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Set Up a Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator

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Set Up a Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator

Audience: Fullerton College students and employees

Estimated time: 5–10 minutes

What Is a Passkey?

A passkey is a way to sign in to your Fullerton College Microsoft account using your device's security features, such as Face ID, a fingerprint, or your device PIN, instead of relying on a password and verification code.

Even if you already use Microsoft Authenticator to approve sign-in requests, you may need to set up a passkey separately.

Before you begin: This guide covers passkeys in Microsoft Authenticator. Your phone must meet Microsoft's requirements, and the option must be enabled for your Fullerton College account. If you don't see the option or your device isn't supported, don't remove your existing sign-in methods. Contact ACT for help with your available options.

Want a Quick Explanation?

Microsoft's short video, Passkeys explained in under four minutes, explains what passkeys are and how they help protect your account. (Watch the video on Microsoft's website)

Set Up Your Passkey

Before starting, make sure Microsoft Authenticator is installed on your iPhone or Android phone and your Fullerton College account is added.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Authenticator

Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone and select your Fullerton College work or school account.

Step 2: Start Passkey Setup

Look for the Create a passkey option and follow the on-screen instructions.

You may be asked to verify your identity, enable your phone's screen lock, or allow Authenticator to be used for passkeys.

Microsoft Authenticator showing the Create a passkey option

Step 3: Follow Your Phone's Instructions

Continue through the prompts to finish setting up your passkey.

The exact steps and settings vary depending on your phone and operating system. If the instructions differ from what you see, use Microsoft's official guide below.

Step 4: Confirm Setup

Complete the remaining prompts and confirm that your passkey has been added.

If you don't see the option or setup fails, don't remove your existing sign-in methods. Contact ACT for help.

Official Microsoft Instructions

Register passkeys in Microsoft Authenticator on Android and iOS devices — Microsoft Learn

(Use this guide for detailed instructions and device-specific settings.)

Important Things to Know

  • Your phone matters. Authenticator passkeys require a supported device and operating system. Not every phone that runs Authenticator can create a passkey.
  • Authenticator alone isn't a passkey. Having the app installed or using it for verification codes doesn't mean you've registered a passkey.
  • A new phone may require setup again. Passkeys created in Microsoft Authenticator are tied to that device and don't automatically transfer to a replacement phone.
  • Keep your existing sign-in methods. Don't remove a working method until you've confirmed your new sign-in method is set up and working.

For general account security, Authenticator setup, and other sign-in methods, see Manage Your Fullerton College Microsoft Account Security & Sign-In Methods.

Need Help?

Contact the ACT Help Desk:

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