NFC-enabled security key is a secure multi-factor authentication (MFA) method that helps protect your ID.me account. You can sign in by tapping a YubiKey™ 5 NFC to your phone. This article walks you through setting up NFC security key MFA.

What to know before setting up security key MFA

• YubiKey™ requirement: You’ll need a YubiKey™ 5 NFC from Yubico, which uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to work with your mobile device.
• Required app: You can download the free ID.me Authenticator app from the App Store or Google Play. If you’re unable to use the ID.me Authenticator app, choose passkey MFA, the safest MFA method available.

Add an NFC-enabled security key if you already use MFA

If you already have another MFA method set up, you can add the NFC-enabled security key as an additional method:

1. Sign in to your ID.me account using your current MFA method.
2. In My Account, select Sign In & Security.
3. Next to Push Notification, select Set up.
4. Download the ID.me Authenticator app from the App Store or Google Play.
5. Follow steps 3-6 from the Set up NFC-enabled security key section below.

Set up NFC-enabled security key MFA

1. When prompted, select NFC-Enabled Security Key.
2. Download the ID.me Authenticator app from the App Store or Google Play.
3. In your browser, select Continue.
4. Get ready to scan:
   • If you started on a mobile device: Select Scan security key to open the app.
   • If you started on a computer: Scan the QR code that’s shown on your computer screen.
5. When the “Ready to Scan” message displays, place your YubiKey™ against your mobile device where the NFC sensor is located. This may vary depending on your device.
   
6. When the check mark displays, your YubiKey™ has been successfully connected to your ID.me account.

Sign in with NFC-enabled security key MFA

To sign in using NFC-enabled security key MFA:

1. Sign in to your ID.me account.
2. When prompted, select NFC-Enabled Security Key.
3. Open the ID.me Authenticator app from the notification on your mobile device.
4. Wait for the “Ready to Scan” message in the app, then touch your YubiKey™ to your smartphone.
   
5. A checkmark will confirm that the sign-in process was successful.