What is Passkey?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Passkey 

Passkey is a secure, streamlined sign-in method that uses your device's built-in security features, such as a PIN, fingerprint, or Face ID. Passkeys help protect your account from phishing attacks and provide a faster, more convenient sign-in experience. 


What do I need before setting up a Passkey?

To create a Passkey using Microsoft Authenticator, you will need:

  1. Microsoft Authenticator installed on your phone.
  2. A phone screen lock configuration (PIN, fingerprint, or Face ID).
  3. iOS 17 or later, or Android 14 or later.
  4. Bluetooth Enabled. 

How do I set up a Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator?

Follow the steps below to create a Passkey for your Kutztown University Account.

  1. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone.
  2. Select your Kutztown University account. The account selection screen on Microsoft authenticator shows one hidden account and an account labeled Kutztown University.
  3. Chose Create a passkey.A screenshot of the Microsoft Authenticator app. An account is selected and the screen shows a list of options including Sign-in notifications, Create a passkey, and change password. Create a passkey is indicated with an arrow.
  4.  Click Sign In.A screenshot shows some introductory text that reads "Let's create your passkey." a button at the bottom of the screen reads "Sign in."
  5. Choose Continue.Instructions in the screenshot read "Turn on AutoFill in Authenticator on the next screen." A button at the bottom reads "Continue."
  6. When prompted to turn on Autofill from Authenticator, choose Turn On.A screenshot of a pop-up. The pop-up asks whether the user wants to turn on AutoFill from Authenticator. Buttons on the pop-up read "not now" or "turn on."
  7. It will say that your Passkey has been created, click Done.A screenshot of the confirmation page, indicating that a passkey has been created. A button at the bottom of the screen reads "done."8. When you see the Passkey option above the One-time Passcode, you have successfully set it up.A screenshot of the account page in Microsoft Authenticator. Now, an additional oprtion is available: below "sign in notifications" and above "one-time password code" is the "passkey" option.

How do I sign in with Passkey?

  1. Sign in to any KU application on your KU laptop.
  2. Type in your email and click Next.
  3. Type in your password and click Sign In.
  4. Once you click Sign In, there will be a pop up that says Choose a passkey.A sceenshot of a Windows computer prompting for a passkey. One option shows a QR code to be scanned by a mobile device. Below that is the option to use a Security key. At the bottom is a button to cancel.
  5. Choose iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
  6. Take your device and scan the QR code with your device's camera.
    A screenshot of windows displaying the QR code to use a passkey.  
  7. After scanning the QR code, a pop up is going to appear. Choose Use Passkey.
  8. It will ask you for your Face ID, pin, or fingerprint to your phone.
  9. Once you type your passcode in, it will sign you in successfully on your KU laptop.


Note: Once a passkey is configured, Microsoft Authenticator may present the passkey option as your preferred sign-in method. You can still use other approved authentication methods if needed..