iPhone Security Keys: Why You Aren't Safe Without One

David & David explain what a security key is and how to set them up on your iPhone. Apple added support for security keys with iOS 16.3. They provide a strong form of two-factor authentication, helping protect your Apple ID.

🔐 Our Favorite iPhone Security Keys

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0. Intro [0:00]
1. What Is A Security Key? [0:22]
2. What You Need To Use A Security Key [1:37]
3. How To Set Up A Security Key [2:04]
4. Google Titan [4:11]
5. Gotrust Idem Key [5:57]
6. Yubico Yubikey 5Ci [6:59]
7. Feitian Security Key [9:15]
8. Identiv Utrust [11:15]
9. What Happens If You Lose A Key? [13:23]
10. Other Requirements [13:37]
11. What About Other Devices? [14:16]
12. Devices That Don’t Work [14:51]
13. How Many Keys Can You Have? [15:28]
14. Can You Stop Using Security Keys? [15:50]
15. Are Keys Exclusive To Apple ID? [16:14]

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[PayetteForward]

What do you think about security keys? Let us know in the comments below! If you found this video interesting, be sure to give it a LIKE and SHARE it with people who might be interested in getting a security key! Thanks for watching.

[thina]

A key ring is a smart thing that makes you loose all of your keys at once instead of just one 😂

[tubular]

Pro tip: keep your car key separate from your other keys. If your car gets jacked you don't lose your other keys. It's also better for your ignition switch not to have the weight of all your keys hanging from it.

[Amerie]

Not a fan of another thing to keep track of, but I appreciate the information. I also appreciate you both getting your groove back. 👍🏻

[rogerf]

Once setup, you only need the security key if you are planning on setting up a new Apple device or going online to use iCloud. You do not need to carry this key with you or even use it for months or years. Your phone or iPad will not ask you to reauthenticate itself with this key. Also, you are NOT setting up a security key on that device. You are setting up a security key on your Apple account using that device. Once you setup a security key, all your other Apple devices know about it. The only reason to ever carry a security key is if you are also using the same key on a specific website that you have configured to use it. Some people will configure their Mac or PC to login using the same security key in which you may have to actually carry it with you. But this is a completely different issue that setting up an Apple account.

[colt]

I'll never have one of these. Too much risk of permanently getting locked out of your accounts if say both keys get destoryed or lost.

[aoegeek]

Would love a smaller form factor. Maybe something you can wear as a ring or bracelet with nfc technology. Easy, seamless, and stylish

[InspiredInsightsU]

NFC tags come in a lot of different styles. Everything from stickers to magnets buttons is really pretty in this what they can do with the NFC technology with that in mind you could take an NFC tag and put it on your desk and that way when you’re sitting at your desk working all day all you have to do is move your phone to the appropriate spot on your desk and it would take an unlock. This could be very helpful, if the security key manufactures adopted some of these other form factors, and I think a great one would be a watch band something you wear already

[horsesense]

My Apple iphone is updated to 16.3.1 but does not have add security keys option. Does something else have to be turned off to see that choice....thank you kindly

[bobbyspapercraft]

I’m not loving it because it’s yet another thing to keep track of a wallet, keys, Phone and now security keys and who knows what else it’s too much

[tastop]

So…if someone steals your backpack where inside you have your iPhone and a security key what then?

[fredoswego]

Since you need 2+ keys (aka a backup) I can see it making sense to go with a cheap one as the one that sits at home in your fire-safe or safety deposit box. When you lose/break the more expensive version you use the cheap backup so you can add the replacement.

I think the design of the NFC keys needs to be rethought though to make them more suited to being something you'll have on you 24/7. I can't picture any of those plugs surviving too long on a populated key-ring in your pocket. Something is going to break/bend. Perhaps an actual NFC ring you wear. One hand wedding band, one had NFC band.

[dempseyone]

Hi. Enjoyed your informative video. You guys mentioned that I can get up to five security keys. Can I mix and match them? ie. Can I buy one Bio key for everyday uses and other, say NFC, for backups or do they all need to be the same type/model?

[NicholasAndre]

Those yubikey 5ci ones are notorious for exploding on key rings. I have one where all the plastic fell off. You’re definitely better off going USB-C if your apps all support NFC. I’ve had pretty good durability with the USB-A ones from Yubikey; the usb c connectors definitely take less torque than the usb c ones.

[wardieleppan]

I’m confused. How are security keys used? Do you use them to sign in each time you get on a device and is the second one just a back up?

[Bushchannel]

Yubikeys are known to be the toughest. I heard a story of a yubikey that was stuck in a washing machine for months and still works.

[jeeefthegreat]

So a key that anybody who finds it can just plug in and you probably keep near your phone. GENIUS stuff.

[ynoT_]

I'm gonna pass on security keys. I don' t need anymore keys dangling from my keyring and I definitely don't need another thing to potentially lose. If I forget my password I can change it and access my stuff. If I understand what you just explained, losing a security key means I'd be, in physics terms, attached to another object by an inclined plane wrapped helically around an axis.

[explorergal]

Thank you for the video. My iPad and Mac are new but my phone runs IS15.8.2. Does that mean I can't use the google key and sync across my devices. I should wait until I get a newer phone? Also, whats to stop a bad guy who gets your phone and gets into it from going in and erasing the security codes like you did and then gaining access? Once somebody is in your phone they would have complete access? I am figuring I would end up carrying my key around with my phone, and if my purse got stolen they would have it all?

[HoracioMrJJimenez]

Thanks and thanks for the comedy, you guys are subtle but hilarious!