The Twitter ecosystem contains thousands of interesting third-party applications. Connecting to these applications can allow you to customize your Twitter experience. For example, you can automatically share your Tweets on Facebook or instantaneously tweet whenever you update your blog.

How do I connect to an application?

Some services let you connect securely to Twitter. Here's how:

1. On the website of the application you want to connect to, find the button or link asking you to connect your Twitter account (usually "Connect to Twitter" or something similar)
2. After clicking on the Connect link, you'll be routed to a Twitter website asking you to log in to your account. You can tell it's secure by verifying the URL starts with https://twitter.com.
3. Once you're logged in to your account, we'll ask you to approve the application.
4. Be sure to review the various permissions you are granting to the application. These are listed in green (what the app can do with your account) and red (what the app can't do).
5. Click Authorize app if you'd like to connect.
6. You're now connected! You can review your authorized applications (or revoke access if you change your mind), from the Applications Tab of your Account Settings.

 

 

If you authorize an application while logged into our mobile website on your mobile device, you'll see a screen like the one pictured above.

 

What if an application wants me to give them my password to authorize access to my account?

The most secure way to connect an application to your account is by using the instructions above. However, some applications may need your username and password to function. Such applications include:

• Applications you install in order to Tweet from your computer desktop
• Applications you install in order to Tweet from your mobile phone

Note: Please be cautious about giving out your password, as a recipient can gain full access to your account. If you change your mind about an application, we suggest revoking its access on the Applications tab of your account settings page and changing your password.

How do I revoke access I've granted to an app?

To revoke an application's access to your account:

1. Check out your applications by visiting the Applications tab of your account settings
2. Revoke access by clicking the Revoke Access button next to the application description.

Are there any applications I should never grant access to?

You should never provide with your username and password to the following:

• Websites claiming to help you “get more followers fast!” (see Follow Limits and Best Practices for more information).
• Applications which post affiliate ads to your timeline.

For added security, we recommend changing your password if you suspect an application is still connected to your account. If you are experiencing problems with an application, check out the Compromised Accounts help page for more information.

Having trouble?

If you're having trouble with a third party app, please see this article for troubleshooting tips.