This article explains what a verified mobile device is, how it works on your Airwallex account, and what to do if you need to switch to a new device.
What is a verified mobile device?
A verified mobile device is the specific phone — iOS or Android — that has been linked and approved for use with your Airwallex account.
When you log into the Airwallex mobile app for the first time on a device, we ask you to verify it. Once verified, that device becomes your trusted device: the only phone that can log in and act as a second factor for your account.
This protects your account from unauthorized access. Even if someone obtains your login credentials, they cannot use the Airwallex mobile app on their own device without your explicit approval.
Frequently asked questions
1. Why is device verification required?
Device verification is an important security measure. Without it, anyone with your email and password could install the Airwallex app on any phone and access your account.
By binding your account to a specific, verified device, we ensure that only you — holding your phone — can log in via the mobile app. You will always receive a notification or email when a new device attempts to access your account.
2. How do I verify my device for the first time?
When you log into the Airwallex mobile app on a new device for the first time:
- Enter your email, password, and complete two-factor authentication (2FA) as usual.
- You will see a screen that says "You're accessing your Airwallex account on a new device".
- Check the inbox of your registered email address for a verification email from Airwallex.
- Open the email and click "Verify device" to confirm.
- Once verified, you're logged in and your device is now trusted.
Note: The verification link in the email has a one-hour validity period. If it expires, simply return to the app and tap to resend the verification email.
3. What happens when I log into a device I've already verified?
If your device is already verified, logging in is straightforward. You enter your email, password, and complete 2FA as normal — no additional verification step is required.
4. How do I switch to a new phone?
When you log into the Airwallex app on a new phone, you will be asked to verify the new device. The process depends on whether you still have access to your current trusted device.
If you have your existing phone available:
- Start the login on your new phone and complete your email, password, and 2FA.
- You will see a screen showing a one-time code on your new phone.
- On your existing (trusted) phone, tap the push notification from Airwallex.
- Enter the code displayed on your new phone to approve the transfer.
- Your new phone becomes your verified device, and your old phone is automatically logged out.
New device
Old device
If you no longer have access to your existing phone:
- Start the login on your new phone and complete your email, password, and 2FA.
- On the verification screen, tap "Can't access your other device?"
- Select "Send verification email".
- Check your registered email inbox and click "Verify device" to confirm.
- Your new phone becomes your verified device, and the old one is logged out.
Note: You can only have one verified device at a time. When a new device is verified, your previous device is automatically signed out.
5. Will I receive a notification when a new device is verified?
Yes. When a new device is successfully verified on your account, Airwallex sends a confirmation email describing the device details (model, operating system and approximate location). If you did not initiate this change, tap "Secure my account" in the email to immediately protect your account.
6. What if I see the verification screen unexpectedly?
If you receive an unexpected push notification or verification email asking you to approve a new device, do not approve it. This could mean someone else is trying to access your account.
- Tap "Secure my account" in the email.
- Change your password immediately.
- If you need assistance, contact our Customer Support team via the in-app chatbot.
7. I'm an existing user — will I need to verify my device?
Yes. If you have been using the Airwallex mobile app before this feature was introduced, you will be prompted to verify your device the next time you log in after your current session expires or you log out.
You will go through the same email verification process described in question 2. Once complete, your device will be trusted for future logins.
8. What do I do if I can't complete device verification?
If you are unable to verify your device using the steps above:
- Ensure you have access to the inbox of your registered Airwallex email address.
- Check your spam or junk folder if the verification email has not arrived.
- Tap "Resend verification email" in the app if the link has expired.
- If you still cannot complete verification, contact our Customer Support team via the in-app chatbot for assistance.