Setting up NFC-enabled security key multi-factor authentication (MFA)

NFC-enabled security key is a multi-factor authentication (MFA) method that enhances your ID.me account security by requiring a specialized YubiKey™ when signing in. This article explains how to set up and use this MFA method with a YubiKey™ 5 NFC, which works with supported iOS and Android devices.

Before you start

• YubiKey™ requirement: You’ll need a YubiKey™ 5 NFC from Yubico, which uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to work with your mobile device.
• Download ID.me Authenticator: You can download the free ID.me Authenticator app from the App Store or Google Play Store. It will be used during the MFA setup process.

Set up NFC-enabled security key MFA

1. When prompted, select NFC-Enabled Security Key.
2. Receive activation link
   Select Text message or Email, and enter your phone number or email address to receive a link to download the ID.me Authenticator app. Select Continue.
3. Download or activate the app
   Open the text or email and select the link to download or activate the ID.me Authenticator app.
   • If you already have the app installed, verify your phone number and proceed.
   • If you haven't installed the app, follow the prompts to download and install it.
4. Open the ID.me Authenticator app and wait for the “Ready to Scan” message.
5. Touch your YubiKey
   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 appears, your YubiKey™ has been successfully connected to your ID.me account.

Add NFC-enabled security key as a secondary MFA method

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. Select Text me or Call me, enter your phone number or email, and select Continue to receive the link to download the ID.me Authenticator app.
5. Open the link in the message, wait for the “Ready to Scan” message, then touch your YubiKey™ to your mobile device.
6. After scanning the key, your ID.me account will show that the NFC-enabled security key MFA method was added.

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.