Twitter is a wild, wild place nowadays. From huge data leaks to banning third-party clients, it looks as if it’s going to implode at any second. Now, Twitter has one thing else up its sleeve. According to The Verge’s reporting, until you pay for the month-to-month subscription service (aka Twitter Blue), the social media website will flip off your SMS-based two-factor authentication after March 20.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) gives extra safety to your on-line accounts by requiring a password and a one-time code through textual content or app. It’s the primary line of protection in conserving undesirable hackers out of your social media account. The indisputable fact that Twitter is stripping away SMS (textual content) 2FA (until you pay up) is perhaps annoying, nevertheless it doesn’t imply you’re with out recourse

Getting 2FA codes through SMS isn’t essentially the most dependable possibility anyway, because the code may very well be doubtlessly intercepted by hackers. That’s why we suggest choosing one in every of our best password managers, an authentication app like Authy, Dashlane or Keeper. If you’re unsure how you can add these apps to Twitter, don’t fear. The workforce at PCWorld put collectively a simple step-by-step information beneath.

How so as to add an authentication app to Twitter

Adding an authentication app to Twitter is simpler than you’d assume. There are fairly just a few choices to select from. In our roundup of the best 2FA software program and {hardware}, the Google Authenticator app nabbed the highest spot, because it’s easy to make use of and it doesn’t require an web connection.

Google Authenticator is a free smartphone app that’s obtainable for Android and iOS. The app generates a contemporary code each 30 seconds, which reduces the probability of a nefarious hacker getting their fingers on it. You may add as many accounts as you’d like, which is fairly darn cool.

So, with out additional ado, right here’s how you can add an authentication app to your Twitter account. This solely works on desktop, not cell.

Open your Twitter profile and choose More, which lives on the left facet of the display screen.

IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo

Select the next: Settings and Support > Settings and privateness > Security and account entry > Security > Two Factor Authentication.

IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo

Click on the Authentication app field.

IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo

A brand new window will pop up. Peruse the directions and choose Get began.

IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo

Open your authentication app of alternative and scan the QR code.

IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo

When your authentication app produces a code, enter it within the field and choose Confirm.

IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo

You’ve now added an authentication app to Twitter. Huzzah!

This story was up to date at 9:59 AM so as to add a hyperlink to our listing of the best password managers.