How do I enable the Notifications for the IBKR Mobile app
Overview:
What is a notification?
A push notification is a brief message which is sent ("pushed") from a back-end server to your device over the Internet. Apps developers use those attention-grabbing messages to quickly and effectively reach the recipients, even if they are not currently engaging with their application. Notifications can deliver information to users or advise them of a specific action they are invited or required to perform.
Background:
Why does the IBKR Mobile app use notifications?
The IBKR Mobile application uses notifications for informational purposes, as well as two-factor authentication. In the latter case, the user is invited to tap on the notification, which will automatically open the IBKR Mobile app and begin the authentication process.
This procedure explains how to manually enable notifications for the IBKR Mobile app. Please click the link below that matches your smartphone's operating system.
1. On your home screen, tap Settings (Figure 1), then Notifications (Figure 2) and finally IBKR (Figure 3)
Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3
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(1).png)
2. In the IBKR app settings, you will see a number of different options. We recommend to set them in the following way (Figure 4):
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Allow Notifications: enabled
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Lock Screen, Notification Center, Banners: selected
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Banner style: Persistent
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Badges: enabled
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Show Previews: Always
Figure 4
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1. Go the Settings of your phone, then tap Apps & notifications1 (Figure 1) then IBKR Mobile (Figure 2) and finally App notifications (Figure 3)
Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3
Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3
2. Ensure that notifications for this app are globally On and the switches Allow notification dots, Allow interruptions, On the lock screen are all enabled (Figure 4). According to your personal preference, you may want to enable as well the switch Override Do Not Disturb
Figure 4
Figure 4
Please note that menu items labels and positions may vary according to your device vendor and software version.
1. The Apps & notifications item may be called Sound & notification on certain devices
References:
- See KB2260 for instruction on how to activate and operate IBKR Mobile Authentication
- See KB3234 for troubleshooting missing IBKR Mobile notifications
- See KB2748 for information about IBKR Mobile Authentication recovery
I am not receiving IBKR Mobile notifications
Background:
In this article we explain what notifications are, how they are used within the IB Key authentication process and which troubleshooting actions you can perform in case you do not receive them on your smartphone.
Table of contents:
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What is a notification?
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How does the IBKR Mobile app use notifications?
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What are the prerequisites for receiving IBKR Mobile notifications?
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I do not receive IBKR Mobile notifications. What can I do?
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You can login even without receiving notifications
What is a notification?
A push notification is a brief message which is sent ("pushed") from a back-end server to your device over the Internet. Apps developers use those messages to quickly and effectively attract the users attention, even if currently not engaging with their application. Notifications can deliver information to users or advise them of a specific action they are invited or required to perform.
How does the IBKR Mobile app use notifications?
The IBKR Mobile application uses notifications:
- to deliver alerts and other information
- for the needs of the two-factor authentication (IB Key)
In the second case, the user is invited to tap on the notification - this will automatically open the IBKR Mobile app, through which the authentication process needs to be completed.
What are the prerequisites for receiving IBKR Mobile notifications?
In order to receive the IBKR Mobile notifications the following requirements have to be met:
- The IBKR Mobile app must be installed and activated on your device. For details please see KB2260
- Your device must be connected to the Internet (through WiFi or mobile phone/wireless carrier networks, such as EDGE / 3G / 4G / LTE). If you are located in China, please check additionally Note A. on this topic
I do not receive IBKR Mobile notifications. What can I do?
If you meet the prerequisites but are still not receiving IBKR Mobile push notifications, please check the instructions below.
Once you logged in to Client Portal, click the User menu (head and shoulders icon in the top right corner) followed by User Settings. Click the Configure (gear icon) next to Secure Login System. Within the box Secure Login Settings, located on the right side, verify that the Seamless Authentication switch is set to Enabled (Figure 1). If this is not the case, click on the wheel (Configure) next to Seamless Authentication, activate and Save the setting.
Figure 1
Certain device configurations may cause the notifications to hide quickly or not to be shown when the device screen is locked or there might be other notifications that have hidden the IBKR Mobile notification. Please bear in mind that you can, at any time, access your unread notifications history, usually by swiping your finger down from the top edge of your screen.
The "Airplane"(sometimes called "Flight") mode is designed to deactivate some or all wireless communication hardware in your device to comply with certain requirements of air travel.
