How to Secure Your Twitter Account: Step-By-Step

Twitter’s made a lot of changes to the platform recently, including changes to how you can secure your account. With all the recent changes, you’re probably wondering how you can secure your Twitter account now. Don’t worry; there are a lot of options, from two-factor authentication to passwords and email verification. We’ll walk you through the best ways to secure your Twitter account and protect it from hackers and interlopers. So, let’s get started.

What to Know About Twitter Account Security

It might stun you to know that Twitter is a hot-ticket item for interlopers. In short, they can get personal information, read your DMs, pretend to be you, or even delete your account!

There’s a lot changing with Twitter’s security features, and it can be hard to keep up. Fortunately, Twitter has a lot of options for securing your account. However, the options now vary depending on whether you’re a Twitter Blue subscriber or not.

Let’s look at the tools you have at your disposal.

Twitter Blue Subscribers

If you pay the monthly fee for Twitter Blue, you get a little extra security. Here’s a list of ways to secure your Twitter account:

• Two-Factor Authentication with your phone number
• Two-Factor Authentication with an authentication app and a security key
• Email and Login notifications

You can take advantage of all or only some of the security features on Twitter. It all depends on your specific needs. But if you have Twitter Blue, you can enable 2FA (two-factor authentication) text messages to ensure no one can log into your account without a verification code.

Non-Twitter Blue Subscribers

Just because you don’t pay for Twitter Blue doesn’t mean you can’t properly secure your Twitter account. You still have a lot of options; the only thing you can’t do is enable two-factor authentication with text verification codes. However, you can still use these options:

• Two-Factor Authentication with an authentication app and a security key
• Email and Login notifications

If you don’t already use authentication apps, they’re an easy way to log into your accounts while keeping them extra safe. We’ll walk you through all of that below.

How to Secure Your Twitter Account

Your Twitter account is only as safe as you make it. Essentially, this means that if you click any links, give out your password, or let someone else access your account, none of the security methods we’ve listed will work. So, before we dive into setting up security, let’s review some things you should take note of.

Protecting Your Password

Twitter will never request your password under any circumstances. Ultimately, if Twitter needs something from your account, they can get it from their servers. The only thing Twitter will do is ask you to reset your password. However, be mindful of how you’re resetting your login credentials. Scammers have gotten pretty smart over the years, and they will send notifications or emails letting you know that your account is compromised. If you click on any link that isn’t an official Twitter website, they’ll ask you to input your existing password.

The best way to protect yourself is to verify that any communications from Twitter are genuinely from Twitter. If you receive a notification asking you to reset your account password, go to the Twitter web page (don’t click any links in the notification) and reset your password that way.

Don’t Click Suspicious Links

You’ll receive a lot of correspondence asking for information about your account, prizes you’ve won, and helpful services to grow your following. These are all scams. So, it’s important to avoid clicking on any links that want access to your account or information about you. Twitter users should also be wary of any third-party services. If you click on a link or download an app that promises to help you manage your Twitter account, it’s likely a scam. However, there are a few notable third-party services. So, if one looks appealing to you, research it first.

Keep Your Contact Information Up-To-Date

Finally, Twitter notifies its users of new logins. If your contact information is outdated, you won’t receive the alerts. Often, by the time you realize it, someone else has control of your Twitter account. Not only do you want to keep your contact information up-to-date, but ensure the email you use is one you check regularly. That way, you’ll never miss a login alert.

Two-Factor Authentication for Twitter Blue

Now that we’ve covered the basics of Twitter account security, let’s jump right into securing your account. If you have Twitter Blue, you can enable 2FA with a text code. Here’s what to do:

Step 1: Go to the Twitter Menu

Start out on a web browser or Twitter’s mobile app. If you’re on the browser, click the Menu option to the left. If you’re using the mobile app, tap your profile icon in the top left.

Step 2: Select Settings and Privacy

In the menu that appears, select Settings and Support, then click Settings and Privacy.

Step 3: Choose Security and Account Access

Now, scroll through the new sub-menu and select Security and account access.

Step 4: Select Security

The option at the top is the Security option. Select it.

Step 5: Click Two-Factor Authentication

Select the Two-Factor Authentication option near the top of the Security menu.

Step 6: Click the Text Message Box

Now, you can enable 2FA text messages by clicking the checkbox next to Two-factor Authentication.

Anytime you, or someone else, attempts to log into your Twitter account on a new device, you’ll receive a verification code to the number listed on your Twitter account. Input the code to access your account.

Two-Factor Authentication for Non-Twitter Blue

As mentioned previously, you don’t have to pay for Twitter Blue to secure your account. You can enable security keys and use an authentication app to take advantage of 2FA security. Here’s what to do:

Step 1: Go to the Twitter Menu

Click the Twitter Menu icon on the right if you’re using a web browser. Or tap your profile icon on the mobile app.

Step 2: Select Settings & Privacy

Select Settings and Support. A small menu will appear; click Settings & Privacy from the menu.

Step 3: Choose Security and Account Access

Tap Security and account access.

Step 4: Select Security

Tap Security.

Step 5: Click Two-Factor Authentication

Choose Two-Factor Authentication.

Step 6: Tap Authentication App or Security Key

Now, you can toggle the switch to enable an Authentication app or set up a Security key.

If you choose to enable an Authentication app, tap Start and follow the steps. If you choose Security Key, verify your email address. Then, tap Start to use your USB port, Bluetooth, or NFC to access your account.

Twitter Secure

There’s a lot to learn about Twitter security. But the most important aspect of protecting your accounts is you. Take some time to create a strong password, enable two-factor authentication, and update your contact information. But remember, none of these matter if you click links and give away your password.

For a comprehensive walk through of how to secure your Twitter account on both mobile and desktop just check out the video below.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©1000 Words/Shutterstock.com.