YubiKey Manager
YubiKey Manager is a Yubico utility for configuring and managing YubiKey security key functions such as FIDO2, OTP, and PIV on macOS.
What is YubiKey Manager?
YubiKey Manager is a security utility for people who use a YubiKey hardware security key and need to view or change device settings from a Mac. It is used to configure core YubiKey functions such as FIDO2, OTP, and PIV, check device information like firmware, and manage interfaces such as USB or NFC where supported. The current YubiKey Manager offering centers on the ykman command-line tool for Windows, macOS, and Linux, while the older graphical YubiKey Manager app has reached end of life. This makes it most useful for IT admins, developers, and advanced users who need direct control over YubiKey configuration tasks. Many users will now use Yubico Authenticator for everyday desktop management, while YubiKey Manager remains important for more advanced setup and administration workflows.
Key features
- View connected YubiKey details such as firmware and device information
- Configure FIDO2 settings, including creating or changing a PIN
- Manage OTP functions and program supported credential slots
- Administer PIV smart card settings, certificates, and PIN-related tasks
- Enable or disable supported USB and NFC interfaces
- Reset supported YubiKey applications to their default state
- Run advanced YubiKey administration tasks from the command line
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Safety overview
Status: Mostly safe
This is legitimate Yubico software for configuring YubiKey hardware. It interacts directly with your security key and can change authentication settings, PINs, certificates, and supported interfaces, so mistakes may affect sign-in methods or require you to reconfigure the key. That level of access is normal for this kind of security tool, but it is best used by people who understand which YubiKey functions they rely on before making changes.
Recommendation: Keep YubiKey Manager if you actively configure or troubleshoot a YubiKey on your Mac, especially for advanced security key settings. If you only use your YubiKey for routine sign-ins and do not manage its configuration, you can remove it and reinstall it later when needed.
Common paths
/Applications/YubiKey Manager.app
Preference paths
~/Library/Preferences/com.yubico.ykman.plist
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