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Twitter’s SMS two-factor authentication is having issues. Here’s how to switch methods

Anita George
By

It might be a good idea to review and change your two-factor authentication options for Twitter. Elon Musk’s Twitter has another issue for its users to worry about.

Twitter has reportedly been having issues with its SMS two-factor authentication feature (2FA). According to Wired, beginning as early as this past weekend, some Twitter users have reported difficulties logging in to their Twitter accounts due to the app’s SMS 2FA feature not working properly. Essentially, the feature relies on the app sending users an authentication code via text message, which they can then enter as a second step in the login process.

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But some users are saying that they are not receiving this code at all or that the code shows up hours later. And not getting the code is understandably worrying, because without it users with SMS 2FA enabled can’t log in to their accounts or access certain account features. This is also not a new problem as Twitter has grappled with it before. But it is concerning that the issue has come back during a time when Twitter is already struggling.

It’s also worth noting that not every user experienced this SMS 2FA issue. And Android Authority reported on Monday that the SMS 2FA feature was “starting to get fixed” and that some of the users who couldn’t use it are now able to. But if this recent hiccup has you worried that it could happen again, resulting in you being locked out of your account, you have another option to consider: changing your Twitter 2FA method. Here’s how to do it:

How to change your Twitter 2FA method: desktop web

Step 1: From the homepage, select More.

Step 2: Then choose Settings and support > Settings and privacy.

Step 3: Select Security and account access > Security.

Step 4: Under the Two-factor authentication header, choose Two-factor authentication.

Step 5: Deselect the Text message option if you had it enabled. Then choose either of the two options left: Authentication app or Security key. Then follow the on-screen instructions to set up your new method.

How to change your Twitter 2FA method: mobile

Step 1: Open the main menu and select Settings & support > Settings and privacy.

Step 2: Choose Security and account access.

Step 3: Select Security.

Step 4: In the Two-factor authentication section, select Two-factor authentication.

Step 5: Toggle off the Text message option if it was turned on. Then toggle on either of the two remaining options: Authentication app or Security key. Follow the on-screen instructions that appear to finish your setup.

Notes:

  • If you’re going with the Authentication app method, you’ll need an authenticator app like Google Authenticator.
  • Twitter also offers the option to use a backup code if your other 2FA methods fail. The code is first generated and presented to you when you first set up your 2FA method. You can also access this code (or generate a new one) — before you need to use it — by logging into your account and following the same instructions above and then instead of choosing a method you select the Backup codes option. Save this code for when you’ll need it.

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