I am not receiving text messages (SMS) from IBKR on my mobile phone
Once your mobile phone number has been verified in the Client Portal, you should immediately be able to receive text messages (SMS) from IBKR directly to your mobile phone. This article will provide you with basic troubleshooting steps in case you are unable to receive such messages.
1. Activate the IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) as 2-Factor security device
In order to be independent of wireless/phone carrier-related issues and have a steady delivery of all IBKR messages we recommend to activate the IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) on your smartphone.
The smartphone authentication with IB Key provided by our IBKR Mobile app serves as a 2-Factor security device, thereby eliminating the need to receive authentication codes via SMS when logging in to your IBKR account.
Our IBKR Mobile app is currently supported on smartphones running either Android or iOS operating system. The installation, activation, and operating instructions can be found here:
2. Restart your phone:
Power your device down completely and turn it back on. Usually this should be sufficient for text messages to start coming through.
Please note that in some cases, such as roaming outside of your carrier's coverage (when abroad) you might not receive all messages.
3. Use Voice callback
If you do not receive your login authentication code after restarting your phone, you may select 'Voice' instead. You will then receive your login authentication code via an automated callback. Further instructions on how to use Voice callback can be found in IBKB 3396.
4. Check whether your phone carrier is blocking the SMS from IBKR
Some phone carriers automatically block IBKR text messages, as they are wrongly recognized as spam or undesirable content. According to your region, those are the services you can contact to check if a SMS filter is in place for your phone number:
In the US:
- All carriers: Federal Trade Commission Registry
- T-Mobile: Message Blocking settings are available on T-Mobile web site or directly on the T-Mobile app
In India:
- All carriers: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
In China:
- Call your phone carrier directly to check whether they are blocking IBKR messages
References:
- How to login using SMS authentication
- Overview of Secure Login System
- Information and procedures related to Security Devices
- IBKR Mobile Authentication