Two-step Login via FIDO2 WebAuthn

Two-step login using FIDO2 WebAuthn credentials is available for free to all Bitwarden users.

Any FIDO2 WebAuthn Certified credentials can be used, including security keys such as YubiKeys, SoloKeys, and Nitrokeys, as well as native biometrics options like Windows Hello and Touch ID.

FIDO2 WebAuthn is compatible with most Bitwarden applications. If you wish to use a version that doesn’t support it, ensure you turn on an alternative two-step login method. Supported applications include:

• Web vault on a device with a FIDO2-supported browser.

• Browser extensions for a FIDO2-supported browser.

• Desktop apps on Windows 10 and above.

• Mobile apps for Android and iOS 13.3+ with a FIDO2-supported browser.

To enable two-step login using FIDO2 WebAuthn:

1. Log in to the Bitwarden web app.

2. Select Settings → Security → Two-step login from the navigation:

   

3. Locate the FIDO2 option and select the Manage button.

   

   You will be prompted to enter your master password to continue.

4. Give your security key a friendly Name.

5. Plug the security key into your device's USB port and select Read Key. If your security key has a button, touch it.

   note

   Some devices, including those with Windows Hello or macOS devices that support passkeys, are native FIDO2 authenticators that will offer these options as defaults. If you want to register a security key or other authenticator, you may need to select a Try another way, Other Options, or Cancel button to open up your other options.

6. Select Save. A green Enabled message will indicate that two-step login using FIDO2 WebAuthn has been successfully enabled and your key will appear with a green checkbox (  ).

7. Select the Close button and confirm that the FIDO2 WebAuthn option is now enabled, as indicated by a green checkbox (  ).

Repeat this process to add up to 5 FIDO2 WebAuthn security keys to your account.

The following assumes that FIDO2 WebAuthn is your highest-priority enabled method. To access your vault using a FIDO2 WebAuthn device:

1. Log in to your Bitwarden vault and enter your email address and master password.

   You will be prompted to insert your security key into your device's USB port. If it has a button, touch it.

   

You will not be required to complete your secondary two-step login setup to unlock your vault once logged in. For help configuring log out vs. lock behavior, see vault timeout options.

If you are using a FIDO2 authenticator with NFC functionality like a YubiKey or other hardware security key, you may need to practice finding the NFC reader in your device as different devices have NFC readers in different physical locations (for example, top of phone vs. bottom of phone, or front vs. back).

On mobile devices, you may encounter a scenario where your YubiKey is read twice consecutively. You will know this has occurred when your device's browser opens the YubiKey OTP website (https://demo/yubico.com/yk) and if your device vibrates multiple times to signal multiple NFC reads.

To solve this, use the YubiKey Manager application to disable the NFC → OTP interface for your key: