Twitter wants to charge you for, among other things, securing your accounts with two-step verification via SMS. But you can do it for free with an authenticator app. We tell you how, step by step.
One of the most practical methods to secure your online accounts is two-step verification or two-factor authentication . It is also known as 2FA or Two Factor Authentication . It is already implemented in practically all current online services and helps prevent them from taking your personal credentials . However, this free security method is going to become paid in services like Twitter . Either you pay for Twitter Blue or you don’t have two-factor authentication via SMS. But you can still use 2FA verification for free with a separate app.
By activating this security option you make it more difficult for anyone who wants to get hold of your Google, Microsoft, Apple, Twitter, Amazon, Facebook or Instagram account. You just have to activate this system , which works in combination with a mobile phone like the one that practically everyone has. And, in addition, it is free. Or it was in certain services, as we have seen. But it has a solution.
Although Twitter intends to charge you, among other functions, for securing your user accounts using SMS messages, you should know that you can activate this option yourself without going through the checkout, for free. With the help of apps like Google Authenticator .
An essential security method, which you can activate for free
Once you have two-step verification (2FA) activated, when you log in on a new device, in addition to entering the password, you are asked for a numeric code . You can receive this code through an SMS message. And it has an expiration date. You can also get it with an application that you have previously installed and configured on your mobile phone. The best known is Google Authenticator . But there are others like Authy or 1Password .
As announced by Twitter, as of March 19, two-factor authentication via text message will be paid. That is, you will have to hire what is known as the blue check or blue badge. But there is an alternative. Instead of receiving the authentication code through an SMS message, you can manage it through verification code applications like the ones we have mentioned. They are free and safe. And they work with any service that implements two-step verification or two-factor authentication. Yes indeed. You should always have your mobile phone with the authentication application installed at hand .
Activate two-factor authentication, for free, on your Twitter account
Let’s say you want to continue using two-factor authentication on Twitter but you don’t want to sign up for the paid blue badge. To do this, instead of configuring this security system via text message , we will opt for the authentication app.
From PC or Mac, go to the side menu. Go to More and then Settings and privacy . Now we will go to Security and account access and we will enter Security . There you will see the Two-Factor Authentication option . By default, you can choose to receive the verification code via text or SMS message. But, as we have seen, it will soon be paid. So better choose App Authentication option .
You’ll see instructions and a Get Started button . After clicking on it you will have to log in again with your Twitter credentials. That is, enter your password and click on Verify . You may also need to provide an email address. And you will receive a confirmation code to that address.
The important part is to link the authenticator app to your Twitter account. Once the application is installed and configured on your usual mobile phone, be it Google Authenticator , Authy or 1Password , among others, all you have to do is scan the QR code that Twitter will show you with that app. Then click Next and enter the code generated by the authentication application itself. Finally, click on Verify and then on Got it . You already have the two-factor authentication system activated and free.
Remember that the authentication app will be your second key for Twitter or for the service you want. So don’t uninstall it. And try to always have it at hand on your mobile phone.