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IB Key Challenge / Response method and missing 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):

The same information applies to you if your phone has no Internet connectivity (you are in roaming, out of coverage, without an active mobile data plan, etc.)

If your smartphone is unable to receive IB Key notifications despite having Internet connectivity, we recommend you to perform the steps outlined in IBKB3234.

 

I am not receiving text messages (SMS) from IB on my mobile phone

Background: 

Once your mobile phone number has been verified in the Client Portal, you should be immediately able receive text messages (SMS) from IB 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:

Android: KB2277
iOS: KB2278

 

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. Check whether your phone carrier is blocking the SMS from IB

Some phone carriers automatically block IB 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:

In India:

In China:

  • Call your phone carrier directly to check whether they are blocking IB messages

 

References:

 

How to log in to IBKR Mobile when the IB Key is enabled on another phone

Background: 
This article is intended for clients who have activated the IBKR Mobile authentication on their smartphone and possess as well an additional mobile device, on which they desire to trade.
Clients with this setup will be able to log in to the IBKR Mobile trading platform on their secondary device, using their smartphone to complete the Two-Factor Authentication step.

 

For the purposes of this article, we will use the following naming convention:

Authentication device: this is the smartphone on which you activated the IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key)

Trading device: this is where you want to use IBKR Mobile app for trading.

 

Procedure

Please click on one of the link below according to your phone operating system:

 

Apple iOS

1. On your Trading device, launch the IBKR Mobile app. Enter your your credentials in the login screen and tap Log In
 Figure 1
 
2. Tap Two-Factor Authentication (Figure 2).  A Challenge code will be displayed (Figure 3)
  Figure 2                                                            Figure 3
    
 
3. On the Authentication device, launch the IBKR Mobile app
 Figure 4
 
4a. If you are not automatically logged in, tap Services (Figure 5) on the top left, then tap Authenticate (Figure 6).
 Figure 5                                                          Figure 6
 
 
4b. If you are already logged in, tap on the More button on the bottom right. Then, scroll down and tap on Authenticate
  Figure 7

5. Enter the Challenge code you obtained at point 2. Then tap Generate Response (Figure 8). Once you have provided your security element (Figure 9), you will receive a Response String (Figure 10).
  Figure 8                                                     Figure 9                                                  Figure 10
   

6. On your Trading device, enter the Response String into the "Enter response code" field and tap Send to finalize the authentication process.
 Figure 11

 

 

Android

1. On your Trading device, launch the IBKR Mobile app. Enter your your credentials in the login screen and tap Log In
  Figure 1
 
2. Tap on the option Two-Factor Authentication (Figure 2).  You will see a Challenge code (Figure 3)
 Figure 2                                                          Figure 3
  
 
3. On the Authentication device, launch the IBKR Mobile app
 Figure 4
 
4a. If you are not automatically logged in, tap Services (Figure 5) and then tap Authenticate (Figure 6).
 Figure 5                                                            Figure 6
   
 
4b. If you are already logged in, tap the Menu button (Figure 7), scroll down and tap Authenticate (Figure 8).
  Figure 7                                                          Figure 8
  
 
5. Enter your IBKR Mobile PIN and the Challenge code you obtained at point 2. Then tap Generate Response (Figure 9). A Response String will be displayed (Figure 10)
  Figure 9                                                         Figure 10
  
 
6. On your Trading device, enter the Response String in to the "Enter response code" field and then tap Log In to finalize the authentication process.
 Figure 11
 


References
  • See KB2260 for general instructions on how to use IBKR Mobile Authentication
  • See KB3073 for instructions on how to migrate the IB Key / IBKR Mobile authentication to a new smartphone
  • See KB2748 for instructions on how to perform the IB Key / 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 Account Management.
  • From the side menu, click on Settings and then on User Settings. Click on the configuration gear correspondent to Mobile Number. If you are using the Classic Account Management, this section can be reached from the top menu Manage Account -> Account Information -> Details -> Profile, by clicking on the link "Modify"

  • 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.
     
  • 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.

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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 management or trading platform you wish to log in to
  • 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.

  • 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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IB TWS and IB Key Merger into IBKR Mobile

OVERVIEW

The migration for your user depends upon your current use of the apps as follows:

1. Your Smartphone is solely used for trading (IB TWS installed) - Click Here
2. Your Smartphone is solely used for authentication (IB Key installed) -  Click Here
3. Your Smartphone is used for both trading and authentication (IB TWS and IB Key installed) - Click Here
4. Your Smartphone is used for Debit Card transactions (IB Key installed) -  Click Here
 

You are a user of IB TWS

You have been trading on your smartphone with IB TWS and you have not used IB Key.
1. Upon first launch of the application you will see the following new Home Screen.
Figure 1 is the Home Screen of IBKR Mobile for iOS devices. Figure 2 is the Android device version.

     
Figure 1                                                     Figure 2

2. Tap on the Trade button.
3. The rest of the application experience is identical to what you have already used in the past.
 

