Using IB Key

Use the IB Key protocol in IBKR Mobile to provide secure, second-factor authentication when logging into your trading account from any platform, including Client Portal.

Note: You must have fingerprint or passcode security enabled on your phone to use IB Key.

  • Log into IBKR Mobile using IB Key
  • Log into TWS for Desktop using IB Key
  • Log into Account Management using IB Key
  • Use IB Key in Challenge-Response mode (with no Internet)

To use IB Key with IBKR Mobile

Since IB Key is integrated with IBKR Mobile, it's easy to employ two-factor authentication when logging into your mobile trading account.

Note: If you're using a mobile device that does not include a SIM card, you will be required to complete IB Key authentication via your phone, similar to the way you use IB Key with TWS for Desktop.

  1. Open IBKR Mobile on your phone.
  2. Log into your account with your username/password credentials.
  3. The IB Key security screen appears. Complete authentication using your fingerprint or passcode.

To use IB Key with Desktop TWS

  1. Enter your username/passcode credentials to log into TWS.

    If you enter your credentials correctly, you will receive this notice on your desktop, and a message will be sent to your phone's notification center.

Note: The message is sent to your notification center, not as a text. To find the message in your notification center, swipe down from top to bottom from any screen or app.

  1. Tap the IB Key app notification.

  1. IB Key opens and requires Touch ID or passcode to complete authentication.

  1. If authentication succeeds, the login process automatically continues on your desktop and TWS opens.

IB Key in challenge-response mode (if you do not receive the notification)

If no internet access is available or you have a poor, unstable connection, you may not receive the authentication notification on your phone. In this case, use IB Key in challenge-response mode.

  1. From the desktop message, click the link Click here if you did not receive the notification..

  1. This will generate the challenge code and display the response box.

  1. Launch IBKR Mobile on your phone.

    a. If your phone opens to the trading app login page, tap Services in the top left corner to get to the IBKR Mobile home page, and then tap Authenticate.

    b. If your phone opens to the IBKR Mobile home page, tap Authenticate.

  1. In the Challenge entry field above the Generate Passcode button, enter the Second Factor Authentication challenge code you received on your desktop. Tap Generate Passcode. If required, use Touch ID to continue. A Response String is displayed on your phone.

  2. Back in your desktop, enter the Response String in the text entry field and click OK.

  1. If authentication succeeds, the login process automatically continues and TWS opens.

Use IB Key to log into Account Management

  1. From your desktop PC, access the Account Management login screen, enter your account credentials and click Login.

    Note: This action initiates an IB Key notification on your phone.

  2. Tap the notification on your phone to authenticate. When required, use Touch ID to continue.
  3. When authentication is complete, the Account Management login process is complete and you can access Account Management on your desktop PC.