In today’s digital era, social media accounts are constantly under threat from cybercriminals who get unauthorized access to our accounts to steal personal details. One of the ways to prevent these cyber threats is via two-factor authentication (2FA), which provides additional security to our social media accounts.
Twitter, a popular social media platform, also offers 2FA to its users for security. But in recent days, the tech giant has announced the discontinuation of Twitter 2FA SMS-based service for every user except the Twitter Blues. However, not everyone wants to pay for this subscription service just to secure their Twitter account.
The good news is that there are several ways to enable and use the 2FA service without paying for Twitter Blue.
What is Twitter 2FA Blue?
Twitter 2FA is a two-factor authentication service that offers an additional security layer to your Twitter account. It requires you to provide a password and an OTP received via text/SMS, an application, or a security key to access the account. This is necessary for Twitter accounts to avoid getting accessed by cyber criminals or hackers.
But in 2023, if you are not a paid user, you cannot use Twitter’s 2FA service. To cut down costs, Twitter has now disabled the SMS-based 2FA service for all non-Twitter Blue subscribers unless you pay for it.
Twitter CEO, Elon Musk, has offered the 2FA service for Twitter Blue subscription users only. With this subscription, users edit their tweets, use SMS-based 2FA service, and a blue checkmark on their profile, which was earlier a sign for verified Twitter handles.
How to Turn Off 2FA Authentication
While Twitter is planning to get rid of the SMS-based 2FA by March 19 for non-paying users. It doesn’t automatically migrate you from the new Twitter 2FA on time. Rundown the steps to check whether the 2FA option is added to your Twitter or not.
- Open your Twitter account on the web and application.
- Go to its Settings & Support and Click on Settings and Privacy.
- Click on Security and account access.
- Choose the Security option and Click on Two-factor authentication.
- Now untick the Text Message option.
Note: On trying to add SMS 2FA without opting for Twitter Blue, you will receive a notification to choose between the authenticator app or security key.
What are the Options to Use Twitter 2FA?
Apart from the paid multifactor authentication, there are three different options i.e. authentication app Twitter and adding a security key. These methods can provide extra security to logging in to your Twitter account.
Use an Authenticator Application
Authentication apps such as Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator or Authy, etc. generate an OTP which changes every 60 seconds. Similar to 2FA, it can help you secure your Twitter account and login to your Twitter account on your device with an added layer of multi-factor authentication.
Follow these steps to use an authenticator app as an MFA tool to log in to your Twitter account.
- Open your Twitter Application or browser as a form of 2FA on the account.
- Go to Settings & Support and Click on the Settings & Privacy button.
- Click on Security and account access.
- Choose the Security option and Click on Two-factor authentication.
- Choose the Authentication App option and enter your password.
- Tap Get Started to go through the next window. A QR code will appear on the screen.
7. Open any authenticator app on your device, choose the app QR code scanner, and scan it. Your account will be linked with your authenticator app.
- Once the scan is done, Click Next.
- Enter the code given after the scan.
- Click Confirm. Twitter will provide you a single-use backup code that can be used if you lose access to your device and the authenticator app.
Adding a Security Key
Adding a security key to your Twitter 2FA is also a safer option to secure the account. This key verified the services and prevents your account from phishing, and other scams. Apart from this, it is more convenient than writing a rotating security code. But the major limitation is that you need to have a physical device to connect it to your PC. This device verifies your identity while logging into your Twitter account.
Once you purchase a supportable USB, the next step on how to recover your Twitter account via adding a security key is given below.
- Go to your device browser and log in to your Twitter account.
- Choose Settings & Privacy -> Security and account access.
- Click on Security and Choose the Two-factor authentication option.
- Now Click on Security Key
- You will be asked to provide a password. After confirmation read all the instructions and Click the Start button.
- Now, insert your Key via the USB port of your system or Sync with Bluetooth/ NFC.
- Follow the given instructions on your screen and enable it.
- The security key will appear on your screen under the Two-factor authentication.
- Click on the Manage Security keys option to set it.
Read more about Login to Facebook, Twitter, or any online account without entering Passwords
Download Backup Codes
After enabling the 2FA via Authy, Google Authenticator, or Microsoft Authenticator app, you must download and save the Backup Codes, which come in handy when you lose your smartphone or accidentally remove the authenticator app. In such cases, you can’t generate the 2FA OTP to log in to Twitter. However, using the authenticator app, you can use one of the 10 downloaded backup codes to log in and re-enable 2FA.
- Login to Your Twitter account and follow the above-mentioned steps to go to the Security option.
- Click on the Security -> two-factor authentication option.
- In additional methods, Click on the Backup code button.
- Copy the given code and write it somewhere.
Note: This backup will be required to access your Twitter account if you lose your device.
Final Thoughts
Lastly, we suggest you use any of these 2FA methods, all of them will provide an extra shield to your Twitter account without paying for a Twitter Blue subscription. These methods are easy to set up and keep your account safer and more secure from cyber threats.
