Purchasing a Security Key for Apple devices

I would like to know where to purchase a security key? How much do they cost and do I need a different one for each Apple device like my phone and my iPad?



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Security key

iPhone 15 Pro, iOS 18

Posted on Oct 12, 2025 10:23 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 12, 2025 1:04 PM

You’ll want at least two and preferably more FIDO2 keys. Keys can and do fail, and can be lost.


Which particular keys are appropriate depend on what combination of Apple (and other) gear you have.


With an iPhone 15 Pro, a key with either or both USB-C and NFC connectivity will work.


This and enabling Recovery Key will take over complete control of two-factor authentication and of password reset.


The keys must be FIDO-certified (FIDO2) minimally, and there are other keys with rather more added options than that.


Prices range from roughly USD$20 to USD$75, depending in brand, connectors, and added features beyond FIDO.


Protocols beyond FIDO (FIDO2) can be useful for other authentication applications, but are not needed by Apple.


Yubikey C NFC versus multi-protocol Yubikey 5C NFC, for instance. Both work with Apple. The latter has added protocols.


You’ll minimally want two keys, and likely want more than that.



3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 12, 2025 1:04 PM in response to LeNitaG

You’ll want at least two and preferably more FIDO2 keys. Keys can and do fail, and can be lost.


Which particular keys are appropriate depend on what combination of Apple (and other) gear you have.


With an iPhone 15 Pro, a key with either or both USB-C and NFC connectivity will work.


This and enabling Recovery Key will take over complete control of two-factor authentication and of password reset.


The keys must be FIDO-certified (FIDO2) minimally, and there are other keys with rather more added options than that.


Prices range from roughly USD$20 to USD$75, depending in brand, connectors, and added features beyond FIDO.


Protocols beyond FIDO (FIDO2) can be useful for other authentication applications, but are not needed by Apple.


Yubikey C NFC versus multi-protocol Yubikey 5C NFC, for instance. Both work with Apple. The latter has added protocols.


You’ll minimally want two keys, and likely want more than that.



Oct 12, 2025 10:51 AM in response to LeNitaG

For what use(s)do you anticipate using the hardware security key(s)?


Capability - and prices - of similar-appearing keys vary widely; w/ the most-capable keys being around $50 each. (and you need more that one)


Use of keys to protect your Apple Account is described here:


About Security Keys for Apple Account - Apple Support


It’s unfortunately still a somewhat convoluted topic requiring some study to ensure that what you end up purchasing actually meets your realistic expectations.




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Purchasing a Security Key for Apple devices

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