TL;DR

Verification is only the start — Facebook may request another SMS code later for password resets, suspicious logins, or device changes.
Using a temporary number for verification can lead to lockout if the number expires and Facebook asks for a code again.
Rental numbers are suitable while the rental period is active, but you must renew to keep receiving future SMS.
A dedicated (permanent) number is the best long-term choice for important accounts, as it stays with you and supports recovery and 2FA.
Set up a recovery email, save backup codes, and enable an authenticator app to reduce the risk of losing access.
Regularly review your account security settings and test recovery methods to stay prepared.

Introduction

Verifying your Facebook account with a phone number is a quick step, but it's not the end of the story. Many users assume that once the verification is done, they never need that number again. In reality, Facebook may ask for SMS verification weeks or months later — for example, when you reset your password, log in from a new device, or trigger a security check. If you used a temporary number that has expired or is no longer accessible, you could lose access to your account. This article explains how to keep access to your Facebook account after the initial verification, what number types work best for long-term access, and how to protect your account from unexpected lockouts. To get started with a temporary solution, you can explore SMS activation for Facebook or rental numbers for Facebook on our platform.

What Happens After Account Verification?

After you verify your Facebook account with a phone number, the platform stores that number as a recovery method. However, verification is not a one-time event. Facebook may request another SMS code in several scenarios:

Password reset: If you forget your password and request a reset, Facebook often sends a code to the phone number on file.
Suspicious login attempt: If Facebook detects a login from an unrecognized device or location, it may ask for SMS verification.
Device change: When you log in on a new phone or computer, a verification code may be required.
Two-factor authentication (2FA): If you enable SMS-based 2FA, Facebook will send codes each time you log in.
Periodic security checks: Facebook occasionally prompts users to confirm their identity by entering a code sent to their phone.

Because these requests can happen at any time, the phone number you used for initial verification must remain accessible. If it becomes inactive, you may be unable to complete the verification step and lose access to your account.

Why Users Lose Access Later

Losing access to a Facebook account after verification is common, but it is preventable. The main causes are:

Temporary number expired: Many people use a temporary number from an online service for the initial verification. Once the number expires, they cannot receive future SMS codes.
Rental period ended: If you rented a number for a short period and did not renew it, the number becomes unavailable when Facebook asks for a code again.
No longer able to receive SMS: Even with a permanent number, you might lose access if you change carriers or lose the SIM card and forget to update your Facebook settings.
Recovery email missing: Without a recovery email, you have fewer options to regain access if the phone number becomes unreachable.
Backup codes never saved: Facebook offers backup codes when you set up 2FA, but many users skip this step and later regret it.
Phone number changed without updating the account: If you get a new number but don't update Facebook, the old number remains on file and you can't receive codes.
Device replaced without recovery preparation: When you switch to a new phone, you may lose access to the authenticator app or SMS if you haven't transferred your 2FA settings.

Prevention is straightforward: keep the number active, add recovery options, and save backup codes. The next sections explain how. For a practical guide on verification without a personal number, see Facebook Verification Without Phone Number: A Practical Setup Guide.

Which Number Type Is Best for Long-Term Access?

Not all phone numbers are equal when it comes to maintaining access to your Facebook account. Below is a comparison of the three main types.

Number Type	Long-Term Availability	Future SMS	Suitable for 2FA	Best For
Temporary Number	Not available after short use (minutes to hours)	Cannot receive SMS after expiration	Not suitable	One-time verification only
Rental Number	Available during rental period (days to weeks)	Can receive SMS while active; renewal needed	Moderately suitable if renewed	Short-term projects, temporary accounts
Dedicated Number	Permanent — assigned to you	Always receives SMS	Excellent	Long-term account access, recovery, 2FA

If you expect Facebook to request SMS verification again in the future — which is likely for any important account — a dedicated number is the safest option. Rental numbers can work if you are willing to renew them before each possible code request, but that requires active management. Temporary numbers should be avoided for any account you plan to keep.

At CodesSender, you can Rent a Number for Facebook Verification for short-term needs, or Buy a Permanent Number for Facebook if you want reliable, long-term access. You can also choose from popular countries like USA, UK, Canada, Germany, or Australia for your dedicated number.

How to Continue Receiving SMS Verification Codes

To keep your Facebook account accessible, you must ensure that the phone number you used remains active and can receive SMS. Here are practical steps:

Keep the same number active: If you have a personal mobile number, do not change it without updating your Facebook settings first.
Renew rental numbers before expiration: If you are using a rental number, set a reminder to renew it before the rental period ends. CodesSender allows you to extend rental periods easily.
Upgrade to a dedicated number: If you plan to use the account for a long time, consider switching to a dedicated number. This eliminates the need to worry about renewal.
Monitor account security settings: Periodically check your Facebook settings under "Security and Login" to confirm which phone number is listed for recovery.
Check that verification methods remain current: If you add a recovery email or authenticator app, test them to make sure they work.
Test account recovery periodically: Try to log out and use the "Forgot password" flow to see if you can receive codes. Do this while you still have access to avoid surprises.