 

Access to the other functions from the Trading Screen

If you wish to access the other functions of the IBKR Mobile, such as the Authentication module or the
Debit Card functions:

For iOS (Figure 3)
1. Open the menu ‘More’ (lower right-hand corner of your screen).
2. Scroll to the very bottom of this page
For Android (Figure 4)
1. Open the Application menu
2. Scroll to the bottom section - App Settings

       

Figure 3

    

Figure 4
 

You are an IB Key user

Activation

1. Launch the IBKR Mobile and tap on Authentication.
2. The app will detect the installation of the IB Key and will suggest a course of action - either an
automated migration (Figure 5) on an update and then automated migration.
You can as well choose to manually migrate at a later point.

     
Figure 5                                                 Figure 6                                                 Figure 7

After the migration is completed, should you run the IB Key standalone application - the one you have
authenticated with in the past - you will see the following screen (Figure 8).


Figure 8

 

Daily Operation


A. Nothing changes in the daily login experience if you have an Internet connection - the Seamless
Authentication process will be used:
1. Enter your credentials in the corresponding fields (in the TWS, Account Management, WebTrader or
IBKR Mobile). Click on Login.
2. The system will send you a notification on your smartphone’s screen - tap on it.
3. Depending on your device, present your face to the camera or fingerprint on the sensor (iOS) or
enter your PIN code (Android). The system will the automatically proceed with the login.


B. If you have no Internet connection, you will use the IBKR Mobile in Challenge-Response mode:
1. Enter your credentials in the corresponding fields (in the TWS, Account Management, WebTrader or
IBKR Mobile). Click on ‘Login'.
2. Click on the link saying “I did not receive a notification”.
3. Launch the IBKR Mobile and tap on ‘Authentication’.
4. In the field Challenge of your smartphone application enter the values displayed on the Login
Screen. Tap the ‘Generate’ button.
5. Enter the values displayed by your smartphone app into the field Response string on the Login
Screen. Click ‘Login’.

 

You are a user of both IB TWS and IB Key

1. Please complete first the procedure for the activation of the Authentication module of the IBKR
Mobile app (Click Here).
2. Login to the trading screen by taping on the Trade button of the Home Screen in your new IBKR
Mobile app (Click Here).

 

You use an IB Debit Card

1. Please complete first the procedure for the activation of the Authentication module of the IBKR
Mobile app (Click Here).
2. On the Home Screen of the IBKR Mobile app tap on the Debit Card button. The rest of the experience
is identical to what you have already used in the past.

 

 

How to reactivate or transfer the IBKR Mobile authentication?

Overview: 

This article details the steps needed to reactivate the IB Key authentication via IBKR Mobile.

You will be able to perform the reactivation without having to contact the IB Client Services in the following cases:

 

Case A) Reactivation on the same smartphone

  • 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. Requirements are listed on the right side

  • Android: IBKR Mobile PIN + Access to the mobile phone number originally used for the app activation
  • 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

  • You are replacing your smartphone with a new one
  • You have lost your smartphone and you are now in possession of a new one
  • You activated the IBKR Mobile authentication 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. Requirements are listed on the right side

  • Android: Access to the mobile phone number originally used for the app activation
  • Apple iOS: Smartphone PIN / Fingerprint / FaceID + Access to the mobile phone number originally used for the app activation
 
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 IB 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
  • See KB2278 for instructions on how to operate your IB Key on an Apple iPhone
  • See KB2277 for instructions on how to operate your IB Key on an Android smartphone: 
  • See KB3279 for instructions on how to log in to IBKR Mobile when IB Key is enabled on another phone

 

Multiple 2Factor System (M2FS)

Overview

This page covers specific points on what the Multiple 2Factor System (M2-FS) is and how it functions. For general questions on the Secure Login System, please refer to KB1131.

 

Table of contents

 

What is M2-FS?

M2-FS allows any client to maintain more than one active security device at the same time. No more do you have to pick and choose whether you prefer to use a physical security device or the IBKR Mobile app as either can be used interchangeably.

 

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Activation

For any clients with an active security device, any further device activation will result in both devices remaining active.

I currently use the Security Code Card / Digital Security Card+: Clients who currently use a physical security device, simply need to download and activate the IBKR Mobile app. Refer to the directions for Android and iOS for details.

I currently use the IB Key or the IBKR Mobile app: Clients who currently use the IB Key or IBKR Mobile app and qualify for the Digital Security Card+, can proceed to login to Account Management and request that device1 by following the instructions here.

 

1: The DSC+ is available to accounts with a balance greater than USD 500,000. If your account is below this limit we recommend the activation of the IBKR Mobile authentication, as explained here

 

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Operation

Once you have both a Physical device and the IBKR Mobile app enabled, M2-FS is represented by a drop-down menu upon login. You can now choose the device you wish to authenticate with.

