Yubikey | MFA - Zoho Accounts

Security key

What is a security key?

Security key is a hardware device that can be used to enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). They don't require a battery to function and need no software installation to authenticate your accounts.

How security keys work?

First, you will have to register your security key with your Zoho account. After registering, when you try to sign in to your account, you will be prompted to verify using your security key. When prompted, you will either need to insert the security key on to your device's port and tap its disc, or connect via NFC to verify. Once verification is complete, you will be signed in to your account.

Security key in Zoho: Points to note

  1. Zoho supports both FIDO U2F and FIDO2-based security key.
  2. You can register multiple security keys for your Zoho account, and use anyone of them to sign in.
  3. You can also register the same security key with multiple Zoho accounts and use it to sign in to them.
  4. You can also sign in to your mobile devices by connecting your security key through the device's port or through NFC.

Supported devices

FIDO U2F and FIDO2-based security keys are supported in Zoho.

Supported browser and their versions

The following browsers support security key for signing in to Zoho.

Supported browsers
Supported versions
   Mozilla Firefox
60 and above
   Google Chrome
67 and above
   Safari
13 and above
  Microsoft Edge
18 and above
   Opera
54 and above
In mobile devices

   Safari on iOS
13 and above
   Opera mobile
64
   Chrome for Android
102
   Firefox for Android
101

If your try signing in using security key from an unsupported browser, an error will be shown stating that the browser is not supported.

How to register a security key with Zoho account?

Requirements

  1. A FIDO U2F or FIDO2-based security key
  2. A supported browser and device

Steps to register

  1. Sign in at accounts.zoho.com.
  2. Click Multi-Factor Authentication in the left menu.
  3. Click Set up Now under Security key.
  4. If you are registering on a computer:
    1. Insert it into the USB port of your computer.
    2. Click Next .
    3. Wait for the security key to blink, then tap its disc.
    If you are registering on a mobile device, you can connect your security key either through the device's port or through NFC. 
    1. Insert the device port into the device port, or tap it against the NFC detection area on your device.
    2. If you are prompted for a PIN, enter your security key's FIDO2 PIN.
  5. Name your security key, then click Configure .
  6. Sign out of your Zoho Account and sign in back to confirm that security key authentication is enabled.
Using these steps, you can configure multiple security keys for your account.

How to set security key as primary MFA mode?

If you have configured multiple MFA modes for your account, you can set one of them as your primary MFA mode. When you try to sign in, your primary mode will be the default mode for authentication.

To set security key as primary MFA mode:
  1. Sign in at accounts.zoho.com .
  2. Click Multi-Factor Authentication in the left menu.
  3. Click MAKE PRIMARY next to security key.
  4. Click Confirm .

How to sign in using security key?

If security key is your primary MFA mode, follow the steps to sign in:
  1. Go to the Zoho sign-in page .
  2. Enter your email address, then click NEXT .
  3. Enter your password, then click SIGN IN .
  4. If you are signing in on a computer:
    1. Insert it into the USB port of your computer.
    2. Click Next .
    3. Wait for the security key to blink, then tap its disc.
    If you are signing in on a mobile device, you can connect your security key either via device's port or through NFC. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect and authenticate.
If you have set up multi-mode MFA with another MFA mode as your primary mode, see how to sign in using security key .
Note : If you are using a mail client, you may have issues signing in to it once you enable MFA (in most cases, "incorrect password" error will be shown). This is because your mail client doesn't support MFA. In this case, you can use application-specific passwords to bypass MFA and sign in to your mail client.

How to recover account if security key is not accessible?

If you can't sign in to your account due to issues with your security key, then you can recover access to your account using your previously-generated backup verification codes .

See how to use backup codes to recover your account . Once you get access, make sure to re-configure security key with your account or a different MFA mode.

If you haven't generated backup codes previously or lost them , contact our support team at support@zohoaccounts.com . After verifying your identity, you will be provided with a backup code to sign in to your account.

  1. How to use application passwords for mail clients
  2. How to disable/re-enable MFA
  3. MFA: Frequently asked questions
  4. MFA: Troubleshooting

    Access your files securely from anywhere

      Zoho CRM Training Programs

      Learn how to use the best tools for sales force automation and better customer engagement from Zoho's implementation specialists.

      Zoho CRM Training
        Redefine the way you work
        with Zoho Workplace

          Zoho DataPrep Personalized Demo

          If you'd like a personalized walk-through of our data preparation tool, please request a demo and we'll be happy to show you how to get the best out of Zoho DataPrep.

          Zoho CRM Training

            Create, share, and deliver

            beautiful slides from anywhere.

            Get Started Now


              Zoho Sign now offers specialized one-on-one training for both administrators and developers.

