In the latest decree handed down by Elon Musk’s reign, Twitter has decreed that the realm of SMS-based two-factor authentication shall henceforth be reserved solely for the elite Twitter Blue subscribers. This edict shall come into effect on the 20th day of March in the year 2023. The denizens of this social media kingdom who do not pay homage shall find themselves bereft of the SMS 2FA authentication feature, cast aside like so many commoners, compelled to seek refuge in other two-factor authentication methods. Those who seek to safeguard their Twitter fiefdom without coin must now turn to third-party authenticator apps or the sacred hardware security keys. Fear not, noble reader, for in this tome, I shall illuminate the path to setting up and employing a third-party two-factor authentication app (2FA) in service of thy Twitter account.
As Twitter severs the ties to the weakest link, forsaking the SMS-based 2FA, thou must now turn to the citadel of authenticator apps to safeguard thy digital fortress without parting with a single coin. This guide shall serve as thine beacon, guiding thee through the labyrinthine process of setting up and utilizing the venerable Google Authenticator in this noble quest.
Alternatively, thou may also seek solace in other gallant apps such as Microsoft Authenticator, Authy, and LastPass Authenticator. Let us embark upon this noble quest to bestow 2FA upon thy Twitter domain.
### How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on Twitter
To enact the sacred ritual of two-factor authentication for thy Twitter sanctuary, thou shalt hearken unto the following steps. I bid thee be signed into thy Twitter realm on a Mac, Windows, Android, or iOS device ere thou embark on this noble quest. Though the platforms may vary, the process remains steadfast. I shall employ the visage of the desktop website on Windows for elucidation.
1. Behold, once thou art logged in, cast thine gaze upon the “More” option in the left sidebar. For the denizens of Android and iOS, thou shalt tap the “Profile” icon in the lofty left.
2. As thou maketh merry with the “More” option, a pop-up menu shall be unveiled. Herein, thou must unfurl the “Settings and Support” menu and bestow a click upon the “Settings and privacy” option. This rite holds true for Android and iOS denizens as well.
3. Prithee, select the “Security and account access” option, whereupon a cornucopia of options shall be laid bare. From this profusion, select the “Security” option.
4. Within the Security realm, lay thine eyes upon the “Two-factor authentication” option on Twitter.
5. Henceforth, select the “Authentication app” option from the pantheon of 2FA verification methods.
6. Upon selecting the “Authentication app” option, Twitter shall entreat thee to proffer thy password. Enter the password and click on “Confirm” to progress.
7. Should thou have not ere enabled two-factor authentication on Twitter, the social media citadel shall first require thee to authenticate thy email address.
8. Surrender thy email address unto Twitter and click “Send code” to receive a 6-digit verification code in thy inbox. Thus shalt thou verify thy email, preparing thee for the crucible of the two-factor authentication process.
9. As aforementioned, we partake in the art of Google Authenticator for this demonstration. Yet, heed this – Google Authenticator doth eschew online backups. Take heed, and retain the backup codes with thee. Click “Get Backup Code” on Twitter and preserve them within a parchment of note or dispatch the codes unto thyself via post.
11. Hereafter, Twitter shall craft a unique QR code for thy domain, which thou shalt scan using Google Authenticator or any other esteemed 2FA app.
These steps shall pave the way for the fortification of thy digital fortress against the encroachments of nefarious entities. Thy Twitter realm shall stand resolute, ensconced by the bastion of two-factor authentication.
### How to Use Third-party Authenticator App With Twitter
The annals of time have borne witness to the longevity of Google Authenticator on the hallowed grounds of Android and iOS. This artifact operates sans an umbilical to the internet, permitting the addition of myriad accounts for the sanctification of two-factor authentication. Every 30 moons, it shall bestow upon thee a new authentication code, guarding the gates of thy digital sanctum.
Take heed, for Google shunneth the online backup feature within its hallowed app. Should thou lose the vessel whereon the app doth reside, or in a misstep delete the app, access to the realms shall be forfeit. In such dire straits, thou must rely upon the backup codes or embark upon the arduous journey of resetting the 2FA for each app anon.
Shouldst thou not be of the Twitter Blue brethren, embarking upon the utilization of a third-party app for 2FA may seem a daunting venture. Fear not, for this path shall lead thee to higher echelons of security than the antiquated SMS-based mode of ingress.
1. Procure the Google Authenticator app (Free, Android and iOS) onto thy smartphone.
2. Unfold the app and grace the “Scan a QR code” option with thine touch.
3. Gaze upon the QR Code presented upon the Twitter demesne, linking thy account to the venerable Google Authenticator app. Soon, a six-digit 2FA login code shall be revealed unto thee within thy third-party authenticator app.
4. The app shall conjure forth a 6-digit unique code, fleeting in its existence. This code, thou shalt tender unto the Twitter website or app to conclude the noble quest of 2FA setup.
5. Thus, thy journey through the annals of security shall be fortified by the ethereal 6-digit code borne of the authenticator app, granting thee safe passage into thy Twitter realm.
### Why Two-Factor Authentication is Important?
Two-factor authentication stands as the bedrock upon which the bastions of thy Twitter account security are hewn. A secondary layer of protection and security enshrouds thy account, ensuring that when thou seeketh to traverse the annals of thy Twitter realm, an additional code bespoke to thee must needs be provided in consort with thy password.
This verification code, in its ephemeral existence, shall materialize afore thee via the third-party authenticator app. Furthermore, Twitter decrees that a confirmed email be tethered to thy profile, fortifying the ramparts of thy account security.
Now, as Twitter withdraws the mantle of message-based two-factor authentication from the common folk, the employment of a third-party app emerges as a stalwart bulwark to safeguard thy digital dominion. May this literary exposition serve thee well shouldst thou seek to activate 2FA for thy Twitter realm without hitching thy destiny to the Twitter Blue caravan. Pray, share thy musings on this stirring decree by Twitter in the comments below.
