Authentication Help - Android

This article explains how to authenticate your mSecure account on Android. 

Why Authentication is Required

To ensure the highest level of security, mSecure encrypts your data using a long, randomly generated key stored in the mSecure Cloud. In addition to your account password, this Account Key is required to verify your identity as the account owner. 

You will need to authenticate your account whenever:

• Signing into mSecure for the first time after installing the app. 
• Reinstalling mSecure on your device. 
• Setting up mSecure on a new device. 

Learn more about our security model here. 

Signing Up & Account Key Storage

When you create an mSecure 5+ account, the app:

1. Generates an account folder on your device's internal storage:

• Path: "Internalstorage/mSecure/USERID/mSecure.msecurekey"

2. Sends you an encrypted Account Key via email. 

If you reinstall mSecure, the app will check for this encrypted key file on your device to verify your account. 

• If the key is found > Authentication will proceed automatically. 
• If the key is missing > You can authenticate using the QR code email or the QR code from mSecure Account Settings. 

Authenticate by Camera (QR Code Scan)

• Requirements: QR code must be visible on another device. 
• On your Android device, select "Use Camera" and scan the QR code from the email. 
• Alternatively, you can scan the QR code displayed in mSecure Account Settings on another device. 

Learn how to access or resend the QR code email here. 

Authenticate by Importing a File

You can authenticate by importing any of the following files:

• QR Code PNG Image. 
• mSecure Backup (.msib file).
• Encrypted Account Key (mSecure.msecurekey). 

Import a QR Code PNG Image:

Save the QR Code from your email:

• If using Gmail on Android, open the email, tap and hold the QR code image, select "View Image", then tap More Options and select "Save" or "Download". 
• The image will be stored in your Downloads folder. 

Import the saved QR code:

• Tap "Import file."
• Tap the Back icon (<).
• Navigate to Downloads.
• Select "mSecure_key.png."

Import a Backup File (.msib):

• Requirements: The backup file must have been created with the same mSecure account. 
• Default backup location: "Internalstorage/mSecure/backups"
• How to authenticate using a backup file: Tap "Import file" > "backups > .msib backup file.

Import the Encrypted Account Key (mSecure.msecurekey):

• Requirements: This key is automatically created only if the account was originally set up on Android. If the account was created on iOS or Mac, you'll need to transfer the key file manually.
• File location: Internalstorage/mSecure/USERID/mSecure.msecurekey 
• How to authenticate using the Account Key: Tap "Import file" > your UserID folder > "mSecure.msecurekey."

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