How To Keep Your Twitter Secure Without Paying

Chief Twit Elon Musk announced Friday last week that only Twitter Blue subscribers would have two-factor authentication. 

The feature enhances account security by requiring a confirmation code after entering the username and password.

The company justified the change in a blog, saying “bad actors” abuse phone-number-based 2FA. Expect it to take effect after March 20, 2023.

Can you still keep your Twitter secure?

Many people, especially online influencers and business owners, rely on 2FA to fortify their accounts.

Fortunately, they do not need to subscribe to Twitter Blue to continue access to 2FA. Remember that the blog specified phone-number-based authentication.

However, two other 2FA options exist: authentication app and security key. Even better, they would still be available after March 20, 2023.

How to keep Twitter secure via Android authenticator app

Let us discuss how to use the first option. Nowadays, you can choose from a wide range of authenticator apps for Android and iOS. 

Google Authenticator is the number one choice for Android users. You can download and use it for free, and you can use it immediately.

Once you’ve downloaded and installed the app, open your Twitter account on your PC browser or app. Then, select the Settings and privacy option.

Choose the Security and account access option, and then tap the Security option. Next, go to the Two-factor authentication settings and hit the Authentication app option.

You may need to input your password to confirm this 2FA type. Afterward, you must enter a Google Authenticator code to log in to your account.

How to keep Twitter secure via iOS setup key and QR code

Apple devices have a built-in 2FA feature to integrate into your Twitter account. You could download Google Authenticator, but this option is more convenient.

You may enter a setup key or scan a QR code for additional security. If you prefer the former, follow the steps above to open the Two-factor authentication settings.

Choose the Security key option to produce a setup key. Next, open your iOS device and open Settings. 

Tap the Passwords option, then choose your Twitter account. Next, tap the Set Up Verification Code and the Enter Setup Key options.

Tap the Setup Key field, select the Paste option, then hit the OK button. Afterward, tap the Verification Code field and the Copy Verification Code options.

Return to your Twitter account and paste the verification code on the specified field. As a result, you must enter your iPhone’s setup key each time you open your account.

Apple users may also choose QR codes to keep their Twitter secure. Use the earlier steps to open the Authentication app option.

It will show a QR code to help you set up an authenticator. Then, open your iPhone camera and place it over the QR code to scan it.

Choose your Twitter account under Settings to get a verification code below the username and password fields. 

Copy and paste the code into your Twitter account to confirm two-factor authentication via QR code. Consequently, you must scan your phone camera on the code each time you open Twitter.

How to keep Twitter secure via security keys

Security keys look like ordinary house keys, except they protect your online accounts. You insert them into your device to open them. 

You can find numerous security keys nowadays, but people usually purchase one from YubiKey. Let us say you’ve bought a YubiKey and have already finished the initial setup.

Follow the previous steps to open the Security Key option via PC or mobile. Then, insert your YubiKey into your device when prompted.

Tap your YubiKey button once it shows a blinking light. As a result, you must insert your security key into your device each time you open your Twitter account. 

Conclusion

Two-factor authentication will become exclusive to Twitter Blue subscribers after March 20, 2023. Fortunately, you can still keep your Twitter secure with a security key or authenticator app.

Alternatively, you may sign up for Twitter Blue to have phone-number-based 2FA. Note that it costs $8 monthly.

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