Use CAC on iPhone / iPad

Yes, you can authenticate to .mil sites and sign email from your iPhone or iPad with a Lightning or USB-C CAC reader.

~15 min · 4 steps

Stuck on a specific error? Describe it to the AI assistant for a tailored fix — or check our error code reference.

Steps

1
Get the right reader
You need a reader that supports iOS. Options: SCR3500 with iOS adapter, Thursby PKard Reader (Lightning), Identiv SCR3500-A with USB-C adapter for newer iPads. Bluetooth options exist but are flaky.
2
Install DoD profile
Download the DoD certs configuration profile from cyber.mil onto your iOS device (Safari handles this best). Settings → General → VPN & Device Management → install the profile. Trust it.
3
Install a CAC-aware app
For most use cases, install 'PIV' or 'PKard' from the App Store. These act as middleware between your reader and Safari / Mail.
4
Authenticate
Plug in reader → insert CAC → open Safari → navigate to .mil site → the app intercepts the cert request and prompts for your PIN.

Reader not recognized

Most readers need a Lightning-to-USB adapter for older iPhones, or USB-C adapter for iPad Pro / newer iPhone 15+.

Cert not offered

Make sure the DoD certs profile is installed AND trusted under Settings → General → About → Certificate Trust Settings.

Still stuck?