The "Do not disturb" mode is used to manage calls, alerts and notifications and how they are announced to the device owner. Usually, when this mode is active, a half-moon or a stop-sign icon is displayed at the top of your screen.
The easiest way to disable those modes is from the quick settings panel, which can be opened by swiping the finger down from the top of your screen on your device (Figures 2 and 3).
Figure 2 Figure 3
Note: On Android devices, the position and name of the items may vary according to the device vendor and software version.
When you installed the IBKR Mobile app on your device, the system prompted you to allow the notifications for the app itself. If at that time you denied that access, you would now need to manually enable the notifications from your smartphone settings. Step by step instructions on how to enable those are available in KB3236.
Smartphones have a special low power consumption mode to provide users with a longer battery life whenever needed. That is achieved by limiting or disabling background app communication and refresh. This often prevents as well notifications from being delivered to your device. You can check the power scheme currently in use on your smartphone as follows:
Click here if you want to skip those instructions and jump directly to the next item - point 6.
If the Power Saving Mode is on, the battery indicator on the top right of your device will show the charge level in yellow
Figure 4
You can switch off the Power Saving by swiping the finger down from the top of your screen and tap the battery icon in the Control Center (Figure 5)
Figure 5
If this icon is not displayed on this screen, you can change this setting using the switch Low Power Mode from the Battery section of your phone's Settings app (Figure 6, 7, 8).
Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8
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If Battery Saver is on, the top and bottom bars of your device screen should have an orange background and the battery icon will contain a "+" sign.
Figure 9
The easiest way to disable the function is from the Quick Settings panel, which you can open by swiping your finger down from the top of your screen. You can then tap the battery icon (Figure 10)
Figure 10
If the battery icon is not displayed within the Quick Settings panel, you can tap the Settings icon from the screen and tap on Battery. There you can toggle the Battery saver switch (Figures 11, 12, 13).
Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 13
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Note: The position and name of the items may vary according to the Android device vendor and software version.
The WiFi signal and the phone network coverage indicators at the top of your screen should display sufficient levels. You can confirm this existing of a working network with a quick test by opening a website through the phone web browser and perform a web search or visit ibkr.com
A jailbroken/rooted device allows the installation of apps and tweaks not authorized by the software and/or hardware vendor. This is achieved by obtaining full (root) access to the device's Operating System and removing the security measures and restrictions originally built-in. This operation voids the device warranty, can compromise or make completely unusable certain functionalities and severely lowers the overall security of the device.
For those reasons, a jailbroken/rooted device cannot be used with the IBKR Mobile app for authentication.
If you went through all the above steps and still do not receive IBKR Mobile notifications on your device, we recommend that you perform a one time log in to the Client Portal using the manual challenge/response authentication method. This operation will re-align the app parameters with our back-end systems and should trigger the seamless authentication method to be reinstated for the future login attempts. Please proceed as follows:
a. On ibkr.com click on LOG IN --> PORTAL LOGIN
b. Enter your credentials and click on Login
c. Should you have multiple SLS devices active, select "IB Key" from the device drop-down
d. If you see a note stating that a message has been sent to your phone, click the link "Click here if you did not receive the message" and the system will show you a 6 digit Challenge number
e. On your mobile device, open the IBKR Mobile app, then tap Authenticate (should you not see the button Authenticate, tap first on the link Services on the top left of the screen)
f. Enter the Challenge number you obtained at point d. in the Challenge field and tap Generate Response. Once you have provided your security element (PIN, FaceID, Passcode) you will receive a 8 digits Response String
g. On the Client Portal login screen, enter now the Response String you obtained at point f.
h. If the code has been accepted, you will be logged in to the Client Portal.
i. Logout from the Client Portal and try to log in again. This time you should receive the notification on your mobile device.
You can login even without receiving notifications
In case your smartphone is unable to receive IB Key notifications, you can still complete the login process using the IB Key Challenge/Response method, described on the following pages (according to your device operating system):
Notes
A. The access to Google services is blocked within China. Because of this restriction, notifications are usually not delivered on Android devices used within that Country. IBKR has no possibility of intervention or control over this limitation.
References:
- See KB2260 for instruction on how to activate and operate IBKR Mobile Authentication
- See KB3236 for instructions on how to enable notifications for the IBKR Mobile app
- See KB2748 for information about IBKR Mobile Authentication recovery
How to enable and use SMS as Two-Factor Authentication method
Overview:
SMS as Two-Factor method is a quick and easy way to carry out your authentication tasks. This article explains how to set up your mobile phone number to receive authentication codes via SMS.
