Account Access - SIUE Authentication: Device, Browser, and OS Compatibility Reference
This page is a reference for users who want to confirm their device, browser, or OS supports passkeys before registering. If you are ready to register, go directly to the setup guide for your device:
- Account Access - Register a Passkey for Your SIUE Account — iPhone, Android, or Windows PC
- Account Access - Set Up a FIDO2 Security Key for Your SIUE Account — no smartphone or incompatible device
Microsoft Authenticator works on any device with the app installed and does not have the compatibility requirements listed below. The tables on this page apply only to passkey registration and sign-in.
Browser Support
Most modern browsers support passkeys. Use Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome for the best experience. If you have trouble registering or signing in with a passkey, switching browsers is one of the first troubleshooting steps.
| Browser | Same-Device Sign-In | Cross-Device Sign-In | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Edge | Yes | Yes | Recommended browser on Windows. |
| Google Chrome | Yes | Yes | Works on Windows, macOS, and Android. |
| Safari | Yes | Yes | Best experience on macOS and iOS. Requires macOS 13.5 (Ventura) or later, or iOS 16 or later. |
| Firefox | Partial | Partial | Limited passkey support. Avoid Firefox for passkey registration or sign-in. |
Operating System Support
Passkeys require a minimum operating system version. If your device is running an older OS, it cannot store a passkey. In that case, a FIDO2 hardware security key is the required alternative, see Account Access - Set Up a FIDO2 Security Key for Your SIUE Account
| Operating System | Passkey Support | Minimum Version | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS | Yes | iOS 16 | Passkeys stored in iCloud Keychain. Syncs to other Apple devices on the same Apple ID. |
| iPadOS | Yes | iPadOS 16 | Same as iOS. Passkeys stored in iCloud Keychain. |
| macOS | Yes | macOS 13.5 (Ventura) | Passkeys stored in iCloud Keychain when using Safari or Chrome. |
| Android | Yes | Android 14 | Passkeys stored in Google Password Manager. Syncs to other Android devices on the same Google account. |
| Windows | Yes | Windows 10 (version 22H2) or Windows 11 | Passkeys stored locally with Windows Hello. Does not sync to other computers. |
Device Support
| Device Type | Passkey Support | Where Passkeys Are Stored | Syncs to Other Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone | Yes (iOS 16+) | iCloud Keychain | Yes — to iPad and Mac on the same Apple ID |
| iPad | Yes (iPadOS 16+) | iCloud Keychain | Yes — to iPhone and Mac on the same Apple ID |
| Mac | Yes (macOS 13.5+) | iCloud Keychain | Yes — to iPhone and iPad on the same Apple ID |
| Android Phone | Yes (Android 14+) | Google Password Manager | Yes — to other Android devices on the same Google account |
| Android Tablet | Yes (Android 14+) | Google Password Manager | Yes — to other Android devices on the same Google account |
| Windows PC | Yes (Windows 10 22H2 / Windows 11) | Windows Hello (local only) | No — stays on that computer only |
| FIDO2 Hardware Security Key | Yes | On the key itself | No — but works on any computer you plug it into |
How Passkey Sync Works
- Apple devices sync automatically. A passkey registered on your iPhone is available on your iPad and Mac when all devices are signed in to the same Apple ID and iCloud Keychain is enabled. You do not need to register separately on each Apple device.
- Android devices sync automatically. A passkey registered on one Android device is available on your other Android devices when signed in to the same Google account. You do not need to register separately on each Android device.
- Windows does not sync. A passkey on a Windows PC stays on that computer. If you use multiple Windows PCs, register a passkey on each one separately.
- Cross-platform does not sync. A passkey stored on your iPhone does not appear on your Windows PC, and vice versa. Apple and Google passkey managers do not share credentials with each other or with Windows Hello.
- FIDO2 security keys are portable, not synced. The passkey lives on the physical key itself. It works on any device you plug it into regardless of platform, but it does not sync wirelessly.
If Your Device Is Not Supported
If your device runs an OS version below the minimums in the table above, or does not appear in the device list, it cannot store a passkey. A FIDO2 hardware security key is the required alternative. It works on any computer with a USB port or NFC reader and does not depend on your device's OS version.
If you are not sure whether your device is supported, contact the ITS Help Desk before purchasing a security key.
Need Additional Support?
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact the ITS Help Desk:
- Call: (618) 650-5500
- Email: help@siue.edu
- Visit: Lovejoy Library Room 0005 during regular business hours.
This guide aims to provide useful information, but as technology changes, interfaces or steps might vary. Please use the Comment button to let us know if anything differs from your experience. Your feedback helps us keep this information accurate. Thank you!