Activating the IBKR Mobile - IB Key

Instructions

Note: For assistance with Two-Factor authentication for Internal Transfers, please click here.

After installing IBKR Mobile on your device, you will need to activate the IB Key Authentication using your username and password.

Before You Start:

This process takes place entirely on your device.
Your device must be able to receive SMS (text) messages.
Your device needs to be connected to the internet.
Please do not start the process unless you have access to the internet.

Apple Devices

Primary Method

Using the QR Code

Log in to Portal
Upon selecting the login button, a prompt to scan a QR Code will appear on the screen.

Scan the QR code using the camera on your device.
If you have not already downloaded the IBKR Mobile app:
- A banner will appear on your device screen. Tap the banner to proceed.
- You will be directed to the App Store.
- Tap to download IBKR Mobile, but DO NOT OPEN THE IBKR MOBILE APP.
- Rescan the QR code in Portal.
- Tap the Open in IBKR banner to proceed.
- Tap Allow if asked whether to allow or disallow notifications for IBKR Mobile.
- Provide the security element you use to unlock your phone (i.e., Face ID, passcode, etc.).
- You have successfully enabled IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) for two-step authentication.
If you already have the IBKR Mobile app:
- Provide the security element you use to unlock your phone (i.e., Face ID, passcode, etc.).
- You have successfully enabled IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) for two-step authentication.
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.

My Phone Activated 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.

During the IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) activation, I receive an error message "An error has occurred. Please try again".

This error message indicates that you are attempted to activate the IBKR Mobile Authentication for a user which was already enrolled. Please try to log that user into 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 the user was already enrolled 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.

Alternate Method

Within IBKR Mobile

Tap the IBKR icon on your device home screen to open IBKR Mobile.
IMPORTANT! Allow Notifications from the IBKR App.
If this is the first time you are using the app, select I Have an Account.

Start the Device Registration Process:

Tap on Register Two-Factor
Review the Instructions and click Continue
Enter your account credentials (your username and password) and click Continue.
Choose a Phone Number to associate with two-factor authentication.
- The mobile number associated with your account will be listed by default. If this is the same number as the device you are currently configuring for two-factor authentication, tap Get Activation SMS.
If the mobile number you are using for two-factor authentication differs from the mobile number associated with your account, tap Add Phone Number.
- Add the phone number you are using for two-factor authentication.
- Do not include your country’s Trunk Prefix.
- Only enter numbers without spacing or special characters.
- Tap Get Activation SMS.
Enter Activation Token
- An Activation Token will be sent to the phone number you have associated with two-factor authentication.
- Enter the Activation Token.
- Click Activate.
Complete
- You will receive a confirmation that two-factor authorization with IBKR Mobile is activated.
- Tap Done to complete the activation process.

If you previously opened the app and are logged in to your account:

Tap More
Tap Two-Factor Authentication
Tap Activate IB Key
The IB Key function will automatically activate

Android Devices

Requirements:
- Your device must not be rooted
- Use Android OS version 7.0 or later

Either Download IBKR Mobile directly from:
- Google Play Store
- For Clients in Mainland China

Or tap the Play Store Icon on your device's home screen:
- Enter IBKR Mobile in the Search Bar
- Tap the Magnifying Glass
- From the search results, tap Install for IBKR Mobile

Primary Method

Using the QR Code

Log in to Portal
Upon selecting the login, button a prompt to scan a QR Code will appear on the screen.
Scan the QR code using the camera on your device.
If you have not already downloaded the IBKR Mobile app:
- A banner will appear on your device screen. Tap the banner to proceed.
- You will be directed to the App Store.
- Tap to download IBKR Mobile, but DO NOT OPEN THE IBKR MOBILE APP.
- Rescan the QR code in Portal.
- Tap the Open in IBKR banner to proceed
- Tap Allow if asked whether to allow or disallow notifications for IBKR Mobile.
- Create a PIN Security Code:
  - Must be four to six characters in length
  - PIN Guidelines
  - Numbers, letters, and special characters are not allowed
- You will receive a confirmation that two-factor authorization with IBKR Mobile is activated.
- Tap Done to complete the activation process.
If you already have the IBKR Mobile app:
- Create a PIN Security Code:
  - Must be four to six characters in length
  - PIN Guidelines
  - Numbers, letters, and special characters are not allowed
If you have the IBKR Mobile app downloaded on your phone:
- Tap the IBKR icon on your device home screen to open IBKR Mobile.
- IMPORTANT! Allow Notifications from the IBKR App.
- Tap Register Two-Factor
- Tap Session ID
- Tap QR CODE
- Tap Allow if asked for permission to use the device camera.
- Point the lens of your device’s camera toward the QR code. The camera will read the QR code.
  - You do not need to take a picture
  - Focus the camera on the QR code
- Create a PIN Security Code:
  - Must be four to six characters in length
  - PIN Guidelines
  - Numbers, letters, and special characters are not allowed
- Complete
  - You will receive a confirmation that two-factor authorization with IBKR Mobile is activated.
  - Tap Continue to complete the activation process.

Alternative Method

Within IBKR Mobile

Tap the IBKR icon on your device home screen to open IBKR Mobile.
IMPORTANT! Allow Notifications from the IBKR App.
If this is the first time you are using the app, select I Have an Account.
Start the Device Registration Process:
- Tap on Register Two-Factor
- Select Account Credentials
- Enter your account credentials (your username and password) and click Continue.
- Choose a Phone Number to associate with two-factor authentication
  - The mobile number associated with your account will be listed by default. If this is the same number as the device you are currently configuring for two-factor authentication, tap Get Activation Code.
  - If the mobile number you are using for two-factor authentication differs from the mobile number associated with your account, tap Add Phone Number.
    - Add the phone number you are using for two-factor authentication
    - Do not include your country’s Trunk Prefix
    - Only enter numbers without spacing or special characters
    - Tap Get Activation Code
- Enter Activation Token
  - An Activation Token will be sent to the phone number you have associated with two-factor authentication.
  - Enter the Activation Token
  - Create a PIN Security Code
    - Must be a four to six digit PIN of your choice.
    - PIN Guidelines
    - Numbers, letters, and special characters are not allowed
- Complete
- You will receive a confirmation that two-factor authorization with IBKR Mobile is activated.
- Tap Continue to complete the activation process.