How to Enroll into SMS authentication
To enroll into SMS Two-Factor Authentication, you would need to have a verified mobile phone number on record. If the verification of your phone number was not completed during the account application, you can complete it at any time by following these steps:
- Log in to Client Portal.
- From the side menu, click on Settings and then on User Settings. Click on the configuration gear correspondent to Mobile Number.
- Click on VERIFY
- Open your phone's text messages app and you will find the SMS with the Confirm Code we sent you.
NOTE: message delivery time may vary and in some circumstances it can take few minutes. A new SMS may only be requested every 2 minutes.
- Enter the Confirm Code you have received into the Confirmation Number field, then click CONTINUE.
- If the code has been accepted, a green check mark will appear in the column SMS Verified. Click CONTINUE to finalize the procedure.
- If your user does not have an active SLS device, it will be automatically enrolled in SMS for Two-Factor Authentication shortly afterwards.
Back to top
How to login using SMS authentication
Once SMS has been enabled as 2-Factor Authentication method, you will be able to use it in the following way:
- Launch the TWS or go to the Client Portal
- Enter your username and password in the correspondent fields and click Login
- You will then be prompted to enter the authentication code sent to you via SMS. Please open your phone's messages app and look for the message containing the code.
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- Enter the authentication code in the Security Code field present on the login screen, and then click on Login or OK
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Regulations Mandating Two-Factor Protection
Overview:
Regulators in certain jurisdictions have imposed requirements that brokerage clients use Two-Factor Authentication when accessing their account. These requirements currently impact residents of Hong Kong and India with details provided below.
Hong Kong-based accounts
On 27 Oct 2017, the Securities & Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC) issued revised guidelines aimed at reducing the information security risks associated with internet trading. All registered and licensed persons engaged in internet trading are required to comply. The Hong Kong Monteary Authority (HKMA) simultaneously issued a circular on the same day requiring all registered institutions to implement the requirements listed in the guidelines.
Per article 1.1 of the SFC guidelines, all clients are required to be enrolled in Two-Factor Authentication. As a result, we are no longer able to provide Hong Kong accounts with the ability to opt out of the Secure Login System.
India-based accounts
On March 25, 2014 the National Stock Exchange of India (NSEI) issued a circular with new requirements for stock brokers that operate in India. Per regulation 3b, all brokers must implement Two-Factor Authentication for Indian clients. As a result, we are no longer able to provide India accounts with the ability to opt out of the Secure Login System.
How to reactivate or transfer IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key)?
Overview:
This article details the steps needed to reactivate the IB Key Authentication (IB Key) via IBKR Mobile.
This state of the application or its installation might be due, but not limited to, reinstallation of the app or the purchase of a new phone.
You can perform the reactivation without the involvement of IBKR Client Services in the following cases:
Case A) Reactivation on the same smartphone
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You uninstalled and reinstalled the IBKR Mobile app on the same smartphone
Please click on one of the links below according to your phone operating system.
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Android: IBKR Mobile PIN + Access to the mobile phone number originally used for the app activation
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Apple iOS: Smartphone PIN / Fingerprint / FaceID + Access to the mobile phone number originally used for the app activation
Case B) Reactivation on a different smartphone
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You are replacing your smartphone with a new one
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You have lost your smartphone and you are now in possession of a new one
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You activated the IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) on your primary smartphone but you now want to transfer
the activation (either temporarily or permanently) to the secondary one.
Please click on one of the links below according to your phone operating system.
Note: In the above cases (A, B) you will always be able to reactivate / transfer the IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) when you possess an additional physical security device currently active for your user. With this setup, you will not need to have access to the mobile phone number originally used for the app activation, since the system will automatically prompt you to operate your physical security device instead of sending you a text message (SMS) during the reactivation / transfer procedure.
In any other case, we would kindly ask you to request a temporary account access by contacting IBKR Client Services (Secure Login department) on the phone number best suitable for your location, among the ones listed on ibkr.com/support
References:
- See KB2879, KB2260 for General information about IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key)
- See KB2260 for instructions on how to install/activate/operate the IBKR Mobile app
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See KB2278 for instructions on how to operate IBKR Mobile Authenticaton (IB Key) for iPhone
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See KB2277 for instructions on how to operate your IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) for Android:
- See KB3279 for instructions on how to log in to IBKR Mobile when IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) is enabled on another phone
Mobile Phone Verification during the account application
Introduction
IB requires that clients verify their mobile phone in order to receive account and trade related communication directly via SMS. Clients who fail to verify their phone will be subject to trade restrictions pending completion of this process. Verification is performed online and the steps for doing so are outlined below.