  1. Enter your username and password into the trading platform2 or Account Management login screen and click Login. If correct, a drop down option will allow you to Select Second Factor Device:

    TWS:
    TWS Login -> Select Two Factor Device

    Account Management:
    Acct Mgmt Login -> Select Second Factor Device
     
  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 authentication succeeds, the Log-in will now automatically proceed.

    TWS:
    TWS Login completes after two factor authentication

    Account Management:
    Ascct Mgmt Login completes after two factor authentication

 

 

2: Requires TWS Build 966 and above.

 

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Withdrawal limits

The device used to authenticate your withdrawal, will dictate the withdrawal limit at that time. See details below:

Security Device
used for Withdrawal

Maximum Withdrawal
Per Day

Maximum Withdrawal
in Five Business Days
Security Code Card USD 200,000 USD 600,000
IB Key / IBKR Mobile app USD 200,000 USD 600,000
Digital Security Card3 USD 1,000,000 USD 1,500,000
Digital Security Card+ Unlimited Unlimited
Gold Device3 Unlimited Unlimited
Platinum Device3 Unlimited Unlimited

3: Represents a legacy device that is no longer issued.

 

For example if you have both the IBKR Mobile app and the Digital Security Card+ enabled and need to withdrawal more than USD 200,000, you can use either device to login to Account Management but will be required to use the Digital Security Card+ to confirm your withdrawal request.

 

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Benefits

M2-FS provides even more flexibility to IB'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.

 

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IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) recovery

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 IB Key authentication via IBKR Mobile, please click on one of the below links, according to your smartphone Operating System

 

Apple iOS

  1. Launch the IBKR Mobile app. Whenever possible, the app will ask you to recover the setup. Tap Yes
  2. 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
  3. If the reactivation has been successfully completed, you will see a confirmation message. Tap Done to finalize the procedure

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Android

  1. Launch the IBKR Mobile app. Whenever possible, the app will ask you to recover the setup. Tap Recover Setup
  2. Review the Recovery directions and tap Continue
  3. Enter your credentials and tap Initialize Recovery
  4. 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
  5. If the reactivation has been successfully completed, you will see a confirmation message. Tap Done to finalize the procedure
     

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References
  • See KB2260 for general instructions on how to use IBKR Mobile Authentication
  • See KB3073 for instructions on how to migrate the IB Key / IBKR Mobile authentication to a new smartphone

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 MOVED TO... Application Manager
Select Applications  Application Manager
 

3.  Scroll down and select the corresponding IB app which needs to be reset.

 

4.  Tap on Storage

 

5.  Tap on Clear Data MOVED TO... OK
   
 

6.  Confirm Data has been cleared.

 

7.  Reboot the phone

8.  Re-Launch app

 

 

For Android OS 5.0 (Lollipop) and previous versions

  1. Go to your phone Settings Menu
  2. Below the Device section, select Apps
    Select Apps
     
  3. Scroll down and select the corresponding IB app which needs to be reset.
      
     
  4. Tap on Clear data MOVED TO... OK
    Clear App data  Delete app data -> OK
     
  5. Confirm Data has been cleared
    Confirm Data cleared
     
  6. Reboot Phone
  7. 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

 

Information and procedures related to Security Devices

 

Table of Contents

 

 

IB Key authentication via IBKR Mobile

 

  • General information about IBKR Mobile Authentication: KB2879, KB2260
  • How to operate your IB Key on an Apple iPhone: KB2278
  • How to operate your IB Key on an Android smartphone: KB2277
  • How to log in to IBKR Mobile when IB Key is enabled on another phone: KB3279
  • How to migrate the IB Key / IBKR Mobile authentication to a new smartphone: KB3073
  • IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) recovery: KB2748
 
 

Digital Security Card+ (DSC+)

 
  • How to operate your DSC+:  KB2634
  • How to change the PIN code of a DSC+: KB1018
  • How to share the Security Login Device between two or more users: KB2481
  • How to request a Digital Security Card+ (DSC+) replacement: KB1943
  • How to return a defective DSC+ to Interactive Brokers: KB975
  • How to activate the IBKR Mobile authentication: KB2260

 

 

SLS Card

 
 
  • How to operate your SLS card: KB1042
  • How to activate the IBKR Mobile authentication: KB2260
  • How to share the Security Login Device between two or more users: KB2481

 

 

SMS

  • How to enable and use SMS as a Two-Factor Authentication method: KB3196

 

 

Online Security Code Card

  • How to request an Online Security Code Card in case you misplace your security device: KB1873

 

 

 Temporary Code

  • How can I request for temporary security code or replacement device: KB70
  • How long will my Temporary Passcode last: KB69

 

 

 

Common procedures

  • Overview of the Secure Login System: KB1131 or ibkr.com/sls 
  • Multiple Two-Factor Authentication System (M2FS): KB2895
  • How to opt back into the Secure Login System: KB2545
  • Security considerations following SLS partial opt-out: KB1198
  • Are there any charges or expenses associated with the security devices? KB1861
  • How to troubleshoot Account Management Login Failures: KB1132
  • How to troubleshoot Trading Platform Login Failures: KB1133

 

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