Twitter Limits 2FA To Paying Subscribers: How To Continue Using Security Feature For Free?

Twitter announced last month that it would be limiting access of Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for all its users. From today, March 20, a few components of the critical security feature will be available only to Twitter Blue subscribers.

With this step, Twitter has basically started charging its users for 2FA. The feature adds an additional layer of security to users to prevent misuse and thwart phishing attacks. Let's look at the possible steps non-paying Twitter users can take to protect their accounts.

Twitter Pulls Back 2FA For Free Users Citing Abuse

Last month, Twitter announced via a blog post that it plans to pull back access to Two-Factor Authentication. Starting today, the 2FA feature will be available only to paid members who have subscribed to the Twitter Blue subscription. Explaining the reason behind this move, Twitter said:

"While historically a popular form of 2FA, unfortunately, we have seen phone-number-based 2FA be used and abused by bad actors. So starting (February 15th), we will no longer allow accounts to enroll in the text message/SMS method or 2FA unless they are Twitter Blue subscribers. The availability of text message 2FA for Twitter Blue may vary by country and carrier."

"After 20 March 2023, we will no longer permit non-Twitter Blue subscribers to use text messages as a 2FA method. At that time, accounts with text message 2FA still enabled will have it disabled. Disabling text message 2FA does not automatically disassociate your phone number from your Twitter account."

Twitter further added that users who did not subscribe to Twitter Blue, but already applied for the 2FA feature via text message authentication "will have 30 days to disable this method and enroll in another." Simply put, Twitter users who do not pay, do not get access to text-based 2FA.

Can Twitter Users Still Use 2FA On The Platform Without Paying For Twitter Blue Subscription?

The Twitter Blue subscription is now available in India. It costs ₹650 for the web, and ₹900 for iOS / Android, if subscribed monthly. Buyers can also opt for an annual subscription. The annual subscription for the web costs ₹6,800. In addition to 2FA, there are several more benefits, which include the famous blue checkmark.

However, Twitter users who do not want to subscribe to Twitter Blue and still use 2FA to secure their accounts can opt for an alternate method. Twitter is still allowing the use of third-party Authentication Apps.

Users must download their preferred Authentication app. The Google Authentication app, available on the Android Play Store, and the Apple iOS store work with Twitter 2FA.

To use an Authentication App for 2FA, simply head to Security and Account Access in the Twitter app, choose Two-Factor Authentication, and select the preferred 2FA method. Then link the authentication app.