In case your account has been already opened but your mobile number has not been yet verified, please jump directly to KB2552 to complete the verification process.
Phone Verification
When completing your Interactive Brokers Account Application, you will see a blue bar at the top of the page that says "CONFIRM MOBILE NUMBER."
You can click on that bar any time during steps 1-4. Once you do, you will see this window:
Once you have entered your full number, it will be recognized and a confirmation message is sent immediately. Validate your phone number by entering the SMS Code received in the Confirmation Code field and click Submit.
If you are unable to do this during the application process, you can always confirm it on the Application Status page
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Please consider the following as certain restrictions may apply:
- SMS messages may be blocked if you participate in your Countries NDNC (National Do Not Call) registry.
- Due to fraud prevention measures, virtual number providers may be blocked.
- Some carriers may restrict the Hours of delivery for SMS messages.
Multiple 2-Factor System (M2FS)
Overview
This page covers specific points on what the Multiple 2-Factor System (M2FS) is and how it functions. For general questions on the Secure Login System, please refer to KB1131.
Table of contents
What is M2FS?
M2FS allows any client to maintain more than one active security device at the same time. You no longer need to choose between a physical security device and the IBKR Mobile app as either can be used interchangeably. If you already possess an active security device, any further device activation will result in both devices remaining simultaneously active.
Activation
In case you currently use the Security Code Card / Digital Security Card+: if you use a physical security device, you may download and activate the IBKR Mobile app. Please refer to the directions for Android and iOS.
In case you currently use the IBKR Mobile app: If you use the IBKR Mobile app and have an account with a balance equal or greater than USD 500K, you qualify for the Digital Security Card+ . You may log in to Client Portal and request the DSC+ by following the instructions here.
Operation
Once you have both a physical device and the IBKR Mobile app enabled, M2FS is represented by a drop-down menu upon login. You can now choose the device you wish to authenticate with, following the below steps:
1. Enter your username and password into the trading platform or Client Portal login screen and click Login. If the credentials have been accepted, a drop down will appear, allowing you to Select Second Factor Device. If you log in to the TWS, please notice that the M2FS is supported from version 966.
TWS:
Client Portal:
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2. Once you select a security device, you will now be presented with the corresponding screen for authentication. Refer to the directions for:
- IB Key via IBKR Mobile (iOS)
- IB Key via IBKR Mobile (Android)
- Security Code Card
- Digital Security Card+
3. If the second factor authentication succeeds, the Log-in will now automatically proceed.
Withdrawal limits
The device used to authenticate your withdrawal will define your withdrawal limits, according to the below table:
|
Security Device |
Maximum Withdrawal |
Maximum Withdrawal |
| Security Code Card1 | USD 200,000 | USD 600,000 |
| IBKR Mobile app | USD 1,000,000 | USD 1,000,000 |
| Digital Security Card1 | USD 1,000,000 | USD 1,500,000 |
| Digital Security Card+ | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Gold Device1 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Platinum Device1 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
1: Represents a legacy device that is no longer issued.
Example: You have both the IBKR Mobile app and the Digital Security Card+ enabled and you need to withdrawal more than USD 200K. You can use either device to login to Client Portal but you will be required to use the Digital Security Card+ to confirm your withdrawal request.
Benefits
M2FS provides even more flexibility to IBKR's Secure Login System by allowing you to choose what security device you want to authenticate with. In addition to the convenience of using a device which is trusted and routinely accessible, you can eliminate delays associated with authenticating at times a trade needs to be entered quickly.
IBKR Mobile Authentication as a Two-Factor Solution
Overview:
At IBKR, we are committed to protecting your account through the use of 2-Factor log in protection. With 2-factor protection, account access is provided through use of "Something you Know" (i.e. entry of user name and password combination) along with "Something you Have" (i.e., a tool which generates a random code to be entered after the user name and password). This 2-Factor protection is intended to mitigate the risk of online hackers (who've acquired your password via malware or social engineering) accessing your account.
While IBKR offers multiple 2-Factor options, IBKR Mobile Authentication is generally viewed as the most convenient to access and operate. Outlined below are some of the convenience factors offered by this app.
