What You Need to Do to Set Up Free App-Based Two Factor Authentication on Twitter

 

Photo Credit: Reuters

Twitter has stated that it would shortly stop offering SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA) for users who do not have a Twitter Blue subscription. According to the microblogging site, users will have until March 20 to disable text-based login authentication codes on their accounts. This implies that many users who rely on SMS codes to safeguard their accounts will have to sign up for Twitter Blue. Twitter will continue to enable alternate 2FA options at no additional cost for anyone who does not wish to subscribe. 

While Twitter has stated that the rationale for discontinuing free access to SMS-based 2FA was due to "bad actors" abusing the phone-number system, the microblogging service's post also states that access to SMS-based 2FA for Twitter is still available. Twitter Blue subscribers "may vary by country and carrier."  

If you don't want to pay Twitter a costly monthly price – Twitter Blue costs up to Rs. 900 per month in India — for SMS-based two-factor authentication to protect your account, you can switch to a more secure method to protect your account via authentication apps. Before proceeding, you can install programs like as Authy, Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, and our personal fave, the open-source Aegis Authenticator.

How to use third-party apps to provide app-based two-factor authentication.

1. On your computer, navigate to the settings section of the Twitter website.
2. Select Security and account access > Security > Two-factor authentication from the menu.
3. If your account has the Text message option activated, disable it.
4. Now, choose Authentication app > Begin.
5. Scan the QR code presented on the Twitter website with the authentication app you downloaded.
6. To complete the setting procedure, enter the six-digit numeric code displayed on your authentication app.