Twitter Two-Factor Authentication SMS Closes Today, What to Do for Security Verifications?

In case it was not yet known to the public, Twitter's two-factor authentication via SMS will no longer be accessible for free, and the company will require you to subscribe to its premium services to continue using it. However, those unwilling to pay for the app's subscription under Twitter Blue are now compelled to look for alternate verification and other options.

The 2FA authentication on apps is a way to help people secure more of their log-ins to new devices, and Twitter is refusing payment to use its native authenticator.

Twitter's Two-Factor Authentication SMS Closes Today

Twitter first announced the changes to the SMS two-factor authentication service last February, giving users an entire month to prepare and change their methods if they did not want to pay. The time has already come when users need to opt for the change, or Twitter will disable it for them and rid them of the previously-free feature.

This new policy would take effect this March 20, and it would significantly affect those using the authentication service on the platform to protect their accounts from unwanted access.

The company offers different authentication methods, but all are for third-party apps to continue verification or pay for the service entirely.

What to Do For Your Security Verifications on Twitter?

If you still need to become a Twitter Blue user and are willing to pay for it anytime soon, it is time to look at other options for this 2FA on Twitter.

Twitter will automatically disable this feature for current users and may be left alone if they do not mind losing it. However, users may also opt for third-party apps, including the Google Authenticator app, Authy, iCloud Keychain, and more.

The third option for users is the Security Keys, an additional authenticator requiring hardware to work.

The last is to subscribe to Twitter's $8 verification under Twitter Blue.

Twitter's Many Changes and Paywalls

A famous quote once said, "Nothing in life is free, you always pay in the end," this is now something that Twitter users experience, as most of what is offered on the platform is under its premium subscription.

One of the most controversial changes on the short-word social media is its verification subscription that Elon Musk first announced on his arrival after the buyout.

Twitter Blue has already launched its revamped version available for all platforms to experience, including the Web, Android, and iOS platforms for the public to subscribe to in the present.

However, there is also the additional charge for mobile platforms, as Twitter has to adhere to the 70-30 split of the payments for the app stores, meaning there is an other $3 for the subscription on mobiles.

Despite it having a significant outburst from Twitter users as these paywalled features on the platform were once free, there are more changes that Twitter Blue adopts and takes under its wing. Users who are subscribed to Twitter Blue's subscription would be fine with this, but free users would have to opt for either having no security, paying for their authentication, or looking for alternatives.