Twitter two-factor authentication factor updated, now allows verification using third-party apps

Twitter has updated its two-factor authentication process and now allows users to verify login using third-party apps. Twitter announced in a blogpost that it now supports third-party apps like Authy and Google Authenticator for the login verification feature (two-factor authentication) instead of SMS, which is set as the default option.

Twitter says, “Login verification is an extra layer of security for your Twitter account. Instead of only entering a password to log in, you’ll also enter a code which is sent to your mobile phone. This verification helps make sure that you, and only you, can access your account.” It further adds, “By default, this (code) will be sent via SMS text message, or you can use a third party app for verification.” In order to set up the login verification feature using a third party app, users will still need to confirm their phone number as Twitter relies on it by default.

One can start using a separate third-party app to generate a login code by navigating to Settings and Privacy section of their Twitter accounts. Then they need to click on Security under Accounts. The text message option will be enabled by default and by clicking on edit, users will stop receiving codes via SMS. You can learn more about the process here.

Using SMS for two-factor verification is considered less secure than third-party apps which support the same. Apps like Google Authenticator and Authy generate codes every thirty seconds and do not need a network connectivity to work. 

Twitter has been revamping its services and adding new features for improving the user experience. The platform recently added a new thread feature which can be used to tweetstorm with ease. It allows users to string multiple tweets together by the ‘Add another tweet’ button.

Follow Us

Shubham Sharma

Interested in tech, gaming, cyber-security, anime, and more View Full Profile