Robinhood Login & Getting Started | Guide

What is Robinhood?

Robinhood is a retail investing platform that offers commission-free trading of stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies via mobile apps and a web platform. This guide shows you how to sign up, log in, secure your account, fund it, and place simple trades.

Before you begin

• Make sure you have a valid email address and a mobile phone number for verification.
• Have a government-issued ID ready for account verification (driver’s license, passport, etc.).
• Decide whether you’re opening a cash account or a margin/Robinhood Gold account — the latter has different approval requirements.

Download and account creation

Download the Robinhood app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or open the Robinhood website on desktop. Tap or click "Sign Up" and enter your email, create a strong password, and follow the prompts to enter personal information: full name, date of birth, address, Social Security Number (US users), employment status, and investing experience.

Identity verification and approval

Robinhood may perform identity verification and request documentation. Upload photos of your ID if asked. Verification times vary — most users are approved quickly but occasionally reviews may take longer.

Logging in to Robinhood

After account approval, log in using your email and password on mobile or web. For mobile, you can enable biometric login (fingerprint or Face ID) for convenience. If you forget your password, use the "Forgot password" flow to reset it via email.

Two-factor authentication (2FA)

Enable two-factor authentication to add a second layer of security. Robinhood supports SMS-based 2FA and authenticator apps. We recommend using an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator or Authy) over SMS when possible.

Funding your Robinhood account

Link a bank account to transfer funds. Navigate to the "Transfers" or "Account" section, and add your bank details. ACH transfers typically take 3–5 business days for initial transfers; instant deposits may be available for eligible accounts up to a limit.

Placing your first trade

To buy a stock or ETF: search for the ticker symbol, open the asset page, tap "Buy", enter the number of shares or dollar amount, choose order type (market or limit), review fees and estimated cost, then confirm. Robinhood processes market orders during market hours and limit orders based on the specified price.

Understanding basic order types

• Market order: Buy or sell immediately at the current market price.
• Limit order: Set a maximum (buy) or minimum (sell) price; executed only if the market reaches that price.
• Stop order: An order to buy or sell once a specified price (the stop price) is reached.

Account types & features

Robinhood offers cash accounts, margin accounts, retirement accounts (where available), and Robinhood Crypto. Margin accounts and Robinhood Gold provide buying power and other features but involve additional risks and requirements.

Security best practices

• Enable 2FA (preferably via an authenticator app).
• Use a unique, strong password stored in a password manager.
• Enable biometric login on mobile for convenience and security.
• Beware of phishing: Robinhood will never ask for your password or 2FA code via email or social media.

Troubleshooting common login problems

If you can’t log in, try resetting your password, check for service outages on Robinhood’s status page, clear your browser cache, or reinstall the mobile app. For locked accounts or suspicious activity, contact Robinhood support directly through the app or official website.