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Use a security key (YubiKey) for two-factor authentication

Use a security key (YubiKey) for two-factor authentication


A security key is a small hardware key, such as a YubiKey, that you plug into your computer or hold against your phone. With one added, signing in to SimplyPrint takes your password and a touch of the key, instead of typing a 6-digit code. This guide shows how to add a security key, sign in with it, and what to do if you lose it.


Security keys are free on every SimplyPrint plan.


Table of contents


How security keys fit in

A security key is a second step after your password, like the code from an authenticator app. It always comes on top of an authenticator app, never instead of one. The SimplyPrint mobile app can only take a code, so the authenticator app is what keeps you able to sign in there.


So when you have both:

  • On the web, SimplyPrint asks for your key first. You can switch to the app's code at any time.
  • In the mobile app, you use the code from your authenticator app.


A security key isn't the same as a passkey. A passkey signs you in on its own, without a password. A security key is only ever the step after your password. See https://help.simplyprint.io/en/article/sign-in-to-simplyprint-with-a-passkey-1sldaww/ for passkeys.


Add a security key

  1. Click your name in the top-right corner of the panel and choose Your account.
  2. Open the Security & password tab. You can also go straight to simplyprint.io/panel/user_settings/security.
  3. In the Two-Factor authentication section, click Add a security key.
  4. If you haven't set up an authenticator app yet, SimplyPrint walks you through that first: scan the QR code, enter the 6-digit code, then save your recovery codes. Click Next: add your security key to carry on.
  5. Your browser asks for your key. Insert it and touch it (or hold it against your phone, for an NFC key). On Safari, you may first see a small Add a security key window. Click Add security key in it to open the prompt.
  6. You'll see Security key added, and the key appears in the list.


The Two-Factor authentication section with the Authenticator app, Security keys and Recovery codes rows


Your key is named after its model when your browser shares it, for example "YubiKey 5 Series with NFC", and "Security key" otherwise. Rename it if you like, so you can tell several keys apart. Add a second key and keep it somewhere safe as a spare.


Older keys that only support U2F work too.


Sign in with your security key

  1. On the login page, enter your email and password and click Sign in.
  2. A window opens, and your browser asks for your key.
  3. Insert your key and touch it.


The sign-in window waiting for a security key, with Try another way below


Don't have your key with you? Click Try another way, then Use your authentication app and enter the 6-digit code, or Enter one of your recovery codes.


On a computer you use every day, tick Don't ask again on this computer for 30 days before you touch the key. SimplyPrint then skips the second step on that computer for 30 days, even after you sign out. Changing your password or setting up your authenticator app again makes it ask once more. Don't tick it on a shared computer.


The same window appears when you do something sensitive while signed in, like adding a passkey or getting new recovery codes. Touch your key to confirm.


Rename or remove a security key

Open the menu next to a key in the Security keys list.


  • Rename gives it a name you'll recognize, like "Keyring" or "Spare in the drawer".
  • Remove deletes it from your account. You'll be asked to confirm it's you first.


Two-factor stays on after you remove a key, because your authenticator app is still set up.


Your authenticator app can't be removed while you have security keys, because the keys need it beside them. To turn two-factor off completely, remove your security keys first. See How to disable 2 factor authentication.


If you lose your security key

  1. Sign in with your email and password.
  2. When you're asked for your key, click Try another way, then Use your authentication app and enter the code. If you don't have your phone either, choose Enter one of your recovery codes.
  3. On the Security & password tab, remove the lost key from the Security keys list.
  4. Your spare key keeps working. Add a new key to replace the lost one.


Without your key, your phone and your recovery codes, see Lost 2 factor authentication app.


Things to know

  • A security key can't sign you in on its own. If you try it with Sign in with a passkey, your browser says it has no passkey for SimplyPrint, or SimplyPrint says "That's a security key. Sign in with your password, then use the key." Use your password first.
  • The mobile app uses your authenticator app. Security keys only work in a web browser.
  • One web address. A key works on the web address you added it on. If your organization uses SimplyPrint on its own address, add your key there as well.
  • Single sign-on (SSO) accounts don't see these settings. Your organization's sign-in decides whether there's a second step.
  • Passkeys count too. If you've added a passkey, you can also use it at the second step instead of a security key.


Updated on: 28/10/2026

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