IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key)
Table of contents
Introduction
The security of your assets and personal information is of utmost concern to IBKR and we are committed to taking the steps necessary to make certain that you are protected from the moment you open your account. A key component of protection is the Secure Login System (SLS), a login process which relies upon Two-Factor Authentication to prevent anyone from accessing or using your account, even if they know your User Name and password. Once SLS enrolled, your account can only be accessed through use of 2 security factors: 1) something you know (entry of your User Name and password combination); and 2) something you have (entry of a random code generated from a physical security device or Smartphone application).
IBKR offers a variety of SLS devices, with the technical design of each corresponding to the level of assets maintained (see KB1131). The following article provides an overview of the IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key), a Two-Factor security solution which can be enabled directly onto your Smartphone.
Benefits
IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) is available on your Smartphone via our IBKR Mobile app and can function as a security device, thereby eliminating the need to carry a separate physical device when logging into your IBKR account. In addition to the convenience of using a device which is trusted and routinely accessible, this app can be downloaded and activated in minutes, thereby eliminating the delays associated with the mailing of physical devices. Moreover, unlike in the case of physical devices, clients maintaining multiple accounts with distinct User Names may access IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) all from the same IBKR Mobile app. Please refer to KB2879 for more details.
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Installation, Activation, and Operation
IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) is currently supported on smartphones that use either Android or iOS operating system and can install IBKR Mobile. Installation, activation, and operating instructions can be found at the following links:
PLEASE NOTE: Disabling and replacing any security device, including IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key), is subject to conditions. Please contact Client Services for assistance in this process.
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FAQ
If you have forgotten your PIN, please uninstall and reinstall the IBKR Mobile app on your smartphone. Launch the app. When you are prompted to perform the recovery, reject by answering "No". Tap on "Register Two-Factor", reject again the recovery by answering "No". Then proceed with the activation, following the on-screen instructions. Please notice you would need to have access to the mobile phone number you originally used for the IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) activation, since IBKR will send the Activation SMS to that number.
If you have lost your phone and require that the IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) be disabled, please contact Client Services at one of the numbers found here.
Some countries, most notably India, provide national "Do Not Call" or "Do Not Disturb" services to prevent telemarketing to mobile numbers. If you have an Indian phone number, or have explicitly requested your phone carrier to exclude you from public lists, you might need to contact your wireless carrier, and ask them for your account to be configured appropriately in order to receive SMS messages from Interactive Brokers.
Please note that the required steps will vary by country and mobile phone provider. It is best to contact your mobile phone provider if you have any questions regarding such "Do Not Disturb" services.
Your PIN can be alphanumeric and can contain special characters. Please click here for details on PIN guidelines.
Only ONE phone/device can be active at a time for use with your username.
○ IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) requires an Internet connection ONLY during the Enable User process
○ Android version 6.0 or higher.
○ iOS version 13.0 or higher.
[1] Restrictions for some specialized Institutional Account types may apply.
[2] Without a working data connection (WiFi or cellular), IBKR Mobile Authentication will not receive the login notification message but can still be operated in Challenge-Response mode. Refer to KB2277 (Android) or KB2278 (iOS) for detailed instructions on how to use IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) in both available modes.