Activate IB Key with a QR code
You may have seen a QR code when you logged into Client Portal. In this article we will cover the steps for activating the IBKR Mobile authentication (IB Key) using that code.
1) Log into Client Portal. You will see a banner recommending that you activate IB Key by scanning the accompanying QR Code:
Figure 1
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2) On your smartphone, launch the "Camera" app.
Figure 2
3) Point the lens of your smartphone camera towards the QR code. You don't need to "take a picture." When the code is in focus it is automatically captured. If your phone does not seem to recognize the QR code try to move your phone closer or farther away to the QR code in order to gain focus. If your phone does not recognize the QR code, please see the section Possible Issues and solutions at the bottom of this article.
Figure 3
4) If your device was able to read the QR code successfully, you will see a banner on the top of your smartphone screen.
- If the banner asks you to open the IBKR web site on your smartphone browser (as in Figure 4.1), please proceed directly to next step, 5)
- If the banner asks you to open the IBKR Mobile app (as in Figure 4.2), please jump to step 8)
Figure 4.1 Figure 4.2
5) Tap on the banner on the top of your smartphone screen, asking you to open the IBKR Web site. You will be redirected to the AppStore.
Figure 5
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6) Tap the download button to install IBKR Mobile on your phone.
Figure 6
7) Once the installation is complete, do not launch the IBKR Mobile app. Open your camera and again focus on the QR code displayed in Client Portal.
Figure 7
8) Tap on the banner on the top of your screen, asking you to open the IBKR Mobile app.
Figure 8
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9) Tap Allow if asked whether to allow or disallow notifications for IBKR Mobile.
Figure 9
10) You will be asked to provide the security element you use to unlock your phone (FaceID, Fingerprint or Passcode).
Figure 10
11) You will receive a message confirming the successful activation of IB Key.
Figure 11
Possible issues and solutions
- My smartphone did not manage to read the QR code. What should I do?
Make sure you have activated the switch "Scan QR codes" from the Camera Settings of your smartphone.
Figure 12
- My phone activates the front camera. How can I switch to the rear one?
Usually there is a specific button in the camera view to switch from front to rear lenses.
Figure 13
- During the IB Key activation, I receive an error message "An error has occurred. Please try again."
Figure 14
This error message may indicate you are attempting to activate an IB Key instance that is already activated. Please try to log in to the Client Portal again. If you receive a notification on your smartphone once you have entered the credentials and you are able to complete the authentication once you tap on that notification, then your IB Key instance is already activated and you no longer need to follow the steps on this article.
Alternatively, the error message may be displayed when the QR code shown in the Client Portal was already used to attempt an activation and is expired. In this case, please log out of the Client Portal and log back in to obtain a fresh QR code.
References:
- See KB2260 for instruction on how to activate and operate IBKR Mobile Authentication.
- See KB2748 for instructions on how to recover IBKR Mobile Authentication.
- See KB3236 for instructions on how to enable notifications for the IBKR Mobile app.
- See KB3234 for troubleshooting missing IBKR Mobile notifications.
- See KB3073 for instructions on how to migrate the IB Key / IBKR Mobile authentication to a new smartphone.
How to add a user to an existing IB Key instance - iOS
Overview:
This page covers the steps required to add a user to the Authentication section in the IBKR Mobile app for iOS devices.
Requirements:
- The IBKR Mobile app must be installed and IB Key Authentication already activated on this iOS device.
- For more information on the installation and activation on iOS devices, please refer to KB2278.
Instructions:
1. On your iOS device, open the IBKR Mobile app.
1.a. If the app opens with the login screen (Figure 1), tap on Services on the top-left corner (red arrow) and proceed with step 2.
1.b. If the app opens with your Home Page, Portfolio, Watchlists, or similar, tap on More on the bottom-right corner (Figure 2). Then tap on Two-Factor Authentication (Figure 3), followed by Add User (Figure 4) and proceed with step 3.
Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 3.
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Figure 4.
2. Tap on Authenticate (Figure 5) and then on Add User (Figure 6).
Figure 5. Figure 6.
3. Read the instructions and then tap on Continue (Figure 7).
Figure 7.
3. Enter your Username and Password, and then tap on Continue (Figure 8).
Figure 8.