              BOOK A SESSION





                          Quick Links Workflow Automation Data Collection
                          Web Forms Enterprise Begin Data Collection
                          Interactive Forms Workplace Data Collection App
                          CRM Forms Customer Service Accessible Forms
                          Digital Forms Marketing Forms for Small Business
                          HTML Forms Education Forms for Enterprise
                          Contact Forms E-commerce Forms for any business
                          Lead Generation Forms Healthcare Forms for Startups
                          Wordpress Forms Customer onboarding Order Forms for Small Business
                          No Code Forms Construction RSVP tool for holidays
                          Free Forms Travel
                          Prefill Forms Non-Profit

                          Intake Forms Legal
                          Mobile App
                          Form Designer HR
                          Mobile Forms
                          Card Forms Food Offline Forms
                          Assign Forms Photography
                          Mobile Forms Features
                          Translate Forms Real Estate Kiosk in Mobile Forms
                          Electronic Forms

                          Notification Emails for Forms Alternatives Security & Compliance
                          Holiday Forms Google Forms alternative  GDPR
                          Form to PDF Jotform alternative HIPAA Forms
                          Email Forms
                          Encrypted Forms
                          Embeddable Forms
                          Secure Forms
                          Drag and Drop form builder
                          WCAG


                                            You are currently viewing the help pages of Qntrl’s earlier version. Click here to view our latest version—Qntrl 3.0's help articles.




                                                Manage your brands on social media

                                                  Zoho Desk Resources

                                                  • Desk Community Learning Series


                                                  • Digest


                                                  • Functions


                                                  • Meetups


                                                  • Kbase


                                                  • Resources


                                                  • Glossary


                                                  • Desk Marketplace


                                                  • MVP Corner


                                                  • Word of the Day


                                                    Zoho Marketing Automation

                                                      Zoho Sheet Resources

                                                       

                                                          Zoho Forms Resources


                                                            Secure your business
                                                            communication with Zoho Mail


                                                            Mail on the move with
                                                            Zoho Mail mobile application

                                                              Stay on top of your schedule
                                                              at all times


                                                              Carry your calendar with you
                                                              Anytime, anywhere




                                                                    Zoho Sign Resources

                                                                      Sign, Paperless!

                                                                      Sign and send business documents on the go!

                                                                      Get Started Now




                                                                              Zoho TeamInbox Resources



                                                                                      Zoho DataPrep Resources



                                                                                        Zoho DataPrep Demo

                                                                                        Get a personalized demo or POC

                                                                                        REGISTER NOW


                                                                                          Design. Discuss. Deliver.

                                                                                          Create visually engaging stories with Zoho Show.

                                                                                          Get Started Now









                                                                                                              • Related Articles

                                                                                                              • Multi-Mode MFA

                                                                                                                Introduction Multi-mode MFA is an option wherein you can enable more than one MFA mode for your Zoho account. Zoho provides four modes to choose from: OneAuth, SMS-based OTP, app-based OTP (authenticator apps), and Security key. To enable multi-mode ...
                                                                                                              • Introduction to multi-factor authentication (MFA)

                                                                                                                Multi-factor authentication is used as an extra layer of security while signing in to your account. When you enable MFA, all your future sign-ins will require you to verify your identity to ensure that your account isn't accessed by unknown users. ...
                                                                                                              • Troubleshoot MFA related issues

                                                                                                                Introduction If you have set up multi-factor authentication (MFA ) to protect your Zoho account and have issues signing into your account, we will help you regain your account access. The first thing you need to do after regaining account access is ...
                                                                                                              • Security

                                                                                                                Change Password If you want to change your account password, you can change it by signing in to accounts.zoho.com. However, if you've forgotten your password and unable to sign in, then you will need to reset your password. Note: By default, Zoho ...
                                                                                                              • How administrators can disable/re-enable MFA for users

                                                                                                                To disable/re-enable MFA for your organization users, we recommend using Zoho Directory. It allows you manage your users across multiple Zoho apps from a single place. Refer to instructions below However, if you have enforced MFA from other apps such ...
                                                                                                                Wherever you are is as good as
                                                                                                                your workplace

                                                                                                                  Resources

                                                                                                                  Videos

                                                                                                                  Watch comprehensive videos on features and other important topics that will help you master Zoho CRM.



                                                                                                                  eBooks

                                                                                                                  Download free eBooks and access a range of topics to get deeper insight on successfully using Zoho CRM.



                                                                                                                  Webinars

                                                                                                                  Sign up for our webinars and learn the Zoho CRM basics, from customization to sales force automation and more.



                                                                                                                  CRM Tips

                                                                                                                  Make the most of Zoho CRM with these useful tips.



                                                                                                                    Zoho Show Resources