Duration: 4:21
Level: Beginner

The IBKR Mobile app provides investors with a convenient Two-Factor Authentication method, IB Key, which utilizes facial recognition, fingerprint, or passcode security for authentication.

Study Notes:

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


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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.