How to Fix Facebook Authentication Failed Error in 2023
If you’re someone who documents and shares every meal, every activity, and practically every thought you have on Facebook, an error that prevents you from even logging in is probably enough to strike terror in your heart. But that’s exactly what has been going on for some users who have encountered the Facebook Authentication Failed error. You can’t “pass go.” You are essentially locked out of your own Facebook, ironically because Facebook is saying that you can’t prove you are you.
It might be easy to dismiss this problem as thinking that it’s always just because someone isn’t entering his/her password incorrectly. But that isn’t always the case. And even if it is because you forgot your password, the error is still annoying.
Must Read: 5 Biggest Facebook for Android Problems and Quick Troubleshooting Solutions
What Does “Facebook Authentication Failed” Mean?
Authentication is the method by which Facebook determines that you are you and grants access to your account. Normally this error only emits if you enter the wrong email, password, or if Facebook detects other suspicious activity on your account. These measures aren’t really intended to drive you crazy, but are actually there for account security and to protect your privacy. Some scammers target Facebook accounts because if they can get your friends to believe that it’s you asking them to do something, your friends just might do it.
Now, let’s get you logged back in so that no one misses that vital macaroni and cheese picture. Here’s how to fix the Facebook Authentication Failed error message.
1. Slowly Type Username & Password
I know it seems obvious, but even the best of us need reminders about simple things sometimes. Just double-check that the username and password are being typed in as you intend. Make sure that Caps Lock is off.
2. Check Connection
Make sure you have a good Internet connection.
3. Login Via Desktop to Change Password
Even if you can’t login using your Android, you might have better luck on your PC. Once you’re in, go ahead and request a password change.
4. Check Phone Number Format
If you are experiencing issues logging in with your mobile number, make sure you are entering the entire phone number, including the country code prefix.
5. Check Date/Time Settings
From System Settings, select Date & Time to make sure these are accurate.
6. Remove Battery/Charge
If you have a removable battery, pull it and wait about 20 seconds before putting it back in. While you’re at it, make sure your phone has adequate charge, too.
7. Sync Your Google Account
There are a few ways to do this, but one way is to go to Settings > Accounts > Menu > Auto-Sync Data.
8. Clear Cache & Data
Go to Settings > Application Manager and swipe right or left to the All tab. Select the Facebook app. Force stop the app, then clear its cache. While you are at it, clear the app’s data. This can result in lost app settings and preferences, and will clear your temporary files, but it could also clear whatever is causing your problem. Nothing saved online, like your existing posts, will be impacted.
9. Login with a Different Browser
If you have been using Chrome, try Firefox or Internet Explorer, or vice versa. Also try clearing any cache, cookies, and browser history. If any of that information is inaccurate or corrupt, it could be causing these issues with your login. Get rid of it and start fresh.
10. Try Logging in on Another Device You’ve Used Before
If there’s a tablet or PC you’ve used to log into Facebook before, see if you can get in now.
11. Update Facebook
You can check for updates within Google Play by going to Menu (upper left, three horizontal stacked lines) and selecting My Apps & Games. The upper left section is titled Updates, and will tell you if any are available for any of your apps, including Facebook. Facebook will also usually notify you if it needs updating, so don’t ignore these update requests.
12. Reinstall Facebook
Uninstall, then reinstall Facebook. If the app is on your homescreen, you need only long-press the Facebook icon, and start dragging it off the screen until the Uninstall option appears. Download the current version from Google Play.
13. Ask a Friend to Check Your “About” Section to Verify Email or Phone
Phone a friend to cross-check that the email or phone number you are using matches those in the About section on your page. About is located towards the top, next to the Timeline option.
14. For VPN Problems: Make Sure Your Sign-Ins are in the Same Country
Make sure you are signing into Facebook on both your desktop and Android from the same country. Facebook may mistake your sign-in from the VPN as someone trying to hack into your account.
15. Enter Every Email or Mobile Number You’ve Ever Owned
Try everything you remember, one by one. This may be especially helpful for users who set up their Facebook account long ago with work, school, or other email address they no longer use.
