---
title: Pairing your security key
description: "Register or 'pair' your security key so that you can use it to authenticate with PingID."
component: pingid-user-guide
page_id: pingid-user-guide:secure_authentication_with_pingid:pid_setting_up_security_key
canonical_url: https://docs.pingidentity.com/pingid-user-guide/secure_authentication_with_pingid/pid_setting_up_security_key.html
revdate: August 3, 2023
section_ids:
  before-you-begin: Before you begin
  steps: Steps
  result: Result:
  result-2: Result:
---

# Pairing your security key

Register or 'pair' your security key so that you can use it to authenticate with PingID.

## Before you begin

* Ensure you are using a browser that supports the use of a security key, such as Google Chrome or Firefox, and that you have the latest version of the browser.

* If you are pairing the security key using a mobile device, the mobile device must be running either:

  * Android devices: Android 7 or later

  * iOS devices: iOS 13.3 or later

* If your security key uses biometrics, such as your fingerprint to authenticate, set it up according to the security key manufacturer's guidelines.

* If you are using a virtual machine (VM) to connect to your accessing device and want to pair your security key, ensure your VM is configured to recognize a USB device.

|   |                                                                                                                                        |
| - | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|   | After you have paired your device, and authenticated successfully, you can also use it to authenticate for Windows login, if required. |

## Steps

1. Sign on to your account or app and when you see the registration window, click **Start**.

   ![A screen capture of the Registration window showing the Start button.](_images/gak1668088907565.png)

   You'll see the **Add a New Device** window, showing the security key icon.

   ![A screen capture of the Add New Device window showing device options available for you to add.](_images/lcz1668089066706.png)

2. In the **Add a New Device** window, click **Security Key**.

   |   |                                                                                                                                                            |
   | - | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
   |   | Tap **Authenticate using Face ID**, even if your device only supports fingerprint authentication. You will be able to authenticate using your fingerprint. |

   ### Result:

   A window appears and prompts you to authenticate with your security key.

   ![A screen capture of the Security Key registration window prompting you to insert your security key to pair it.](_images/fby1634047552436.png)

3. Use your security key to authenticate.

   |   |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |
   | - | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
   |   | * Make sure the **Alternative Authentication** browser window is the active window.

   * If you see a message asking if you permit your device to communicate with the security key, select **Allow** or **Yes** to continue. The message might vary depending on your browser. |

   ### Result:

   A green **Authenticated** message with a check mark appears, indicating your device has been paired successfully, and you are automatically signed into your account or app.

4. The next time you sign on to your account or application, follow the prompt to authenticate using your biometrics device.

   For more information, see [Authenticating with PingID using a security key](pid_ug_auth_using_a_security_key_intro.html).