Why SMS 2FA Is Dying – And What You Should Use Instead

SMS 2FA was once better than passwords alone, but in 2025, it is one of the weakest forms of two‑factor authentication you can use. Cybercriminals have learned to bypass text‑message codes at scale, while more secure and convenient options like passkeys and authenticator apps have gone mainstream. This guide explains why SMS 2FA is dying, and what you should use instead.

NOTE: In 2025, passkeys have overtaken 2FA through texts or even emails. However, since passkeys are a combination of mixed characters, letters, both uppercase and lowercase, and numbers, it is hard to remember a single one of them, let alone all of them. This is where a dedicated password manager like FastestPass steps in. You just have to remember one master password and let a super password manager guard your passwords and passkeys on a military-grade level!

What Is SMS 2FA and Why Did Everyone Use It?

SMS 2FA (SMS‑based two-factor authentication) adds a second step to your login: after entering your password, be it your email, banking app, online payment merchant, etc., you receive a one‑time code by text message on your personal phone number that you must type in to finish signing in, confirming that it is, indeed you, trying to initiate the sign in/payment request.

For years, services rolled out SMS 2FA because:

• Almost everyone has a phone number.
• It’s easy to understand: “We text you a code, you enter it.”
• It was far stronger than password‑only logins.

But attackers have caught up. The same phone number that secures your accounts has become a high‑value target.

Why SMS-Based Two-Factor Authentication Is No Longer Secure

There are several well‑documented weaknesses that explain why SMS 2FA is unsafe in 2025.

1. SIM Swapping

In a SIM swap attack, criminals convince your mobile carrier to move your number to a new SIM card they control. Once that happens, every text that is meant for you, including 2FA codes and password resets, goes straight to the attacker.

• They can reset your email password.
• Then use that email to reset bank, crypto, and cloud accounts.
• All while you suddenly lose service on your phone.

SIM‑swap fraud has risen sharply worldwide, turning SMS 2FA from a defense into an attack vector.

2. SS7 and Network Weaknesses

SMS travels over outdated telecom infrastructure, such as the SS7 protocol. Security researchers have shown that, with access to parts of the phone network, attackers can silently intercept, redirect, or clone text messages. While this is not always the case, it is realistic for organized crime and state‑level actors.

3. Phishing and Social Engineering

Even without fancy telecom exploitations, cybercriminals simply ask you for the code:

• Fake login pages that mirror your bank or email.
• Support scams where “agents” claim they need the code to verify your identity.

SMS 2FA codes are designed to be typed, so users get used to reading and re‑entering them, which is exactly what phishers want.

4. Phone Number Reuse and Account Takeover

If you abandon a number, carriers may reassign it. A new owner could receive SMS 2FA codes for any accounts you forgot to update, enabling account recovery in their favor.

Put together, these weaknesses explain why SMS-based two-factor authentication is no longer secure enough for high‑value accounts in 2025.

Best Alternatives to SMS Verification

The good news: you have safer and often more convenient choices. Here are the best alternatives to SMS verification, from “good” to “best”.

1. Authenticator Apps (TOTP Codes)

Apps like FastestPass generate time‑based one‑time passwords (TOTPs) on your device:

• Codes are generated locally; they never travel over SMS.
• Resistant to SIM swapping and number hijacking.

For many people, dedicated apps like FastestPass are the best replacement for SMS 2FA in 2025 when passkeys are not yet supported everywhere.

2. Push-Based 2FA

Some services send a secure push notification to an app: you tap “Approve” or “Deny” instead of typing a code.

Pros

• Harder to phish because you confirm on a trusted device.
• More user‑friendly than typing 6‑digit codes.

Cons

• Can be abused via “MFA fatigue”; attackers spam prompts hoping you tap approve.
• Requires reliable data/wifi.

When paired with number‑matching or extra context (“Are you logging in from XYZ Country on Chrome?”), Push 2FA is a solid upgrade over SMS.

3. Hardware Security Keys

Physical keys (such as FIDO2 / U2F devices) plug into USB or use NFC.

Pros

• Secrets never leave the key; nothing to intercept.
• Phishing resistant: keys only work on the real site domain.
• Ideal for admins, crypto, and executives.

Cons

• Small learning curve.
• You must keep backups in case of loss.

Security keys are one of the strongest 2FA methods available today.

4. Passkeys (FIDO2 / WebAuthn)

Passkeys are the newest and most user‑friendly option. They use the FIDO2/WebAuthn standard built into modern browsers and operating systems.

When you register a passkey:

• Your device generates a cryptographic key pair.
• The private key never leaves your device’s secure hardware.
• Logging in becomes as simple as unlocking your phone with a fingerprint, PIN, or face scan.

Because passkeys are tied to the website’s domain, they cannot be used on look‑alike phishing pages. That makes them truly phishing‑resistant by design.

This is why, for most users, passkeys vs SMS 2FA: which is safer? is not even close because passkeys win decisively in both security and convenience.

2FA Methods Comparison: Security vs Convenience

Here’s a quick 2FA methods comparison to visualize the options:

Method	Security Level	Main Risks	Convenience
SMS 2FA	Low–Medium	SIM swap, SS7 interception, phishing	High
Authenticator app (TOTP)	Medium–High	Phishing, backup mismanagement	Medium
Push 2FA with number-matching	High	MFA fatigue if poorly implemented	Medium–High
Hardware security key	Very High	Lost key if no backup	Medium
Passkeys (FIDO2/WebAuthn)	Very High, phishing-resistant	Device loss (mitigated by sync/backup)	High

From this table, you can see why security experts increasingly say the best replacement for SMS 2FA in 2025 is a combination of passkeys for supported services and authenticator apps or hardware keys everywhere else.

How to Migrate Away from SMS 2FA

Are you ready to move on from SMS 2FA? Here’s a plan in place:

1. Prioritize your most important accounts

Email, password manager, banking, crypto, cloud storage, and social accounts are used for logins.

2. Enable stronger factors where available

• If the service offers passkeys, set them up first.
• Otherwise, switch from SMS to an authenticator app or hardware key.

3. Disable SMS as a backup factor whenever possible

Many identity providers now let you block SMS recovery for admin accounts. This eliminates a common fallback that attackers exploit.

4. Harden your phone number anyway

• Set a carrier PIN / port‑out lock.
• Be wary of any calls about “resetting” your phone or SIM.

5. Back up your new factors

• Store recovery codes securely (a password manager like FastestPass).
• Keep at least two passkey‑capable devices enrolled (for example, phone + laptop).
• For hardware keys, own a primary and a backup.

Following these steps lets you modernize your defenses without locking yourself out.

The Final Say

In short, why SMS 2FA is dying comes down to one fact: attackers adapted, but many defenses did not. By upgrading to authenticator apps, hardware keys, and especially passkeys, with all-in-one options like FastestPass, you can get ahead of those attackers with login security that is both safer and easier to use in everyday life.