Activating Passkey Quick Guide

Quick Guide - Activating a Passkey

A passkey is a highly secure, easy way to verify the login is from a device that you have previously defined as trusted. You can securely store up to 3 passkeys using your smartphone, a physical security key (like a YubiKey), a cloud password manager, or Windows Hello.

Why Use It?

Faster: Skip the hassle of waiting for text messages or checking authenticator apps.

Safer: It uses invisible security that protects your account from hackers and phishing.

Supported Devices

You can set up a passkey using:

Smartphones
iPhone (iOS 16+) or Android (Android 9+).

Password Managers:
1Password, iCloud Keychain, Google Password Manager, NordPass, etc.

Security Keys:
YubiKey, Google Titan, etc.

Getting Started

Simply follow the steps below to link your IBKR account to your phone, password manager, or physical security key to use it as your two-factor authentication method for faster, more secure logins.

  1. Log in to the Client Portal using your current username, password, and two-factor authentication.
  2. Click the User icon (Head and Shoulders) in the top right corner and go to Settings > Security > Secure Login System (SLS).
    Client Portal settings mobile browser
  3. In the registration box on the right, click on the Passkey tab. (Alternatively, if prompted with a task during login, just click "Complete").
    Register passkey
  4. Give your passkey a memorable name (e.g., "My mobile") and click Register.

Best for storing the passkey on your phone while viewing the portal on a separate computer.

  • Preparation: Ensure Bluetooth is turned ON for both your computer and your phone.
  • Action: After clicking Register when prompted select "iPhone, iPad, or Android device" on your computer screen.
    verify Face ID / Fingerprint / PIN
  • Scan: Open your phone's camera and scan the QR code displayed on your computer.
    verify Face ID / Fingerprint / PIN
  • Confirm: Follow the pop-up prompt on your phone and verify using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device PIN.
    verify Face ID / Fingerprint / PIN

Best if you are activating the passkey directly on the phone or Windows PC you are currently using.

  • Mobile Phone: If logging in via a mobile browser, simply tap Register and choose Add Passkey or Continue. Verify with Face ID/Touch ID/PIN.
    verify Face ID / Fingerprint / PIN
  • Windows PC: Select "This Windows device".
    verify Face ID / Fingerprint / PIN
  • On the prompt for Save your passkey click on Continue
    Save Passkey
  • Follow the Windows Hello prompts to authenticate using facial recognition, fingerprint, or your computer PIN.
    verify Face ID / Fingerprint / PIN

Note: Windows Hello passkeys are stored locally on that specific computer. We highly recommend activating a second passkey on your phone so you can log in from other devices.

Best if you use a dedicated FIDO2 hardware key (e.g., YubiKey, Google Titan).

  • Action: Select "Security Key" on your screen.
    verify Face ID / Fingerprint / PIN
  • Connect: Insert your key into your device's USB port (or tap it against the device if it is NFC-enabled).
  • Confirm: Enter your security key PIN if prompted, then touch the metal button or sensor on the key itself.
    Save your passkey

  • Enable Biometrics: Always use Face ID, Touch ID, or fingerprint scanning on your devices instead of just a simple PIN. Keep your device lock screen enabled.
  • Sync Across Devices: Utilize cloud-synced password managers (like Apple iCloud Keychain, Google Password Manager, 1Password, etc) to seamlessly sync your passkey across all your personal devices.
  • FAQs

For Detailed Instructions:

Activating a Passkey