How to create an Internet Identity account

If you are interested in how to create an Internet Identity account, you may have heard about Web3 (decentralized web) and want to explore the services and applications it offers. This guide shows you how to set up online authentication to access private sessions. When you’re done, you can explore the decentralized web on DFINITY’s Internet Desktop.

What do you need to create an Internet Identity account?

Internet Identity accounts are the Web3 equivalent of Google cryptography, allowing easy login to websites and applications across the internet. To create an Internet Identity account, you need a device with web authentication capabilities, Internet access, and a modern web browser.

What devices can you use?

The best Android phones have fingerprint readers for easy access while also providing good security. You can use an Android device with a fingerprint reader to create an Internet Identity account. Face ID on iPhone or iPad is another accepted authentication method. Some phones also contain an on-chip security module to store and encrypt data, such as the Google Pixel 7 which has a Titan M2 chip.

A Chromebook, MacBook, or Windows laptop with a fingerprint reader will work. Windows Hello is also supported. If you have a device that doesn’t contain a biometric sensor, you can authenticate with a USB, Bluetooth, or NFC key, such as Yubikey or Google’s Titan Security Key.

Supported browsers

You can create an Internet Identity account with most popular browsers. Chrome is an easy option for Android devices and Chromebooks. Chrome, Firefox and Safari are compatible with iOS. Windows PCs come with the Edge browser and Macs come with Safari pre-installed. Any web browser that supports WebAuthn will work so your browser should usually not have any problems.

How to create an Internet Identity account

Creating an Internet Identity account is simple, but setting it up and securing it will take some time. You need to select a device for authentication. Your phone will be a good choice if it has a built-in fingerprint reader.

The official Internet Computer website helps you set up an Internet Identity account. Here’s a step-by-step guide showing you what to expect.

Create a passcode

1. In your browser, visit https://identity.ic0.app.
2. Select Create an Internet identity button to start.
3. Select Create a passcode button.

4. Select your preferred authentication method from the list.

Complete captcha

Enter the numbers and letters that appear in the box at the top of the screen. Note that it is case sensitive, so if you see capital letters, enter them that way.

This is one way of discouraging the use of automated systems. Internet Computer wants to provide Internet Identity accounts for humans, not bots.

Get your Internet identity

You now have an Internet Identity account but are not done yet. Take a screenshot, copy and paste, or write down the number associated with your Internet Identity. If you lose this number, you will lose access to any accounts you create while exploring Web3.

Next, set up a recovery method as a backup so you don’t get locked out if you lose your device with the passcode.

Methods to restore Internet identity

There are two types of recovery methods for your Internet Identity account: recovery phrase and recovery device. A physical security key is best if you own one. Most people should choose a recovery phrase.

Add a recovery device

1. Add one Recovery device By choosing Allow button.

2. Choose the type of security key you have from the list of options.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to authenticate.

Add recovery phrase

1. Select Allow button next to it Recovery phrase.
2. Select Create a recovery phrase. A seed phrase is made up of many generated words.

3. Copy and save your recovery phrase, including the Internet Identification number and the words of the original phrase. Keep it in a safe and private place.

4. Check the box to confirm you have stored this information, then continue.
5. Verify that you know this phrase by filling in your data in the blank Internet Identification number words on this page.

6. Re-authenticate with your fingerprint, Face ID, or PIN.

What is an identity anchor?

You may have come across the term Identity Anchor. Internet Computers has removed that terminology from the setup process because you don’t need to know this detail to use your Internet Identity account. Your identifier is tied to an anchor number or identity anchor, which is a cryptographic object stored in a blockchain authentication system. It keeps your private data and digital ID safe on decentralized servers hosting Web3. This is essentially the same technology used for Bitcoin and NFT.

Add more codes

You should add more passcodes if you own multiple devices that you consider secure and private. It can be a phone, tablet, laptop or desktop. You can set up up to eight devices as passwords for your Internet Identity account.

1. On the device you used to create your Internet Identity account, select Add new password.
2. Scan the QR code with your phone or visit the link below the QR code with a trusted device.

3. Authenticate on the new device before time runs out.
4. On the original passkey device, enter the number shown on the new device.
5. Scroll down to see the new passcode.

Select add FIDO hardware as a passcode if you want to use a physical security key.

Access Web3

To access decentralized applications and the Web3 ecosystem, open your Internet Identity account in the browser, select dApps explorer under your ID, and select an account to learn more. Sign in with your Internet Identity to launch the dApp.

How does Internet identity work?

Now that you have an Internet Identity account, you can explore Web3 services and add decentralized applications, called dApps. Check out our guide to learn more about how it works and how to authenticate your Internet Identity and how to use it.