1. Always Available:
Your smartphone is always with you, as well as your tool to grant you secure access to your IBKR account.
2. Convenient:
No additional devices to carry, track and watch out for. In the event of loss or change of phone, IBKR Client Services can assist you to get the app back up and running at a moment’s notice.
3. Quick Activation:
A couple of minutes within the download of the app, you can already use it to authenticate into your account.
4. No Shipping, Delivery or Return:
No delivery delays, no return of devices with depleted batteries. A quick download suffices.
5. Secure, but quick and No-Hassle Login with our Seamless Authentication:
When logging into the Trading Platforms or the Client Portal, you only need to enter your username and password - IBKR will send you a notification and you will use the IB Key protocol to complete the authentication, via your mobile biometrics or PIN, depending on your configuration.
6. Allows for multiple users to authenticate with the same app:
If you have one security device for your personal IBKR account, one for your joint account with your spouse and one for your business account you will be happy to know that you can activate the same app for all those users (and more).
7. Available for every smartphone, everywhere:
IBKR Mobile can be downloaded from the Apple App Store if you have an iPhone. Android phone users can get the app as usual from the Google Play store. Clients in China can obtain the application on both Baidu and the 360.cn stores.
8. Works even Offline:
Should your phone be offline (e.g. when on vacation or with a bad reception), you can still use IBKR Mobile Authentication. Even though Seamless Authentication won't be accessible, the application can generate the codes you need to access your account and trade.
9. Secure delivery for your Password Reset:
With IBKR Mobile installed and the IB Key authentication activated, you can have the IBKR Client Services send you a temporary password to your phone in a secure way without exposing it through text messages and other means of communication.
10. Small footprint:
IBKR Mobile can be downloaded even on the most restrictive data plans and be installed on your smartphone without hogging resources. The application size and its operational use of resources are limited to the absolute minimum, while not compromising on its security.
For a general overview of IBKR Mobile Authentication including installation, activation and operation, please see KB2260.
IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) Reinstallation on the Same Phone
Background:
The recovery procedure explained in this article is required in case:
A) You have reinstalled the IBKR Mobile app on the same smartphone
B) Your smartphone Operating System has been updated
Procedure:
In order to re-enable IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key), please click on one of the below links, according to your smartphone Operating System
Apple iOS
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Launch the IBKR Mobile app. Whenever possible, the app will ask you to recover the setup. Tap Yes
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According to your phone hardware capabilities, you will be prompted to provide the security element originally used to secure the app (Fingerprint, Face ID, PIN). Please follow the on-screen instructions for this step
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If the reactivation has been successfully completed, you will see a confirmation message. Tap Done to finalize the procedure
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Android
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Launch the IBKR Mobile app. Whenever possible, the app will ask you to recover the setup. Tap Recover Setup
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Review the Recovery directions and tap Continue
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Enter your credentials and tap Initialize Recovery
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You will receive an text message (SMS)containing an Activation Token. Enter it in the Activation Code field. According to your phone operating system and hardware capabilities, you might be prompted to provide as well the security element you originally used to secure the app (PIN, Fingerprint). Once done, tap Submit
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If the reactivation has been successfully completed, you will see a confirmation message. Tap Done to finalize the procedure
References
Cache Maintenance for IB apps on Android
Background:
This procedure has proved to work as a solution for several issues, since it produces a complete reset of the malfunctioning IBKR app.
For Android OS 6.0 (Marshmallow) and higher
1. Go to your phone's Settings Menu
2. Below the Phone section, select Applications 
Application Manager
3. Scroll down and select the corresponding IB app which needs to be reset.
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4. Tap on Storage
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5. Tap on Clear Data OK
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6. Confirm Data has been cleared.
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7. Reboot the phone
8. Re-Launch app
For Android OS 5.0 (Lollipop) and previous versions
- Go to your phone Settings Menu
- Below the Device section, select Apps
- Scroll down and select the corresponding IB app which needs to be reset.
- Tap on Clear data OK
- Confirm Data has been cleared
- Reboot Phone
- Re-Launch app
Note: If after clearing the cache, manually adjusting the permissions and restarting your Android Device, the issue persists, please contact IB Customer Service for further troubleshooting.
Related Articles:
- For IB Key on Android overview refer to KB2277
- For IB Key Recovery process on Android refer to KB2748
