Tutorial - Software Passkey Setup (Authenticator App)

See this step-by-step tutorial for creating a passkey in the Authenticator app on your mobile device.

Overview

Passkeys are a passwordless authentication method based on public key cryptography that is resistant to phishing and credential theft. There are two types:

• Yubikey USB device. Passkeys you create for accounts are stored on this device. Replaces your mobile phone or tablet. Authenticate using the Yubikey's PIN or biometric or tap. 
• Software passkeys. Passkeys you create for accounts are stored within an authenticator app on your mobile device, OS or cloud account. 

This tutorial shows how to set up a software passkey within the Microsoft 365 Authenticator app on your mobile device. 

Requirements and Prerequisites:

• Mobile phone or tablet
  • iOS 17 or Android 14 OS versions
  • Screen lock or biometrics enabled
  • Bluetooth enabled in range of computer
• Microsoft 365 Authenticator app
  • App must be set up on mobile device (download from app store)
  • See setup tutorial and other Authenticator info
• Computer
  • Bluetooth enabled in range of mobile device

Instructions

Step 1. On your computer...

Open Microsoft 365 Security info on your computer.

• Windows. Open Edge or Chrome and navigate to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info
  • Authenticate your identity with your current MFA method.
  • The Security info screen opens.
• macOS. Open Edge or Chrome and navigate to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info
  • NOTE: Safari browser does not support the passkey setup process.
  • Authenticate your identity with your current MFA method.
  • The Security info screen opens.
  • Already logged in? Click your name (bottom left), then click View Account.

Step 2. On your computer...

1. From the Security info screen, choose Add sign-in method. The Add a sign-in method dialog box opens.
2. From the Add a sign-in method dialog box, choose Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator.
3. Issues? Make sure you have enabled all prerequisites (see above).

Step 3. On your computer...

The dialog box, Create a passkey in Microsoft Authenticator, opens. Click Next.

Step 4. On your computer...

The Finish creating your passkey in Authenticator dialog box opens. Do not click Next (yet). Do open the Authenticator app on your mobile device to create the passkey.

Step 5. On your mobile device...

From your open Authenticator app, tap your East Carolina University account. This account is associated with your ECU email address. 

Step 6. On your mobile device...

After the ECU screen opens, tap Create a passkey under Other ways to sign in.

Step 7. On your mobile device...

Complete a fresh sign-in on your mobile device using your current MFA method.*

*If you are already using the Authenticator App for MFA for this account, you may have to tap the option on the bottom Get Codes to switch to the screen on your device to obtain the MFA TOTP Code required to complete the creation of the passkey.

Step 8. On your mobile device...

To enable Passwordless and Passkey Sign-in, a screen lock is required on your mobile device, if it is not already enabled.

Step 9. On your mobile device...

You may be prompted to enable Authenticator as a passkey provider on your device if this is not already enabled.

Step 10. On your mobile device...

If all settings meet the requirements, the passkey is added to your device.