘s defeat this beast together…
What Triggers the "Login Approval Needed" Error on Facebook
Before we plunge into the solutions, let‘s first understand what causes Facebook to require login approval in the first place.
As a social media platform used by over 2.9 billion people worldwide, Facebook takes security pretty seriously. They don‘t want just anyone accessing your account.
Facebook specifically asks for login approval when:
You Log in From a New Device
If you normally use Facebook on your iPhone, but try logging in on your friend‘s laptop, for example. Facebook raises an eyebrow at this unusual device switcheroo.
You Log in From a New Location
If you travel to a new city or country and login to Facebook there, it sets off alarm bells. "Imposter!" screams Facebook.
You Use a Different Web Browser
If Chrome is your usual Facebook browser, but now you‘re trying to login through Safari.
You Log in After a Long Period of Inactivity
Like if you avoid Facebook for a few months after a breakup, then attempt to return. The system may not recognize you after such a long hiatus.
Fun Stat: 53% of Facebook users check the site at least once per day. So extended breaks are rare.
Basically, Facebook demands login approval any time your behavior seems abnormal based on their data about your regular activity. While strict, this protocol does help guard 2.9 billion accounts against unauthorized access.
Now, let‘s master how to hurdle that "Login Approval Needed" barricade and reach the sweet sanity of your News Feed once again!
How to Fix "Login Approval Needed" by Getting a Code Sent to Your Email
The fastest way to fix the "Login Approval Needed" mistake is by having Facebook email you a special login code. Just a few quick steps, and you‘ll be back cruising your feed in no time:
Step 1: When you see the error message, click the Continue button.
Step 2: On the next screen, select Get a code sent to your email.
Step 3: Enter your Facebook email address if asked.
Step 4: Click Continue. Facebook will email an 8-digit login code to the address on file.
Step 5: Check your email (including spam folder) for the code from Facebook.
Step 6: Copy the 8-digit code from the email.
Step 7: Return to Facebook, paste in the code, and click Continue.
Hot tip: 76% of users access Facebook on their smartphones. So use the mobile app if you need the code fast!
And just like that, you‘re in! This email code method works great as long as you have access to the email associated with your Facebook account.
The code comes from Facebook‘s @support.facebook.com or @facebookmail.com address. If you don‘t get it within 10 minutes, click "Re-send code" to receive a new email with a fresh code. Easy peasy.
But what if you don‘t have access to your Facebook email anymore? Let‘s explore a couple creative workarounds…
How to Fix "Login Approval Needed" Without Your Email
Alright, say you lost access to the old Hotmail account tied to your Facebook profile. No problem – you have alternatives to the email code method.
You can confirm your identity by:
Approving Login From Another Device
If you‘re already logged into Facebook‘s app on your iPhone, for example, use it to approve the login attempt on the new device.
Identifying Your Recent Comments
Facebook will show you snippets of recent comments you‘ve made, and you confirm they‘re yours.
Let me walk you through how to use each method…
Approve Login From Another Device
This works well when you have another phone, tablet or computer handy that you‘re already logged into Facebook on. Here‘s how:
Step 1: When you get "Login Approval Needed", pick Approve your login on another phone or computer.
Step 2: Click Continue.
Step 3: Open the Facebook app or website on the other device you‘re logged into.
Step 4: Confirm the new login attempt when prompted.
Step 5: Return to the device you‘re trying to login on, and you should now have access!
So in this scenario, you‘re using a familiar device to vouch for the new, unrecognized device. The key is having another working login active so you can easily approve the notification.
Pro Tip: Enable Facebook login notifications so you never miss an approval request.
Now let‘s look at the final method – identifying your past comments…
Identify Your Recent Comments
If another login isn‘t handy, Facebook gives you one more out: confirming your recent activity on the platform.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Select Identify your recent comments after getting the login approval notice.
Step 2: Click Continue.
Step 3: Carefully review the recent comments Facebook shows you. Confirm the ones you made by checking the boxes.
Step 4: Verify 3-5 of your own comments accurately.