4. An Authentication Code will be sent via SMS to the mobile phone number listed on your account (Figure 9). Enter this Authentication Code in the Activation Code field and tap on Activate (Figure 10).
Figure 9. Figure 10.
5. Depending on your smartphone's security settings, you will be asked to use your Passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID (Figure 11).
Figure 11.
6. If the activation has been successful, you will see a confirmation screen. Finally, tap on Done to complete the procedure (Figure 12).
Figure 12.
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Secure Login with Digital Security Card+
Overview:
Securely log into any IBKR application, including TWS, Client Portal or WebTrader, using IBKR's Digital Security Card+.
NOTE: The buttons on your security card are not touch sensitive, but rather require to be pressed.
1. When logging in to your account, enter your user name and password as usual (Point 1 of Figure 1). If successful, a 6-digit Challenge Code will appear (Point 2 of Figure 1).
Figure 1.
2. Turn on your device by pressing the “press” button until the 'PIN>' display appears (Figure 2), enter the 4-digit PIN code you specified at the time you requested the device, then press the “OK” button (Figure 3).
Figure 2. Figure 3. 
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3. When the 'CHALLNG>' display appears on the device (Figure 4), enter the 6-digit Challenge Code from the login screen (step 1.) into the device, then press the "OK" button (Figure 5).
Figure 4. Figure 5.
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4. A response code will appear (Figure 6)
Figure 6.
5. Enter the 8 digits of the response code into the login screen (Figure 7). Select the Login button to proceed. If the passcode expires, start over from step 1. above.
Figure 7.
NOTE: The Security Code field will look slightly different depending on the application you are logging in to.
References
- See KB1131 for an overview of the Secure Login System
- See KB2636 for information and procedures related to Security Devices
- See KB2481 for instructions about sharing the Security Login Device between two or more users
- See KB2545 for instructions on how to opt back in to the Secure Login System
- See KB975 for instructions on how to return your security device to IBKR
- See KB2260 for instructions on activating the IB Key authentication via IBKR Mobile
- See KB2895 for information about Multiple 2Factor System (M2FS)
- See KB1861 for information about charges or expenses associated with the security devices
- See KB69 for information about Temporary passcode validity
How to use Voice callback for receiving login authentication codes
Background:
If you have SMS enabled as two-factor authentication method, you may use Voice callback to receive your login authentication codes. This article will provide you steps on how to select voice callback when logging in to our platforms.
How to use Voice callback
You may select Voice if you do not receive your login authentication code. You will then receive your login authentication code via an automated callback. Follow the instructions below, depending on which platform you are trying to login to.
Client Portal
1. Click on "Didn't receive a security code?"
2. From the two options, select "Voice" and wait for the callback.
3. After selecting Voice, you should receive the callback within a minute. Please wait for the callback and be ready to write down the code that will be provided over the callback.
TWS
1. Click on "Request new Security Code"
2. From the two options, select "Voice" and click on OK. Then wait for the callback.
3. After selecting Voice, you should receive the callback within a minute. Please wait for the callback and be ready to write down the code that will be provided over the callback.
Note: Voice callback for the TWS is only available in the LATEST and BETA version.
IBKR Mobile - iOS
1. Click on "Request New Code"
2. From the two options, select "Voice" and wait for the callback.
3. After selecting Voice, you should receive the callback within a minute. Please wait for the callback and be ready to write down the code that will be provided over the callback.
IBKR Mobile - Android
1. Click on "Request New Security Code"
2. From the two options, select "Voice" and wait for the callback.
3. After selecting Voice, you should receive the callback within a minute. Please wait for the callback and be ready to write down the code that will be provided over the callback.
References:
- How to login using SMS authentication
- Overview of Secure Login System
- Information and procedures related to Security Devices
- IBKR Mobile Authentication
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 IBKR on my mobile phone
Background:
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
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
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3. On the Authentication device, launch the IBKR Mobile app
Figure 4
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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
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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
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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
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4b. If you are already logged in, tap the Menu button (Figure 7), scroll down and tap Authenticate (Figure 8).
Figure 7 Figure 8
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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
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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
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.
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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 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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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
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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.
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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).
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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.
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
-
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.
-
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.
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
-
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
