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How to Set Up and Use Passkeys on Your Phone and Browser
Estimated Time to Fix: 4 minutesApplies to: iOS, Android, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge
Article Type: How-To
Last Updated: 2026-07-20
Summary
This article guides you through saving and using passkeys on your smartphone or web browser to securely sign into websites without needing a password.
Prerequisites
- A smartphone with biometric security enabled (Face ID, Touch ID, or fingerprint).
- A web browser that is up to date (Chrome, Edge, or Safari).
Instructions
1. Create a Passkey on Your Smartphone (iPhone or Android)
- Navigate to the account settings or security page of the website you want to secure (e.g., Google, Amazon, or Microsoft).
- Look for an option that says Create a passkey or Set up passwordless sign-in and tap it.
- A pop-up will appear from your phone's operating system (Apple or Google) asking if you want to save a passkey. Tap Continue.
- Authenticate using your fingerprint, Face ID, or screen lock PIN. The passkey is now securely saved to your device.
2. Sign In With a Passkey on Your Phone
- Go to the website's login page and enter your email address.
- If prompted, tap Sign in with a passkey.
- A prompt will appear at the bottom of your screen asking you to confirm your identity.
- Use your fingerprint or Face ID to sign in instantly.
3. Use Your Phone's Passkey on a Computer Browser
- If you are trying to sign into a website on your computer, but your passkey is on your phone, click Sign in with a passkey.
- Click the option to Use a different device or Use a phone or tablet.
- Your computer screen will display a QR code.
- Open the camera app on your phone and scan the QR code.
- Tap the prompt on your phone and use your biometrics to authorize the sign-in on your computer.
4. Verify Success
- You should bypass the traditional password screen and successfully log into the website.
Troubleshooting
WARNING
Passkeys saved to an iPhone are stored in iCloud Keychain, and passkeys saved to an Android are stored in Google Password Manager. Make sure these services are enabled in your phone's settings to ensure your passkeys sync if you get a new device.
| Symptom / Error | Potential Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No prompt appears when scanning the QR code | Bluetooth is off | Ensure Bluetooth is turned on for both your computer and your phone. |
| Website doesn't offer a passkey option | Unsupported website | Not all websites support passkeys yet. You may still need to use a password and MFA app. |