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Overview
You can use a passkey in Microsoft Authenticator to sign in to University of Delaware services that use Microsoft authentication. A passkey lets you verify your identity with your mobile device's biometric authentication instead of entering a password and approving a separate multifactor authentication (MFA) prompt. Passkeys are phishing-resistant and provide stronger account protection. There are two methods to set up a passkey for use in the Microsoft Authenticator app:
After completing these instructions, you can use Microsoft Authenticator to sign in with a passkey.
Before you begin
Before you register a passkey, make sure you:
- Have an active UD account.
- Have the Microsoft Authenticator app installed on your mobile device.
- Have at least one authentication method already registered for MFA.
Why use a passkey?
Passkeys provide the following benefits:
- No password to remember.
- Faster sign-in.
- Protection against phishing attacks.
- Less reliance on text messages and approval prompts.
- Support for fingerprint or facial recognition.
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How passkeys work
Think of a passkey as a digital key that stays securely on your mobile device.
- Microsoft keeps a matching digital lock for your account.
- Your device uses its digital key to unlock your account when you sign in.
Your digital key never leaves your device. You confirm that it is really you by using your fingerprint, face, or device PIN.
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Use the Microsoft Authenticator App to register a passkey
Before you begin, make sure that you have completed the directions to Set up UD MFA with Microsoft Authenticator or that you have changed your existing MFA settings to use Microsoft Authenticator.
To register a passkey:
- Open the Microsoft Authenticator App on your device.
- Open your University of Delaware account in the Authenticator App.
- Tap Create a passkey.
- Follow the prompts to finish setting up your passkey.
- Tap Done when finished.
Microsoft Documentation
For detailed Microsoft Instructions, use register passkeys in Authenticator on Android and iOS devices.
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Use a web browser to register a passkey for Microsoft Authenticator
Before you begin, make sure that you have completed the directions to Set up UD MFA with Microsoft Authenticator or that you have changed your existing MFA setup to use Microsoft Authenticator.
To register a passkey:
- Using a web browser, sign in to your Microsoft Security Info page.
- Select Add sign-in method.
- Select Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator.
- Follow the prompts to complete registration.
- Test the passkey by signing in with it.
Microsoft Documentation
For detailed Microsoft Instructions, use register passkeys in Authenticator on Android and iOS devices.
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Sign in with a passkey
When prompted to sign in on a device that does not have Microsoft Authenticator installed (for example, to sign into Outlook on your computer):
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Select the option to sign in with a passkey from another device.
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Use your mobile device to scan the QR code. In Microsoft Authenticator, select the saved passkey, and verify your identity with your face, fingerprint, or device PIN.
When prompted to sign in on the device that has the Microsoft Authenticator App installed:
- Select Face, fingerprint, or PIN.
- Follow the prompts to sign in.
Microsoft Documentation
For detailed, Microsoft instructions, use Sign in with passkeys in Authenticator for Android and iOS devices.
Manage your passkeys
You can review or remove registered passkeys from your Microsoft Security Info page.
Remove a passkey if:
- You replace the mobile device where the passkey is stored.
- You lose the mobile device.
- You no longer use the device where the passkey is stored.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I still need my password?
Yes. Your password remains associated with your account, but you can often use your passkey to sign in after it is configured.
Can I use more than one passkey?
Yes. You can register passkeys on multiple supported devices.
What if I lose my device?
Use another registered authentication method to sign in, and then remove the lost device's passkey from your Microsoft security information.
Are passkeys required?
No. Passkeys are currently an optional sign-in method for most users. They are recommended because they improve security and simplify sign-in.
Get help
If you need help registering, using, or troubleshooting a passkey, contact the IT Support Center.
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