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How to Set Up and Use Passkeys on Your Phone and Browser

Applies toiOSAndroidGoogle ChromeMicrosoft Edge
4 min fix Updated 9 Aug 2026

By , 10+ years in IT support and helpdesk How these guides are checked

Quick Answer

Go to the security settings of your account (like Google or Microsoft), click Create a passkey, and verify your identity using your phone's Face ID, fingerprint, or screen lock PIN.

Checked against Google Chrome Releases and Microsoft Learn - end of support and retirement between 5 Aug 2026 and 12 Sep 2026. Nothing published in that period has been linked to this guide.

Estimated Time to Fix: 4 minutes

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. If you want the concept before the steps, understanding passkeys covers what they are and why sites are moving to them.

Before You Start ​

  • 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) ​

Your phone stores the passkey behind its own screen lock, which is what replaces the password.

  1. Navigate to the account settings or security page of the website you want to secure (e.g., Google, Amazon, or Microsoft).
  2. Look for an option that says Create a passkey or Set up passwordless sign-in and tap it.
  3. A pop-up will appear from your phone's operating system (Apple or Google) asking if you want to save a passkey. Tap Continue.
  4. 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 ​

Signing in becomes one biometric check instead of a password and a code.

  1. Go to the website's login page and enter your email address.
  2. If prompted, tap Sign in with a passkey.
  3. A prompt will appear at the bottom of your screen asking you to confirm your identity.
  4. Use your fingerprint or Face ID to sign in instantly.

3. Use Your Phone's Passkey on a Computer Browser ​

A passkey saved on your phone still signs you in on a computer, using a QR code to link the two.

  1. 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.
  2. Click the option to Use a different device or Use a phone or tablet.
  3. Your computer screen will display a QR code.
  4. Open the camera app on your phone and scan the QR code.
  5. Tap the prompt on your phone and use your biometrics to authorize the sign-in on your computer.

4. Verify Success ​

You should reach the account without ever seeing a password prompt.

  1. 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 / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
No prompt appears when scanning the QR codeBluetooth is offEnsure Bluetooth is turned on for both your computer and your phone.
Website doesn't offer a passkey optionUnsupported websiteNot all websites support passkeys yet. You will still need a password and an MFA app there — use the browser password generator to create a strong one, and two-step verification to protect it.

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Frequently asked questions

What happens if I lose the phone that holds my passkey?
Passkeys sync to your cloud account (like Apple iCloud Keychain or Google Password Manager). If you buy a new phone and sign in with your Apple/Google ID, your passkeys automatically restore.
Can I use a passkey on my work computer if the passkey is on my phone?
Yes. When logging in on your computer, select 'Use a passkey from another device'. A QR code will appear on the computer screen; scan it with your phone's camera, and use Face ID to approve the login.