Account Access - Managing Passkeys: New and Multiple Devices

Why Register More Than One Passkey?

A passkey stored on a single device is like a house key you only have one copy of. If that device is lost, broken, or left at home when you need it, you cannot sign in. Registering passkeys on two or more devices gives you a backup.

Microsoft is phasing out text message and phone call verification. Once those methods are gone, you will sign in with a passkey or another supported method such as Microsoft Authenticator. A backup passkey on a second device prevents a single lost phone from locking you out entirely.

What to Register

Microsoft allows multiple passkeys on a single account. The best setup depends on the devices you have, but register at least two of the following:

• Your phone (iPhone or Android): The most convenient option for daily use. Passkeys on your phone sync through iCloud Keychain or Google Password Manager, so a new phone of the same type picks up your passkey automatically.
• Your Windows PC: A passkey stored on your computer through Windows Hello lets you sign in without your phone. This helps if your phone is dead, lost, or in your car.
• A hardware security key: A small physical device like a YubiKey that you plug into a USB port or tap against your phone. It does not rely on a battery or an internet connection. The most reliable backup option, but it costs money and can be lost like any physical object.

Register your phone and at least one other device. If your phone is your only passkey and you lose it, you will need to go through account recovery to get back in.

How to Register a Passkey on a Second Device

The process is the same as registering your first passkey. See Account Access - Setting Up and Signing In with a Passkey for device-specific setup steps. On each new device:

1. Open a web browser and go to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info.
2. Sign in with your SIUE email address, password, and your current passkey or other MFA method.
3. Select Add sign-in method.
4. Select Passkey from the dropdown menu, then click Add.
5. Follow the prompts on the new device to complete registration.
6. Enter a descriptive name for the passkey (for example, "Work Laptop" or "Home PC") and click Done.

Repeat this process on each device where you want a passkey.

Viewing and Managing Your Passkeys

You can see all registered passkeys and other sign-in methods on the Microsoft security info page:

1. Go to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info.
2. Sign in with your SIUE account.
3. Look under the Passkey section to see every device registered for your account.

From here you can:

• See when each passkey was last used. If a passkey shows a recent sign-in you do not recognize, delete it immediately and contact the ITS Help Desk.
• Give each passkey a clear name so you know which device it belongs to.
• Delete old or unused passkeys by selecting Delete next to the entry.

What Happens When You Get a New Phone

Passkeys stored in iCloud Keychain or Google Password Manager sync across devices signed in to the same Apple or Google account. If you get a new iPhone and sign in with the same Apple ID, your passkeys are already there. The same applies to Android devices signed in to the same Google account.

A passkey on your Windows PC does not sync. It stays on that computer. If you replace your PC, you need to register a new passkey on the replacement.

If your phone was lost or is being replaced and the old passkey no longer applies, follow the steps below to remove the old passkey and register the new device.

This article covers passkeys. If you use Microsoft Authenticator instead and need to move the app to a new phone, see Microsoft Authenticator - Set Up and Use.

Replacing or Upgrading a Phone Configured with Passkeys

Prerequisites

• Access to an alternative sign-in method registered to your account (such as a passkey on another device or a secondary email).
• Your new mobile device or hardware security key ready for registration.

What If I Have No Other Sign-In Method?

If your lost phone was the only device registered for sign-in and you cannot use any other method, use the account recovery process before following the steps below. See Account Recovery: Lost All Sign-In Methods for the identity verification options, including visiting the ITS Help Desk in person or calling (618) 650-5500.

Prevention tip: Register a passkey on at least two devices (for example, your phone and your computer) so that losing one device does not lock you out. See the "What to Register" section above.

Sign In to Account Security Info

1. On a computer or your new device, open a web browser and go to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info.
2. Enter your SIUE email address and select Next.
3. Select Sign in another way.
4. Select an alternative verification method you have registered and complete the prompt to log in.

Remove the Lost Device's Passkey

1. Locate the passkey associated with your lost phone in the list of security methods.
2. Select Delete next to the old passkey entry.
3. When prompted to confirm, select OK or Delete to revoke access for the lost device.

Register a Passkey on Your New Device

1. Select Add sign-in method at the top of the security info page.
2. Select Passkey from the dropdown menu, then select Add.
3. Follow the prompts on your new device to complete biometric authentication (Face ID, Touch ID, fingerprint, or face unlock) and save the new passkey.
4. Enter a descriptive name for your new device and select Done.

Related Information

• Passkeys - compare authentication methods and choose what fits you.
• Account Access - Setting Up and Signing In with a Passkey - set up a passkey on your device for the first time.
• Microsoft Authenticator - Set Up and Use - set up the app, approve sign-in requests, and move Authenticator to a new phone.
• Troubleshooting Passkey Errors - fix common passkey issues.
• Account Recovery: Lost All Sign-In Methods - regain access when you have lost every sign-in method.

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