How to Create and Save a Passkey

Introduction

A passkey is a modern sign-in method that uses your device's built-in security (fingerprint, face recognition, or PIN) to verify it's really you. Think of it like unlocking your phone but for your work or school account. Passkeys are phishing resistant , they can't be stolen or tricked out of you the way an SMS code can. This will help us and you protect your data. The below steps will guide you through setting up a passkey for your account. 

 

How to Create and Save a Passkey for Your University Account

Before you start be sure that you are taking these steps on the device that you are going to be using when logging into your account.

  1. Go to  https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info and sign into your Microsoft work or school account. 
  2. Select "Add sign in method" 

This is the Microsoft Secuirty Info Preferences for your account, add sign in method option is highlighted.

  1. Choose one of the available passkey options you see listed.

For example Microsoft Authenticator (phone based passkey) Windows Hello (face, fingerprint, pr pin on windows). You will see an option called security key and that is a rare use method and you likely will not be using that.

this screen shots the sign in method option you want to add. The Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator isw highlighted.

  1. Follow the prompts on your device to create the passkey using face recognition, fingerprint or device pin. 

This is the create a passkey in Microsoft Authenticator screen. At the bottom right the Next button is highlighted as your next step.

  1. Click on Next

This screan is finish creating your passkey in authenticator. It will show your account listed on the page. The next button is lower right and highlighted as your next step.

  1. Click on Next, again. 

This is How to use your passkey screen. There is a QR coe on screen. The Next button is lower right and has a yellow arrow to the left indicating to click OK

  1. Click on OK

Below is how it should look once you have a passkey added to your sign in methods 

This image is a list of the sign in methods in your account secuirty settings. It shows how your passkey will show listed in your sign in methods, once you have completed the passkey set up process

 

How to Create a Passkey with Microsoft Authenticator on Your Mobile Device

  1. Select the  school/work account from your main screen with all accounts that use Authenticator listed. 
  2. Once you select the account you should see this screen next 

This screen shows your account and also shows the option create a passkey you can tap on

  1. Tap on Create Passkey 

This screen reads let's create your passkey/ Your account is listed on the page and it is prompting you to sign in to your account. The sign in button is blue and bottom middle of the screen.

  1. You should see your work/school email in the message above. If the email is correct please tap on the blue sign in button. Follow all the prompts provided after sign in. 

This page states passkey was created. You will see this after following the prompts to set up the passkey

  1. Click Done. 

Additional Information

FAQ's

Q: Can I still use Microsoft Authenticator? 
Yes. If you already use the Microsoft Authenticator app, you're unaffected by this change. This only impacts users who rely on SMS text codes or phone calls for verification. 

 

 

Q. What's changing? 

If you currently receive a text message code or a phone call to verify your identity — that method will stop working after January 28, 2027.You'll need to switch to a newer, more secure method called a passkey. 

 

Q. What if I don't act? 

After January 28, 2027, SMS and phone call verification will be permanently disabled. If you haven't registered a passkey, you will be unable to sign in and will need to contact IT Help desk to help regain access. 

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