Let's face it; two-factor authentication can really be a pain point for many users. After signing into a service with your username and password, you then need to have a number texted or emailed to you, you need to check your phone or your mail, and then you have to input the number. This can lead to many problems, such as if you don't have the right phone with you, or if you forgot to update your phone number when you got a new one.
This is why companies like Microsoft and Google make apps that make the second factor of authentication easier. And today, Twitter announced that it finally supports these third-party applications, such as Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Duo Mobile, Authy, and more.
In order to enable it, you'll need to take the following steps from Twitter.com:
In the top menu, click your profile icon, then click Settings and privacy.
Click on the Account tab.
Under Security and next to Login verification, click the Review your login verification methods button to get started.
Enter your password and click Confirm.
From the selections, click Set up next to Mobile security app.
Read the instructions and then click Start.
If you’re asked to verify your password, enter it and click Verify.
You will see a pop-up window displaying a QR code. Follow the instructions listed.
To set up the third-party authenticator app, you will need to scan the QR code. You will then see a 6-digit numeric security code.
Enter this code in the Security code text field in the pop-up window.
Click Done.
Last year, Twitter opened up the verification process to all applicants. Although that has been temporarily halted, it's a requirement to have two-factor authentication enabled. Luckily, the ability to use third-party apps should make having a secure account easier.
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