Step 5: Facebook will unlock your account after identifying enough real comments.
So for this approach, you need to recall recent comments you‘ve made on posts, in Groups, and around the platform. Really put on those thinking caps!
If you don‘t remember specific comments shown, click "Try different comments" until Facebook gives you some snippets you recognize.
Fun Fact: There are over 100 million active Facebook Groups covering every topic imaginable.
With so many places to comment, this method can work if you get familiar examples.
Now let‘s address any issues that crop up…
Troubleshooting Facebook Login Approval Problems
In most cases, the tips above should have you sailing past the login approval obstacle. But technology can be finicky, so a few issues may pop up. Here‘s how to troubleshoot:
You Get Stuck in a Login Approval Loop
Even after entering the right code or confirming comments, Facebook still asks for approval. Try:
-
Uninstalling/reinstalling the Facebook app to clear glitches
-
Using a different browser or device
-
Changing your network or IP address with a VPN
-
Contacting Facebook support to manually confirm your identity
It Takes Too Long to Get the Code Email
If it‘s been over 10 minutes:
-
Check spam and other folders for the filtered email
-
Click "Re-send code" on the Facebook login page
-
Use a backup approval method like your phone or comments
You Can‘t Confirm the Comments Shown
If Facebook picks recent comments you don‘t recognize:
- Click "Try different comments" until you get familiar examples
- Use a backup method like the email code or another device
You Previously Had Login Approvals Disabled
Double check Facebook‘s accessibility settings haven‘t changed. Otherwise:
-
Extra login verifications are probably required after long inactivity
-
Consider setting up two-factor authentication for enhanced security
With vigilance and patience, you should be able to resolve any "Login Approval Needed‘ hiccups using the steps above. Time to tap into some positive thinking – you got this!
How to Avoid Needing Facebook Login Approval in the Future
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as the old saying goes. Let‘s talk about minimizing those pesky login approvals in the first place:
Stick to Familiar Devices When Possible
Use the same phone, laptop, or tablet for Facebook access to avoid triggers.
Only Stay Logged Into Devices You Actually Use
Remove stale logins on old devices you don‘t touch anymore.
Use the Facebook Mobile App Frequently
The app recognizes your device, bypassing approvals.
Set Up Two-Factor Authentication
Adds extra security to your account and prevents access issues.
Review Your Login Notifications
You‘ll get alerts about unrecognized logins to monitor.
Check Your Security Settings
Make sure everything like login alerts is configured properly.
Use a VPN When Traveling
Prevents Facebook from seeing new locations that require approval.
While inconvenient, login approvals do heighten security. But with some common sense precautions, you can avoid most situations where Facebook demands extra verification.
Answers to Frequent Facebook Login Approval Questions
Let‘s wrap things up with answers to some commonly asked questions about fixing that pesky "Login Approval Needed‘ message:
How long does it take to get the code email from Facebook?
The login approval code usually arrives within 5-10 minutes. Check spam folders if you don‘t see it.
What if I don‘t get the Facebook login approval email at all?
Try having a new code resent. Otherwise use backup options like approving from another device or verifying comments.
Why does Facebook keep asking for approval even after I enter the code?
A glitch can cause a login approval loop. Try reinstalling the app, switching browsers, or contacting support.
What happens if I can‘t confirm my recent Facebook comments?
Keep clicking "Try different comments" until Facebook shows you snippets that you recognize.
Can I disable login approvals on Facebook?
There‘s no option to completely disable approvals, but you can minimize needing them by following security best practices.
You‘ve Got This!
Whew, that was a marathon overview! But now you‘re armed with all the knowledge needed to swiftly bypass the "Login Approval Needed" roadblock on Facebook.
Whether you need to grab that email code, approve login from your phone, or identify past comments, you‘ve got this. Consider me your personal guru anytime that frustrating error pops up!
Now get out there and enjoy the sweet, sweet scroll session that awaits in your Facebook feed. Those dank memes and political rants aren‘t gonna like themselves!
