OPTING OUT OF IB SECURITY DEVICE FOR TRADING
IMPORTANT:
This step seems a bit confusing, and many new users fail to complete this properly which causes delays in getting their AlgoLab software connected to their Interactive Brokers accounts. So please pay careful attention to the following instructions.
What IBKR mobile smart phone app does, and why we need to "OPT OUT" of requiring it for trading applications:
When you log into your account management at the the IB web site , IB uses a few different two-factor security methods to determine that it is actually you who is attempting to log in. One of the methods is IB will text you an SMS code, another other requires you to look up two pass codes on a plastic card, and yet another method is to send you a credit card device that will compute an authentication code.
You will want to use the latest security method which is an app that you install on your phone called "IBKR mobile" which you can download from the app store on your phone. Once this app has been installed, and when you have completed REGISTERING it, then each time you (or anyone else) attempts to log into your IB account management at the IB web site from any browser, your phone will alert you and require your thumb print or face recognition prior to allowing access to your IB account management. This authentication process is for your protection.
The same authentication process is used when a trading application like AlgoLab attempts to connect to your IB account. This connection also requires authentication from you, which is rather inconvenient when AlgoLab reconnects to your account each night at 1:00 am in the morning. To avoid having to authenticate every single AlgoLab connection attempt, you need to request to "opt out" of requiring authentication for AlgoLab. Follow these steps to "opt out of security for trading".
Note that you CANNOT OPT OUT unless you have installed and registered IBKR mobile. Also, you cannot opt out of authentication for any other authentication method like SMS notifications, or two-factor security card. Only IBKR authentication allows give you the option of opting out, which is why you need to install it, and get it working prior to following these opt out steps.
1. Install the IBKR mobile app onto your smart phone (go to your app store on your phone). Then, click on "REGISTER TWO-FACTOR" button, enter your IB username and password, then enter the SMS text code that they will text to your phone to complete setting this up.
