What happens if you lose your phone and want to connect to InteractiveBrokers?

E

Eric

New member
Hello,

I currently have the IBKR mobile app on my Android, and whenever I want to log in through the web, I need my credentials. I also have to confirm that I'm logging in by approving the IBKR mobile app notification I get on my phone. Now, what happens if I lose or break my phone? I use the Google Authenticator app for all my other important accounts, and I keep a backup of the app on my computer and on another phone. On InteractiveBrokers documentation they mention Authenticator apps but there seem to be no options to use them in reality.

It seems like there are two solutions in case I lose my phone:
- Contact my phone provider and get the same phone number so I can set up IBKR mobile on my new phone as my 2FA. But the problem is what do I do if I'm in another country? (ex: I would like to live in Japan for a period of time in the future)
- Contact the IBKR support team and provide answers to secret questions (set in the registration process) and proof of identity with a passport or an ID card. But this seems like a timely and painful process.

Does anyone know easier ways to prevent headaches in case of losing one's phone?
 
Hi,

Unfortunately, you are right that you cannot use another Authenticator app than their own, which is a bit disappointing. I would much prefer using my Yubikey as TOTP for instance. If you reach one million USD, you can get Digital Security card instead.

Indeed, in this case, you need to setup a new phone with the same number to receive SMS. If you cannot, you will have no choice but to contact them by phone and it may be long.

One solution is to keep a cold phone only for that purpose. That phone would stay at home at all times. Of course, things can still happen to it and it can break and if you are abroad, you will be in the same trouble. But it will slightly reduce the risks.
 
There is a private key when you setup the QR code (usually shown below the QR code). You can write it down and with that private key you can import the same Authentication on any phone, so using an extra phone can be replaced with piece of paper.
 
LjMan said:
There is a private key when you setup the QR code (usually shown below the QR code). You can write it down and with that private key you can import the same Authentication on any phone, so using an extra phone can be replaced with piece of paper.
Click to expand...
That's true of Authenticator apps, but is that true of IBKR Mobile? I don't remember any such thing.
 
I have no experience with IBKR, but if there is QR code for scanning, it should contain this private key if u scan it with regular QR code scanner.
 
LjMan said:
I have no experience with IBKR, but if there is QR code for scanning, it should contain this private key if u scan it with regular QR code scanner.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, they do not use a standard TOTP app with QR code, but their own.
 
Thanks for the answers. I looked at my phone provider's website (Salt) and created an account. I also have their mobile app. It seems quite easy to get a new SIM from it and keep the same phone number, so in case I lose my phone and need a new phone, I can get a new SIM and register on IKBR mobile again by getting an SMS and registering my new phone as my new 2FA device.
It seems easier than I thought so I guess no need to worry in case of phone loss.
 
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