To secure your OpenAI account, use a unique password if you sign in with one, enable an available multi-factor authentication (MFA) method, and review both Security history and Active sessions in ChatGPT. End any session you do not recognize. MFA strengthens future sign-ins, but it does not automatically sign out devices already logged in.
Strengthen how you sign in
OpenAI’s account-security guidance recommends using a unique password and a password manager to create and store it if your account uses password sign-in. Then enable an MFA method available for your account. OpenAI says MFA applies across ChatGPT and the API Platform. Options may include authenticator app codes, push notifications, SMS or WhatsApp codes, and passkeys; availability depends on factors such as country, device, account tier, and how the account was created. See OpenAI’s account security guidance and MFA instructions.
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- In ChatGPT, open Settings and look for Security or Security and login. The label can vary.
- Choose an available MFA method and complete its setup. MFA takes effect the next time you sign in; it does not terminate sessions already open.
- If the settings let you enable multiple methods, consider adding a backup. OpenAI says it defaults to the most secure enabled method first, while allowing another enabled option.
Passkeys and hardware security keys
A passkey can be stored on one device or synced across devices, depending on how it is set up. A passkey tied only to a device may be unavailable if that device is lost. OpenAI’s passkey controls depend on account details and sign-in method; check its passkey guidance for current availability. OpenAI describes passkeys stored on compatible security keys and names YubiKey as an example. A FIDO-compatible hardware key is an option, but confirm compatibility and account eligibility before buying one.
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Advanced Account Security
Eligible consumer ChatGPT users can consider Advanced Account Security, a stricter setup that requires at least two secure sign-in methods, including one that works across devices, and requires users to save recovery keys. Enrollment signs out existing devices. The feature disables password sign-in, email and SMS sign-in codes, and email account recovery, and shortens sessions. It is not available to ChatGPT Enterprise users, enterprise-managed accounts, or accounts associated with an enterprise-managed domain. Review OpenAI’s Advanced Account Security details and make sure recovery keys are safely stored before enrolling.
#1 Best Overall
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
Review recent security events and current sessions
These are separate checks. Security history shows recent events such as sign-ins, sign-outs, password changes, and security-setting changes. Active sessions lets you inspect and manage current sessions. OpenAI’s Active sessions instructions describe the available controls.
- In ChatGPT, open Settings > Security > Active sessions.
- Review each row’s device or browser, app context, approximate location, sign-in date and time, trusted-device status, and whether it is the current session.
- If a session is unfamiliar, select Log out and confirm. A trusted device may offer Log out and remove.
- To sign out everywhere, choose Log out of all sessions, then confirm Log out of all devices.
Location and device details can be approximate or incomplete, so treat them as clues rather than definitive proof of who used the account. Signing out everywhere also ends your current session. Other ChatGPT sessions may take up to 30 minutes to close. OpenAI also says MFA does not cancel existing logins. Its separate all-device logout guidance explains the sign-out action.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
What Active sessions does not cover
The list excludes third-party app sessions, connected apps, Sign in with ChatGPT sessions used only for third-party services, and Codex CLI sessions. It is unavailable for accounts linked to organizational single sign-on (SSO), including SAML or OIDC. If you use those services or sign in through an organization, do not assume this list shows every connection; consult your organization’s administrator or the relevant service controls.
What to do if you suspect account or API key compromise
- Change an exposed, reused, or shared password. Use a new, unique password if password sign-in is enabled.
- Log out all sessions. Do not rely on enabling MFA to end existing logins.
- Check Security history. Note unfamiliar events and retain relevant details in case they are useful when contacting support.
- Secure API credentials separately. If an API key may be exposed, delete it and review API usage for unexpected activity. Store keys in environment variables or GitHub secrets rather than application code.
- Contact OpenAI Support. Start a new chat from a Help Center page and follow the verification steps.
OpenAI says it immediately disables public or app-store-leaked API keys that it detects. That detection is not a substitute for deleting a key you suspect has been compromised. These steps and key-handling advice are covered in OpenAI’s account security guidance.
Rank #3
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
Plan for recovery before you need it
MFA options and account-recovery routes vary. OpenAI describes email recovery as a one-time recovery option, not standard MFA, and says it is available only once. If none of your configured MFA methods is available, contact Support and complete its verification process. For Advanced Account Security, losing passkeys or keys means you will need the recovery key. Keep backup methods and recovery keys somewhere secure and accessible if your primary device is lost.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The information below is per-pack only
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
Rank #4
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
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