16. Enter Variations of Your Name
Try entering variations of your name, as well as other nicknames. Similar to the last suggestion, this is probably most likely to be helpful to users who set up their account a while ago, but haven’t been using it much recently.
17. Make Sure Your Birthdate Reflects That You’re 13+
Of course, if you are younger, don’t lie about it. Facebook isn’t recommended for those below 13 years of age. In fact, creating an account for someone younger (including yourself) is considered to be a violation of terms. But make sure that you have the right birthdate if you are of age.
18. If Asked to Authenticate Using a Friend’s Name
There’s no need to put all your eggs in one basket. Try a variety of friends, and remember to enter their full names.
18. If Asked to Authenticate Using a Friend’s Name
There’s no need to put all your eggs in one basket. Try a variety of friends, and remember to enter their full names.
20. Use the “Recover Your Account” Link
Facebook wants to help you. That’s why it has a Find Your Account feature. However, you will still have to provide your registration email, username, or phone number to identify your account. A lot of these tips are to help you do that successfully.
21. Rule Out Third-Party Apps
Developers of other third-party apps sometimes face confusion about the need to include the code for Facebook authentication. If you constantly experience the problem with just one app, consider contacting the developer for assistance. If you don’t use the app, uninstall it.
Next, we’re going to talk about a few specific apps that tend to have issues with Facebook.
22. For Facebook/Spotify Problems: Delete Spotify App in Facebook Settings, then Connect the Two Again
To get to Facebook Settings, tap on the three stacked horizontal lines in the upper right of your screen, and choose Account Settings. Then go to Privacy > Apps and remove Spotify. Reconnect using the Spotify app. Also, if you want to log out of Spotify using Facebook, make sure you are using the same valid email for both.
23. For Adobe Photoshop Lightroom/Facebook Problems: Reauthorize
Right-click on Facebook Publish (header button). Select Edit Publish Service. Reauthorize.
24. For Endomondo/Facebook Problems: Remove Endomondo from Facebook Settings, then Reset Connection
Uncheck the Share to Timeline option from within the Endomondo app first. Within, the same browser, open Facebook in a new tab. Navigate to Account Settings (if you are using the mobile Facebook app) by tapping on the Menu button in the upper-right corner of the app (three stacked lines). Once inside, select Privacy > Apps and delete Endomondo. Go back into Endomondo and check Share to Timeline again, plus Workouts Tracked.
25. Edit Facebook Privacy & Settings for Your Apps & Games
We already discussed doing this with a few specific apps that have a tendency to have issues with Facebook, but others are susceptible as well. If it seems like an app that interfaces with Facebook is not playing nice, or vice-versa, remove it from Settings > Privacy or Settings > Apps. You can also reconnect the two.
26. Notify Facebook if Your Account May Have Been Breached
Unfortunately it happens a lot. You’ve probably seen someone posting strange subject matter to your friends’ accounts before, followed by the announcement that they have been hacked. If you discover that someone unauthorized has been in your account, let Facebook know. If you aren’t certain, try going into Settings > Security and Login > Where You’re Logged In. If you see any devices/locations that are unfamiliar to you, click End Activity.
27. Keep Trying
These issues almost always get resolved over time, often on their own. If you don’t recognize anyone in the photo security check, try again in a few hours. If you reach the maximum number of password resets, you will have to wait 24 hours before trying again.
28. If You Reach Your Password Reset Limit
You will be locked out of your account for 24 hours if you reach your password reset limit. Although it might be inconvenient for you, it is a safety measure to prevent others from hacking into your account. Wait a day and you can try again. And hey, maybe by then you’ll have thought of your password!
Conclusion
App updates are crucial. In a lot of instances this error message is due to an outdated version of the Facebook app. Other times, the issue will resolve itself over time. Unfortunately, hacking is a widespread problem, both on and off Facebook, and authentication is more important than ever. Ironically, though, you might be receiving this message because someone unauthorized has accessed your account.
We hope you have enjoyed this article on how to fix Facebook Authentication Failed on Android. Do you have other tips you would like to share? Let us know what worked or didn’t work for you in the comments. If you’re having problems, please provide as much detail as possible, so that we are better able to help you!
