Add a physical checkpoint to your account sign-in. This guide walks through registering a hardware security key for your Proton Account.
Before you begin
Have your account credentials, a U2F/FIDO2 key and a suitable USB connection ready. If you use a Thetis key, review the Thetis getting-started guide for device preparation. This guide is based on published documentation, not a test of every Thetis model.
Use account.proton.me, rather than protonvpn.com, for this setup. Keep Proton's illustrated registration guide open alongside these steps.
Register your key
- Sign in, open Settings, then the full settings page.
- Under Account and password, find the two-factor section and enable the security-key option. Complete any requested password and existing 2FA checks.
- Connect the key by USB. Leave the platform-key checkbox off so registration targets your physical key. Continue.
- Respond to the browser prompt by touching your key.
- Give it a recognizable name and finish with Continue.
Test your next sign-in
Try a fresh sign-in: enter your credentials, select the security-key tab if necessary, connect and activate the key, then authenticate. Keep an existing session available until the test succeeds.
Prepare a backup
Register a spare key separately and store it away from your everyday key. Thetis explains the process in its backup-key guide.
Save your one-use 2FA recovery codes somewhere secure and accessible without this account. Proton also permits an authenticator app alongside hardware-key 2FA. If a key goes missing, sign in with an available alternative and remove the lost device. See Proton's recovery options before you need them.
FAQ
Does this make sign-in passwordless?
No. This registration adds a second factor; it does not create a password-replacing hardware passkey.
Can I register more than one key?
Proton currently allows four.
What if my screen looks different?
Browser prompts vary. Check the official guide and screenshots for current instructions.
Explore more with Thetis
Visit the Thetis Guides library for more setup and troubleshooting articles.
Documentation checked: October 10, 2026.