Additional Ways to Protect Account Access

Relying solely on a phone number is risky. Strengthen your account with multiple recovery methods:

Add a recovery email: Go to Settings > Security and Login > Recovery Methods and add a trusted email address. This gives you a second way to receive reset links.
Save backup codes: When you enable 2FA, Facebook generates ten backup codes. Download them and store them in a safe place (e.g., password manager or physical safe).
Enable an authenticator app: Use an app like Google Authenticator or Authy for 2FA. Unlike SMS, codes are generated on your device and do not require a network connection.
Review trusted devices: Facebook allows you to mark devices as trusted so they are not asked for 2FA codes each time. Remove old devices you no longer use.
Update recovery information: If you change your phone number, update it immediately in Facebook. Also update your recovery email if you change email providers.
Periodically check account security settings: Review the "Where You're Logged In" section and log out of sessions you don't recognize.

Having multiple recovery methods significantly reduces the chance of lockout. Even if you lose access to your phone number, you can still recover your account via email or backup codes. For more information on verifying without a personal number, check out Verify Facebook Without Phone Number in 2026.

Common Access Problems

Below are typical problems users face and how to solve them.

Problem	Cause	Solution
Facebook asks for another SMS verification	Security check, password reset, or new device login	Use the same phone number if still active. If not, use recovery email or backup codes. If you have none, contact Facebook support.
Rental number expired	Did not renew the rental before expiration	Renew the number if possible, or use a different recovery method. For future, set a reminder to renew or switch to a dedicated number.
Verification code never arrives	Number no longer active, carrier issues, or SMS blocked	Check if the number is still active. Try resending the code. Ensure your phone is not blocking the sender. If problems persist, use an alternative recovery method.
Device changed	New phone or computer without transferring 2FA	If you have backup codes, use them to log in. If you have access to the old device, temporarily turn off 2FA. Then transfer the authenticator app to the new device.
Lost access to recovery email	Email account compromised, deleted, or forgotten	If you have another recovery method (phone, backup codes), use it. Otherwise, try Facebook's identity verification process (upload ID).
Cannot complete account recovery	All recovery options are unavailable	Submit a recovery request to Facebook with proof of identity. This is a last resort and may take several days.

For more detailed guidance on recovering a Facebook account when you no longer have the old phone number, see Recover a Facebook Account Without the Old Phone Number.

FAQ

Will I lose my Facebook account after my temporary number expires?

Not immediately, but if Facebook later requests a verification code to the expired number, you will be unable to receive it. If you have no other recovery methods, you could lose access. To avoid this, add a recovery email or backup codes while you still have access.

How do I continue receiving SMS verification codes from Facebook?

Keep the same phone number active. If you use a rental number, renew it before it expires. For a permanent solution, use a dedicated number that stays with you indefinitely.

Can I keep the same phone number forever?

If you own a personal mobile number and keep your SIM active, you can use it indefinitely. For virtual numbers, only dedicated numbers offer permanent availability. Rental numbers require regular renewal.

What is the best number for long-term account access?

A dedicated number is the best choice because it is private, assigned to you, and can receive SMS indefinitely. It is ideal for recovery and SMS-based 2FA on important accounts like Facebook.

Should I switch from a rental number to a dedicated number?

Yes, if you plan to keep the Facebook account for more than a few weeks. A dedicated number removes the risk of losing access when the rental period ends. CodesSender offers both options, so you can start with a rental and upgrade later. Consider USA rental numbers, UK rental numbers, or Germany rental numbers for temporary needs.

Can I recover my Facebook account without my phone number?

Yes, if you have set up a recovery email or saved backup codes. If you have neither, you can try Facebook's identity verification process, which may require uploading a government ID. This is why it's important to add multiple recovery methods early.

Is an authenticator app better than SMS for 2FA?

Yes, an authenticator app is more secure because codes are generated on your device and cannot be intercepted by SIM swapping. However, it still requires you to keep the app installed and backed up. Using both SMS and an authenticator app gives you redundancy.

How can I avoid being locked out in the future?

Use a dedicated number for account recovery.
Add a recovery email and verify it.
Save backup codes in a secure location.
Enable an authenticator app.
Review your account security settings every few months.
Keep your recovery information up to date when you change phone numbers or email addresses.

Conclusion

Verifying your Facebook account with a phone number is only the first step. To avoid losing access later, you must plan for future SMS verification requests. Temporary numbers are fine for one-time use, but they become a liability if you need to receive another code. Rental numbers offer a middle ground, but they require active management. For important accounts, a dedicated number gives you the peace of mind that you will always be able to receive verification codes.

Take action now: check your Facebook security settings, add a recovery email, save backup codes, and consider using a Buy a Permanent Number for Facebook from CodesSender. If you are still in the verification phase, you can Rent a Number for Facebook Verification and then upgrade later. For business accounts, see Facebook Business Manager Phone Verification for specialized advice. And if you ever lose access, refer to Recover a Facebook Account Without the Old Phone Number for step-by-step help.