Yubico Authenticator - Secure credential management

Safeguard your unique credentials on a hardware-enhanced security key and carry it with you, whether you're using a mobile device or a desktop. You no longer need to keep sensitive information on your smartphone, which can expose your account to potential risks. The Yubico Authenticator elevates your security measures.

• The Yubico Authenticator is compatible with any USB or NFC-enabled YubiKeys.

The Yubico Authenticator securely creates a code required for verifying your identity when accessing various services. It functions without needing an internet connection!

Key features include:

Secure – Offers robust two-factor authentication supported by hardware, with secrets stored on the YubiKey rather than on mobile devices.

Portable – Obtain identical sets of codes across our other Yubico Authenticator applications for desktops and all major mobile platforms.

Flexible – Allows for both time-based and counter-based code generation.

USB or NFC functionality – Insert the YubiKey into a USB port, or simply tap the YubiKey with an NFC-enabled mobile phone to save your credential on the YubiKey.

Easy Setup – QR codes are provided by the services you aim to secure with strong authentication.

User Presence – Requires a touch on the YubiKey sensor, or an additional NFC tap, to generate new codes for sensitive accounts.

Compatible – Secure all services that currently work with other Authenticator applications.

Configurable – Enables customization of actions when tapping the YubiKey against your phone’s NFC reader while the app isn’t active.

Versatile – Supports multiple personal and work accounts.

Embrace modern security with the Yubico Authenticator.

Frequently asked questions

What is 2FA?expand_more

2FA is a method to confirm a user’s claimed online identity by using a combination of two different types of factors. Factors used for 2FA include something that you know (e.g. password or PIN), or something that you have (e.g. a security key or phone) or something that you are (e.g. facial recognition). For more detailed information, please visit our 2FA glossary page.

What is a YubiKey?expand_more

A single YubiKey has multiple functions for securing your login to email, online services, apps, computers, and even physical spaces. Use any YubiKey feature, or use them all. The versatility of the YubiKey requires no software installation or batteries and therefore is ready to use directly out of the package. Simply login to the service, add your YubiKey, and enjoy a more secure online experience.

What happens if I lose my YubiKey?expand_more

We always recommend securing your accounts with an additional YubiKey. However, if you do not have a spare Key and lose your YubiKey, we encourage you to have another form of 2FA added to your accounts to prevent being locked out of your accounts. Please note that if you do end up being locked out of an account, you will need to contact the service for account recovery help.

Is it important to have a Spare Key?expand_more

Yes, we at Yubico always recommend having more than one YubiKey. This way one key can be used as a primary Key, and the other can be used as a Spare Key. The importance of having a spare Key is well established. We have them for our most valuable assets in life – our houses, our cars, and our PO and safety deposit boxes. Not surprisingly, we also need spare keys for our digital devices! Having a spare Key gives you the assurance that if you lose your primary Key, you will not be without access to critical accounts when needing them most. In other words, with a spare Key you have no need to fear being locked out of any accounts, and no need to go through a lengthy recovery and identity verification process to regain access to each account.

Why isn’t NFC working on my new YubiKey, and how do I fix it?expand_more

To protect your security during shipping, NFC is temporarily disabled on your YubiKey. Activating it is easy: plug your YubiKey into any USB power source, like a computer, for at least 3 seconds. Once powered, NFC will be activated and ready to use. You can find more details here.

How do I unblock biometrics on my key?expand_more

After 3 unsuccessful attempts to authenticate using biometrics your YubiKey Bio will cease to prompt for the fingerprint and will fall back to PIN and regular touch, the primary authentication mechanism. The blocked biometrics state is indicated by a constant slow flashing of the amber LED, the one closer to the USB-contact.

To unblock biometrics, do the following:

Click here – Unblock biometrics

Enter the PIN for your security key.

When the green LED flashes, touch the bezel ring on your key.

Note that if you are not in the biometrics blocked state, the browser will ask you to authenticate using biometrics.

How do I obtain a copy of the product warranty and terms and conditions?expand_more

You can obtain a copy of the applicable product warranty and terms and conditions at https://www.yubico.com/support/terms-conditions/ . You may contact Customer Support if you need assistance determining which terms and conditions apply to your product or service.

Can’t find the info you’re looking for?expand_more

Check out our helpdesk center where there are tons of knowledge base articles to help arm you with the necessary info to better your online security.

Jerrod Chong, Yubico’s Chief Operating Officer, appointed as acting CEO

Yubico was founded on the mission to make a safer internet for all. We haven’t just built a company that has become a leader in modern authentication, we’ve built a movement where we have earned the trust of millions of users and thousands of organizations; ensuring security, usability and privacy work together seamlessly.

After nearly 16 years at Yubico and serving in many leadership roles, Mattias Danielsson has decided to step down from his role as CEO. I want to first start by expressing how much gratitude and respect this company, and myself, have for Mattias and all he has done. Through the years, he has been instrumental in guiding Yubico into becoming the market leader for phishing-resistant authentication, maintaining the company’s focus on our mission to help secure the internet for all.

Today, I’m honored to step into the role of acting CEO and am grateful that Mattias will remain closely involved as a senior advisor over the next six months to ensure continuity and a seamless, successful transition. Yubico continues our focus on delivering the best device-bound passkey experience and leads the charge for the adoption of phishing-resistant authentication at the highest level of assurance. As we look towards 2026, we are also very excited to expand our offerings to securing digital identities across organizations and individuals alike worldwide.

I’ve been on this extraordinary journey at Yubico for over 12 years now and having spent the last three years as Yubico’s President and COO, during this time I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with every internal department, our customers, our partners and our identity ecosystem. It’s a very defining time and Yubico is now entering its next phase, and as such, the momentum is unlike any before and our market opportunity has never been greater. I’m extremely proud of what this company has built and am equally enthusiastic about what lies ahead.

Yubico will continue to execute according to plan, from our standards development, product strategy and roadmap, to operations and financial guidance. Our focus remains exactly where it should be, maintaining our global market leadership position and helping organizations and individuals around the world remain secure, while staying ahead of an AI-driven, increasingly complex threat landscape.

Our founders, executive team and Board are fully aligned on Yubico’s mission and the company’s direction. I want to thank everyone for their trust and support as we continue on this journey together!

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“Mattias has played a pivotal role in shaping Yubico into the company it is today, and I’m deeply grateful for his long-standing contributions,” said Stina Ehrensvard, Yubico co-founder and board member. “The Board is confident in Yubico’s leadership transition plan and I have full confidence in Jerrod as acting CEO. He knows this company inside and out, has earned the trust of our teams and customers and brings the steady leadership needed as Yubico enters its next phase of growth. I’m personally excited to be even more active as a board member during this next chapter, working closely with Jerrod and the leadership team as we continue to build the future of authentication and secure digital identities.”