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IB Key – Two-Factor Authentication – iPhone®

Lesson 9 of 9
Duration 4:21
Level Beginner
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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.

To use IB Key, investors must have facial recognition, fingerprint or passcode security enabled on their phone.

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. A page will appear with instructions on how to activate the IB Key. Review the instructions and tap Continue.

On the following page, the investor 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 SMS.

An SMS message will be sent to the investors mobile phone with an activation code. The investor will enter the activation code they received via SMS onto their phone screen and then taps Activate.

Lastly the investor will be asked to enter their facial recognition, Touch ID or passcode to complete the activation. 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. Tap Authorize and IB Key will require facial recognition, Touch ID or passcode 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 authorize the investor.

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. The next page provides the investor with a Challenge entry field where they will enter the Second Factor Authentication challenge code displayed on their computer screen. Tap Generate Passcode 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:

IBKR Mobile User Guide – IB Key

Reactivating IBKR Mobile Authentication

Join The Conversation

If you have a general question, it may already be covered in our FAQs. If you have an account-specific question or concern, please reach out to Client Services.

15 thoughts on “IB Key – Two-Factor Authentication – iPhone®”

  • Olga

    The key what I provide all the time wrong!

    • Interactive Brokers

      Hello, thank you for reaching out. If you use IB Key for authentication, please enter the passcode shown in IBKR Mobile which will then generate the response string you need for Client Portal or TWS.

      If you continue to have login difficulties, please call Client Services. IBKR DOES NOT reset passwords, provide usernames or unlock accounts via e-mail or chat. http://spr.ly/IBKR_ClientServicesCampus

  • Federico

    It is missing the case that I changed my mobile number and I can’t receive the code anymore.

    Why still with SMS and not using a better 2FA?

    • Interactive Brokers

      Hello, thank you for reaching out. Changing to a new phone number when you no longer have access to the old number requires calling Client Services for account security reasons. This applies even if you use IB Key to authenticate: https://www.ibkr.com/faq?id=28231529
      Please use this link to contact Client Services: http://spr.ly/IBKR_ClientServicesCampus

  • Engerbert

    I lose my phone and i did not receive the SMS on my new number. I tried to contact you but it is impossible to get more information for solve this issue.

  • Michael

    Hi! I got a new phone and the IBKR App does not work any more for the 2FA. What to do?

    • Interactive Brokers

      Hello, thank you for reaching out. Changing to a new phone number when you no longer have access to the old number requires calling Client Services for account security reasons. This applies even if you use IB Key to authenticate: https://www.ibkr.com/faq?id=28231529
      Please use this link to contact Client Services: http://spr.ly/IBKR_ClientServicesCampus

  • Anonymous

    hello, I can no longer connect to two levels, I tried to retrieve the data following the directions ( Iphone appears a message that the app is not activated, credentials lost…. but does not arrive mail the sms code). How can I get into my credentials and account ?

    • Interactive Brokers

      Hello, we are sorry to hear that you were experiencing issues logging in. For a login issue, please click the “Need help?” on the Client Portal log in page and follow the prompts to regain access.
      https://ndcdyn.interactivebrokers.com/sso/Login?RL
      If the above does not work, you will have to call our Client Services team for account security reasons. IBKR DOES NOT reset passwords, provide usernames or unlock accounts via e-mail or chat. Thank you for understanding.

  • Andrew

    Hello, how can i use Touche ID with IB Key ? Thank you

    • Interactive Brokers

      Hello, thank you for asking. To use Touch ID instead of Face ID with the IBKR Mobile app on an iPhone:
      Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode
      Authenticate with Face ID or passcode
      Tap “Other Apps”
      Find IBKR and switch Face ID to off
      This will disable Face ID and allow you to authenticate with Touch ID when logging into the IBKR Mobile app.
      We hope this helps!

  • David T. Htun

    I cannot login my account what’s going on? Can explain for me please thanks.

    • Interactive Brokers

      Thank you for reaching out. Has this issue been resolved? Please note that general maintenance occurs on the weekends for most/all of our trading platforms. You can check the system status here at any time in the future: https://spr.ly/SystemStatuscampus

      If you continue to experience a login issue, please click the “Need help?” on the Client Portal log in page and follow the prompts to regain access.
      https://ndcdyn.interactivebrokers.com/sso/Login?RL

      If the above does not work, you will have to call our Client Services team for account security reasons. IBKR DOES NOT reset passwords, provide usernames, or unlock accounts via e-mail or chat. Thank you for understanding. You can find our available phone support here: http://spr.ly/IBKR_ClientServicesCampus

      We hope this helps!

  • Anonymous

    Я немогу связатья что мне делать, я потеряла код

    • Interactive Brokers

      Thank you for reaching out. Hello, thank you for reaching out. Please view this FAQ for troubleshooting steps when you are not receiving the SMS Message: https://www.ibkr.com/faq?id=47469002

      For a login issue, please click the “Need help?” on the Client Portal log in page and follow the prompts to regain access. https://ndcdyn.interactivebrokers.com/sso/Login?RL

      If the above does not work, you will have to call our Client Services team for account security reasons. IBKR DOES NOT reset passwords, provide usernames or unlock accounts via e-mail or chat. Thank you for understanding. http://spr.ly/IBKR_ClientServicesCampus

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Disclosure: Interactive Brokers

The analysis in this material is provided for information only and is not and should not be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security. To the extent that this material discusses general market activity, industry or sector trends or other broad-based economic or political conditions, it should not be construed as research or investment advice. To the extent that it includes references to specific securities, commodities, currencies, or other instruments, those references do not constitute a recommendation by IBKR to buy, sell or hold such investments. This material does not and is not intended to take into account the particular financial conditions, investment objectives or requirements of individual customers. Before acting on this material, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and, as necessary, seek professional advice.

The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Interactive Brokers, its affiliates, or its employees.

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