To date Twitter no longer supports two-factor authentication for text messages as a security measure for your accounts. The only way to continue using SMS 2FA is to subscribe to TwitterBlue — but it requires a monthly payment.

However, if you have an iPhone, there is a more secure 2FA alternative for Twitter that is already built into iOS. And it’s free to use.

In accordance with Twitter74% of Twitter users with two-factor authentication enabled use the text message option. While unfortunately you don’t have that access anymore, if you don’t pay, you’re still better off without SMS 2FA. Authentication applications such as Google Authenticator better because they are more secure than the text message method – it’s easier for attackers fake your texts remotelyespecially with SIM replacement.

And if you’re using an iPhone, you don’t need to download any third-party apps to improve the two-factor authentication security on your device. Apple has an authenticator hidden in your settings that you can use to better protect your accounts and data.

Here’s how to set it up for Twitter as well as other apps and websites.

And if you’re interested in other ways to secure your accounts, check out best password managers to use in 2023 another how to transfer your Google Authenticator accounts if you bought a new phone.

How to Set Up Your iPhone’s Built-in Two-Factor Authentication with Twitter

If you want to use the iPhone’s built-in two-factor authentication specifically for Twitter, here’s what you need to do.

In the Twitter app, tap your profile icon in the top left, then go to Settings and support > Settings and privacy > Security and account access > Safety > Two-factor authentication. If you are asked at any time to enter your Twitter password, do so to continue.

Now turn on Authentication Application option, enter your account password, tap Begin and hit link app buttons. You will be redirected to the saved Twitter passwords in settings – choose the correct password for your account. Then copy the verification code to your clipboard and enter it into Twitter. Finally click Confirm and your Twitter account should now be protected by your iPhone’s two-factor authentication.

Be sure to write down the one-time backup code that appears before you continue. This will help you log back into Twitter if you have trouble accessing your iPhone’s two-factor authentication method. Alternatively, you can disable two-factor authentication for text messages now, or wait for Twitter to automatically disable it for you.

You can also set up the built-in iOS two-factor authentication with other apps and websites.

For any service other than Twitter, run Settings app on your iPhone and sign in passwords. Use Face or Touch ID to access your passwords and then tap on any account you want to set up 2FA for.

gradeNote: This two-factor authentication method may not work with all websites or apps.

Then click Set verification code and a menu will appear with two options:

• Enter setup key
• Scan QR code

These are the two 2FA setup options you can find on the website of any account you are trying to secure. To continue, go to the website, use your login credentials, and then go to the website’s account settings. There is no single place where you will find the setup key or QR code for 2FA, but you should usually find them in “passwords” or “two-factor authentication”.

In this example, we will use the installation key, which can be found in the account settings on the Mega website. If you see a setting key, just copy it to your clipboard and then go back to the Settings app on your iPhone and select Enter setup key option. Then paste the setup key and press FINE. Once you do this, a confirmation code will appear.

Go back to the website you got the setup key from and enter the verification code to enable 2FA. You don’t have to manually enter the setup key as it should show up at the top of the keyboard so you can just tap there to enter it. However, you must enter the setup key quickly because it will change every 30 seconds.

If you are using Scan QR code option, the process will be almost the same, but instead of manually entering the setup key, you simply scan the QR code with your smartphone’s camera. However, this option may not be ideal if you’re doing everything on your smartphone, so only use it if you’re accessing the website from a different device.

When you’re done, two-factor authentication should be enabled for this website. Each time you access this website in the future, you will also be asked to enter a verification code that will be generated by the built-in function.