Passkey is a secure multi-factor authentication (MFA) method that helps protect your ID.me account. You can sign in using your fingerprint, Face ID, or device PIN. This article walks you through setting up passkey MFA on your phone or computer and fixing common issues if it doesn’t work.

What to know before setting up passkey MFA

• Using passkey on multiple devices
  You can set up passkey MFA on more than one device, like your phone, tablet, or computer. Each device must be set up individually and can only be linked to one account.
• Browser recommendation: Use the latest version of Google Chrome for best results.

Add a passkey if you already use MFA

If you already have an MFA method set up, you can add passkey as an additional option:

1. Sign in to your ID.me account using your current MFA method.
2. Go to Sign In & Security.
3. Next to Passkey, select Set Up or Add.
4. Follow the prompts to set up passkey MFA.

Set up your passkey

1. Begin passkey setup

• If you’re setting up MFA for the first time, select Passkey and follow the prompts to register your device.
• If you already have an MFA method on your account, go to Add passkey if you already use MFA.

2. Choose your setup method

The setup process depends on the device you’re using to set up the passkey and the device you'll use to sign in.

• If you’re using a computer for setup and sign-in:
  1. In the pop-up window, select Continue.
  2. Complete your computer’s unlock method (fingerprint, etc.)
  3. Rename your device (e.g., "My laptop") in your ID.me account for easy recognition.
• If you’re using a smartphone for setup and sign-in:
  1. In the pop-up window, select This Device.
  2. Complete your phone’s unlock method (fingerprint, Face ID, pattern, etc.).
  3. Rename your smartphone (e.g., "My iPhone" or "My Android") in your ID.me account.
• If you’re setting up on a computer but signing in on a smartphone
  Set up passkey on your computer, then use your smartphone as the device to complete sign-in.
  1. In the pop-up window, select Save another way.
  2. Select Use a phone, tablet, or security key.
  3. Open your phone’s camera or QR reader app.
  4. Scan the QR code displayed on your computer.
  5. Complete your phone’s unlock method.
  6. Rename your smartphone in your ID.me account.

Troubleshoot passkey MFA

Fix device or browser issues

• Sign in with the correct device: Ensure you use the same device you set up for passkey (e.g., if you set up your computer, use it to complete sign-in).
• Browser issues: Use the same browser across devices. Switching browsers may cause sign-in issues. We recommend using the most recent version of Chrome.

Notifications not displaying on Android

Ensure Bluetooth is enabled and that Chrome notifications are allowed in your settings.

Passkey isn’t working during sign-in

If passkey isn't working, use a different MFA method. If you continue to have issues, reset your MFA method to re-add passkey or set up another MFA method.