--- title: "Passkeys on Mobile Devices" slug: "passkey-setup" updated: 2026-09-12T19:27:43Z published: 2026-09-12T19:27:43Z canonical: "docs.hollins.edu/passkey-setup" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.hollins.edu/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Passkeys on Mobile Devices > [!NOTE] > **Before you start!** > > You must have a screen lock (PIN, Face ID, Touch ID/Fingerprint, or Pattern) enabled on your phone to register and use passkeys. ## **Step 1: Install the Microsoft Authenticator App** Microsoft Authenticator is the easiest way to create a passkey on your phone. It works well on Apple iPhone (iOS) and Android phones. Search for “Microsoft Authenticator” in the App Store or Google Play Store on your device or use the links below. [‎Microsoft Authenticator App - App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-authenticator/id983156458) [Microsoft Authenticator - Apps on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.azure.authenticator&hl=en-US&pli=1) ## **Step 1a: Add the Microsoft Authenticator App as an Authentication Method (Computer Required)** If you’ve only been using SMS text messages to authenticate, you should add the Microsoft Authenticator as a sign-in method before you create any passkeys. If you’re already using the Microsoft Authenticator app, then you can skip to Step 2! - From a computer, go to **My Sign-Ins** (mysignins.microsoft.com) and open **Security Info**. - Click **Add sign-in method**. - Click **Microsoft Authenticator**. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/0ca7a2ae-e482-4379-bc15-72769e1a8f14/Images/Documentation/image-1789235576135.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T09%3A38%3A11Z&se=2026-10-28T10%3A38%3A11Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=B1r1x2%2BEl0%2BhhXbCmYHj1SX34RExSIx2cnHkK8Zqzdk%3D) - **On your phone**, open the Microsoft Authenticator app and tap the blue circle with the QR code logo. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/0ca7a2ae-e482-4379-bc15-72769e1a8f14/Images/Documentation/image-1789235683673.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T09%3A38%3A11Z&se=2026-10-28T10%3A38%3A11Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=B1r1x2%2BEl0%2BhhXbCmYHj1SX34RExSIx2cnHkK8Zqzdk%3D) - Using your phone, scan the QR code displayed on your computer screen. - Follow the instructions on your phone. ## **Step 2: Select the Microsoft Authenticator App as an AutoFill App on Your Device** Follow either Step 2a or 2b, depending on your make of phone. ### **Step 2a: Apple iPhone (iOS)** To set up a passkey on an iPhone, you must enable AutoFill for passwords and passkeys. Otherwise, your phone cannot store the passkey. On your iPhone, tap: - **Settings** > **General** > **AutoFill & Passwords** - Turn on the top option, **AutoFill Passwords and Passkeys**. - Under **AutoFill from**, choose **Authenticator** (you can leave other apps selected too). ![](https://cdn.document360.io/0ca7a2ae-e482-4379-bc15-72769e1a8f14/Images/Documentation/image-1789235816824.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T09%3A38%3A11Z&se=2026-10-28T10%3A38%3A11Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=B1r1x2%2BEl0%2BhhXbCmYHj1SX34RExSIx2cnHkK8Zqzdk%3D) *Menu names can vary slightly by iOS version. If you don’t see AutoFill & Passwords under General, check Settings > Passwords, or search “AutoFill” in Settings.* ### **Step 2b: Android Devices** On Android, you need to pick Authenticator as the app that fills in passwords and passkeys. **Stock Android (Google Pixel, Motorola, etc.)** - Open **Settings** > **Passwords & accounts** (or **Passwords, passkeys & accounts**). - Under **Autofill service** (or **Preferred service**), tap the current service name. - Select **Authenticator** (or **Google Password Manager**, or your preferred password manager) and tap **OK** to confirm. **Samsung Galaxy Devices (One UI)** - Open **Settings** > **General management** > **Passwords, passkeys, and autofill**. - Tap **Preferred service** under the **Passwords and autofill** section. - Select **Authenticator** (or **Google Password Manager**) and confirm. ## **Step 3: Create the Passkey in the Microsoft Authenticator App** Pay careful attention to these directions and follow the steps in order. A few steps might be counterintuitive. - Tap your **Hollins account**. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/0ca7a2ae-e482-4379-bc15-72769e1a8f14/Images/Documentation/image-1789236056397.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T09%3A38%3A11Z&se=2026-10-28T10%3A38%3A11Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=B1r1x2%2BEl0%2BhhXbCmYHj1SX34RExSIx2cnHkK8Zqzdk%3D) - Tap **Passkey**. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/0ca7a2ae-e482-4379-bc15-72769e1a8f14/Images/Documentation/image-1789236072345.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T09%3A38%3A11Z&se=2026-10-28T10%3A38%3A11Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=B1r1x2%2BEl0%2BhhXbCmYHj1SX34RExSIx2cnHkK8Zqzdk%3D) - Tap **Sign In**. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/0ca7a2ae-e482-4379-bc15-72769e1a8f14/Images/Documentation/image-1789236359793.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T09%3A38%3A11Z&se=2026-10-28T10%3A38%3A11Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=B1r1x2%2BEl0%2BhhXbCmYHj1SX34RExSIx2cnHkK8Zqzdk%3D) - Tap **Sign in another way**. > [!CAUTION] > **Pay attention here!** > > Do not tap **Next**, tap **Sign in another way** ![](https://cdn.document360.io/0ca7a2ae-e482-4379-bc15-72769e1a8f14/Images/Documentation/image-1789236172401.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T09%3A38%3A11Z&se=2026-10-28T10%3A38%3A11Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=B1r1x2%2BEl0%2BhhXbCmYHj1SX34RExSIx2cnHkK8Zqzdk%3D) - Tap **Approve a request on my Microsoft Authenticator app**. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/0ca7a2ae-e482-4379-bc15-72769e1a8f14/Images/Documentation/image-1789237335109.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T09%3A38%3A11Z&se=2026-10-28T10%3A38%3A11Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=B1r1x2%2BEl0%2BhhXbCmYHj1SX34RExSIx2cnHkK8Zqzdk%3D) - Approve the sign-in request on your phone by entering the two-digit number displayed on your computer screen and tapping **Yes**. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/0ca7a2ae-e482-4379-bc15-72769e1a8f14/Images/Documentation/image-1789236257313.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T09%3A38%3A11Z&se=2026-10-28T10%3A38%3A11Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=B1r1x2%2BEl0%2BhhXbCmYHj1SX34RExSIx2cnHkK8Zqzdk%3D) - Tap **Done**. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/0ca7a2ae-e482-4379-bc15-72769e1a8f14/Images/Documentation/image-1789236279856.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T09%3A38%3A11Z&se=2026-10-28T10%3A38%3A11Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=B1r1x2%2BEl0%2BhhXbCmYHj1SX34RExSIx2cnHkK8Zqzdk%3D)