IB Key through the IBKR Mobile app provides investors with a secure second-factor authentication when logging into their trading account from any platform. In this lesson we will discuss how to configure IB Key as well as how to use IB Key for authentication when logging in.
Configuring IB Key
To activate IB Key for Two-Factor Authentication, open the IBKR Mobile app and, from the login screen, tap Register Two Factor. To link the app with a specific user, the investor can enter a Session ID or their Account Credentials. If the investor is logged in to another platform, such as Client Portal, they can enter the Session ID or QR Code provided and then set a PIN.
In this video, we will walk through configuring IB Key by entering Account Credentials.
Account Credentials
To activate using Account Credentials, the investor taps Account Credentials, enters their username and password for their Interactive Brokers account and taps Continue. The phone number listed on the account will be displayed on the next page. The investor can review to ensure the phone number displayed is their accurate mobile number, or add a mobile number, and then taps Get Activation Code.
An SMS message will be sent to the investors mobile phone with an activation code. Once received, enter the code sent via SMS on the app in the Activation Code field. In the PIN field, the investor will create a unique PIN to operate the app. Please note the PIN must be at least 4, and up to 6 numbers. Re-enter the PIN and tap Activate.
The investor will see a screen showing that Activation was successful. Once IB Key has been activated, investors can use it to securely log in to Client Portal, Trader Workstation, and manage their IB Debit Mastercard.
Using IB Key
To use IB Key with Client Portal or Trader Workstation, the investor will first enter their username and password credentials. In this example, the investor will log in to the Client Portal. Once the username and password has been entered, a screen will be displayed that says “Open the IBKR Notification on your phone” and the investor will receive a push notification on their phone. The investor taps the notification on their phone and an IB Key screen will popup asking if they would like to approve the sign in. Tap Approve and IB Key will require biometric credentials, security pin, or pattern to complete the authentication. If authentication succeeds, the login process automatically continues.
Didn’t Receive Notification
If the investor did not receive the notification, they can select Resend notification and the push notification will be resent to their device.
Alternatively, they can choose Log in with QR Code. A QR code will appear on the screen which the investor will scan using the camera app on their device that IB Key is configured on. Once scanned, the IBKR Mobile app will populate and the investor can select Approve to authenticate.
From the Log in with QR Code screen, the investor can select Log in with Challenge/Response. This will generate the challenge code and display the response box. Next, on the IBKR Mobile app, select IB Key Authentication from the bottom of the login page. On the next page, the investor will enter their PIN and, in the Challenge entry field, enter the Second Factor Authentication challenge code displayed on their computer screen. Tap Generate Response and a Response String will be displayed on the phone, which can then be entered in the text entry field on the computer. If authentication succeeds, the login process automatically continues.
If investors have purchased a new phone or reinstalled the IBKR Mobile app, they can reactivate two-factor authentication using the steps outlined in our user guide.
Resources:
Activating Two-Factor Authentication in IBKR Mobile
Why don’t tou have an SMS or QR code 2-fa options?
Hello Michael, thank you for asking. We allow clients to use SMS as an authentication method with the others being IB Key and Digital Security Card+ (for eligible clients). You can visit this page in our user guide to review the set-up process for SMS 2fa: https://ibkrguides.com/securelogin/sls/sms-authentication.htm
Please note that it is not possible to re-activate authentication via SMS once it has been replaced by a permanent security device, including an online security card. We hope this helps!
how do i get session id?
Hello, thank you for asking. You can find the session ID when you log into Client Portal. A QR code will pop up and you can use this or the string of text that shows up right above it. We hope this answers your question!
toob complicated, it doesn’t work
Hello Anonymous, thank you for reaching out. We cannot provide login assistance through social media. For a login issue, please call or live chat with Client Services during operating hours.
https://www.interactivebrokers.com/en/support/customer-service.php
How do I transfer this to a new phone?
Hello, thank you for reaching out. If you’ve purchased a new Smartphone and wish to transfer your existing IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) profile from your old Smartphone to your new phone you can do so without Client Service assistance as long as you retain access to your old phone or a secondary security device that remains active. Step-by-step transfer instructions are available in this User Guide: https://ibkrguides.com/securelogin/sls/reactivating-ibkr-mobile-authentication.htm
If you do not have access to your old phone or a secondary device, you will need to contact Client Services via telephone for assistance. http://spr.ly/IBKR_ClientServicesCampus
Please view this FAQ for additional information: https://www.ibkr.com/faq?id=28231529
We hope this answers your question!
Hello,
Can you add 2FA with email or with a security key like YubiKey?
Thank you.
Hello, thank you for contacting us. No, this is not possible at this time. It may be helpful to review this FAQ on our Two-Factor Authentication Methods: https://ibkrguides.com/securelogin/sls/twofactorauth.htm
Please review this FAQ on where you can leave your feedback, and submit any specific suggestion(s) on how we can improve:
https://www.ibkr.com/faq?id=32653353
You can also post in the Feature Poll in Client Portal where other IBKR users can comment and vote:
https://portal.interactivebrokers.com/portal/#/suggestions
Please reach back out with any additional questions. We are here to help!
I changed my phone number and I can’t access my account for that reason. The phone number I have associated is old. I changed it. It asks me for verification. Please update my new phone number.
user: char9704
help urgent please