Mobile Authenticator
Instructions
IBKR allows eligible users to authenticate using an Authenticator app of their choice. The eligibility is based on regional criteria as a function of SMS delivery success rates.. The Authenticator apps are based on an industry standard, referred to as TOTP. The Time-based One-Time Password is a form of two-factor authentication (2FA). It is a software based solution, independent from phone carriers or Internet access and relies on unique numeric codes, generated offline, starting from a secret key and the current time.
The TOTP standard is supported by a number of Mobile Authenticator apps (e.g.: Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator, Authy) and as well by many Password Managers (e.g. 1Password, KeePass, Keeper, etc.). This wide support allows you a great degree of freedom when choosing which application to employ. If you are already using an application with TOTP support for other services, you may simply add your IBKR user to it, otherwise you may install a Mobile Authenticator app of your choice.
Use your favorite Mobile Authenticator app or a Password Manager with TOTP (Time-based One-Time Password) support to generate the authentication codes directly on your mobile device, independently from phone carriers or Internet Access.
Additional Resources
Learn About Two Factor Authentication for iPhone at IBKR Campus
Learn About Two Factor Authentication for Android at IBKR Campus