Twitter to Remove Free SMS 2 Factor Authentication for Non-Paying Users from March 20. Here's how to Secure Your Account

Time's running out to update Twitter security settings as SMS-based 2FA will no longer be available to non-Twitter Blue subscribers. Here's how you secure your account.

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In February, Twitter announced that starting March 20th, SMS-based 2FA will only be available to Twitter Blue subscribers. As a result, from Monday onwards, users who rely on 2FA for added account security will lose that protection.

If you haven't updated your Twitter security settings, it's time to do so. Last month, Twitter, owned by Elon Musk, announced that SMS-based 2FA will only be available to Twitter Blue subscribers, which requires a monthly payment of $8.

This implies that users with 2FA already enabled must either subscribe to Twitter Blue by Monday to keep SMS-based 2FA or disable it and use a third-party app. Fortunately, changing the 2FA settings is a simple process. Keep reading to learn more about 2FA.

Here's how you Change 2 Factor Authentication Settings

Changing your 2FA settings is a quick and straightforward process that should only take a few minutes. Simply go to your Twitter app or desktop site settings page, select "security and account access," then navigate to the security option and follow the steps to access the 2FA page.

Mobile users can easily enable or disable 2FA using the Twitter app. However, third-party apps such as Duo Mobile and Authy can also be helpful. Users can download these apps and link them to their Twitter account by following the provided instructions.

What happens if you don't update the settings before March 20th?

If you miss the March 20 deadline to update your settings, don't worry, as you will not lose access to your Twitter account. However, your account will become less secure without 2FA protection. You will still be able to use your account normally, but it will be more vulnerable to security issues.

The significance of 2FA

2FA is an important security measure that adds an extra layer of protection to your Twitter account, preventing unauthorized access. 2FA requires a password and a code sent to your smartphone via text message to confirm your identity. Even if your password is compromised, 2FA will prevent bad actors from accessing your Twitter account.

Twitter removes 2FA as a cost-cutting measure

Twitter made the decision to remove 2FA as a cost-cutting measure across its product offerings. Elon Musk stated that scammers were causing the company nearly $60 million annually through fraudulent SMS charges.

"While historically a popular form of 2FA, unfortunately we have seen phone-number based 2FA be used – and abused – by bad actors. So starting today, we will no longer allow accounts to enroll in the text message/SMS method of 2FA unless they are Twitter Blue subscribers. The availability of text message 2FA for Twitter Blue may vary by country and carrier,” the company wrote on its official website.