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Twitter’s deadline for free users to switch from text-based two-factor authentication unless they pay for Twitter Blue has arrived. Here’s how to customize your account.
In February, Twitter announced that it was a big change how it handles two-factor security for accounts. Unusually, it had decided to do away with text-based two-factor authentication for all users except those willing to pay for the Twitter blue subscription.
Twitter gave users until March 19 to move away from its SMS-based system in favor of others, including using an authenticator app. Now users have a matter of hours to abandon text-based two-factor authentication if it’s enabled for their account, in favor of another system.
Starting March 20, non-Twitter Blue subscribers will notice that the text-based 2FA system for their accounts has been automatically disabled. Instead, users will discover that they are only protected by their password unless they are proactive and make the switch to another system.
Twitter promotes the deadline to change with pop-up notifications and invites users to make the update.
Twitter’s 2FA change notice.
According to Twitter, text-based 2FA can be “used — and abused — by bad actors.” The move is confusing, however, as it simultaneously claims that SMS 2FA is weak, while users are also willing to pay the Twitter Blue subscription to use the supposedly low-security authentication option.
The process of changing the form of 2FA is simple, especially if you use an authenticator app such as Google authenticatorif the notification is presented to you in a browser.
After clicking Get startedusers must enter their account password and then click To confirm.
On the screen titled “Turn off two-factor authentication?” Click Switch off.
You will then be prompted to choose your new verification method. If you have a security key, select that option and follow the instructions, otherwise select Authentication app then click Next one followed by Get started.
A QR code is displayed on the screen, which can be scanned in the authenticator app to add it to the app’s roster. Click Next one after completing that action.
To check, Twitter asks you for it six-digit authentication code in the authenticator app. After that, you’ll be offered a one-time use backup code, in case the authenticator app fails.
If the notification is not available, you can access options to change two-factor authentication within account institutionsbelow Security and account accessfollowed by Two-factor authentication.