YubiKey Manager: How to Configure and Manage Your Key Step by Step
⚠️ YubiKey Manager GUI no longer has official support
Yubico retired the YubiKey Manager graphical interface in 2025. The recommended official alternative is Yubico Authenticator. This guide has been updated with the correct instructions for the current app.
Yubico Authenticator is Yubico's official application for managing your security key from your computer. It replaces YubiKey Manager, which no longer has official support. If you just received a YubiKey, this is the first app you should install.
What is Yubico Authenticator?
It's the tool that lets you see what model you have, what protocols are active, and configure your FIDO2 PIN before registering the key with any service. Without it, you can't verify that the key works correctly or protect it with a PIN.
It's available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. The desktop version is what you need to configure the PIN.
Download and installation
Download Yubico Authenticator from Yubico's official website. Choose your operating system:
Install the application, connect your YubiKey, and open it. The app detects the key automatically as soon as you plug it in.
What you see when you open the app
The interface has three sections in the left sidebar menu: Home, Passkeys, and Settings. Each one has a different purpose.
Shows the exact model (for example, Security Key C NFC), firmware version, and active protocols — FIDO U2F and FIDO2. From here you can enable or disable protocols with Toggle applications, or reset the key to factory values with Factory reset.
Shows the passkeys stored on the key. From here you also configure your FIDO2 PIN — the most important step before registering the key with any service.
Language, visual theme, connected readers, and application information. You don't need to change anything here for basic use.
Configure the PIN — first mandatory step
The FIDO2 PIN protects access to the credentials stored on your key. Some services require it — if you don't have it configured, the key won't work on those services. Configure it before registering the key anywhere.
The app detects the key automatically and shows the model in the left panel.
You'll see "No passkeys stored" if the key is new. This is normal — you haven't registered anything yet.
It appears under the title MANAGE → Set PIN / FIDO PIN protection. Choose a PIN you'll remember — it can include letters and numbers. Write it down in a safe place.
⚠️ Attempt limit
If you enter the PIN incorrectly 8 times in a row, the FIDO2 module on the key locks permanently. There's no recovery — the key would become unusable for FIDO2. Save the PIN from the start.
Toggle applications — what to enable and what not to
From Home → Toggle applications you can enable or disable your key's protocols separately for USB and NFC. For standard use you don't need to change anything — all protocols come enabled by default.
It only makes sense to touch it if you want to disable a specific protocol for security reasons — for example, disabling NFC if you'll never use the key on mobile. In most cases: leave it as is.
Factory reset — when to use it
The Factory reset from Home restores the key to factory values. It deletes all registered FIDO2 credentials and erases the configured PIN. After a reset you'll need to re-register the key with all services where you had it configured.
ℹ️ When a reset makes sense
If you forgot your PIN and exceeded the attempt limit. If you're going to give or sell the key to someone else. If you want to start fresh after registering it in many places. In any other case, you don't need it.
Frequently asked questions
Does Yubico Authenticator replace YubiKey Manager?
Yes. Yubico discontinued support for the YubiKey Manager graphical interface. Yubico Authenticator is the recommended official alternative for managing the key from your computer.
Do I need Yubico Authenticator to use the key?
It's not required to register the key with services — you can do it directly from your browser. But it is necessary to configure the FIDO2 PIN, which some services require. It's highly recommended to install it before you start.
What happens if I forget my FIDO2 PIN?
If you exceed the attempt limit (8 failed attempts), the FIDO2 module locks permanently. The only solution is to do a Factory reset, which deletes all credentials. You'll need to re-register the key with each service.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes. Yubico Authenticator has apps for Android and iOS. On mobile you can tap the NFC key to see the stored passkeys. Configuring the PIN is more convenient from your computer.
Can I use Yubico Authenticator offline?
Yes. The application works completely offline. You only need a connection to download it.
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