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Overview
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to set up a passkey on your Apple mobile device. A passkey is a secure method of verifying your identity that uses public-key cryptography rather than a verification code through a text message.
Applies to: Faculty Staff Students
Before You Begin (Prerequisites)
- Have your Apple mobile device available.
- Ensure Face ID, Touch ID, or a device passcode is configured on your device.
- You may be prompted to complete your existing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) method before adding a passkey.
- This process takes approximately 2–3 minutes to complete.
Step-by-Step Guide
Instructions
1 Open Your Security Information
On your Apple mobile device, navigate to your Microsoft account security info page.
●Visit aka.ms/mysignins in your mobile browser.
●Tap +Add sign-in method.
2 Add a Passkey
Select the passkey option from the list of available sign-in methods.
●Choose Passkey from the dropdown menu.
●Tap Add to proceed.
3 Create the Passkey on Your Apple Device
Authenticate locally on your Apple device to generate and store your passkey securely.
●Tap Next when prompted by Microsoft.
●Verify your identity using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode. (Note: This verification occurs entirely on your local Apple device.)
4 Name Your Passkey
Give your passkey a clear, recognizable name so you can identify it later in your registered methods.
●Enter a descriptive name for your device (e.g., iPhone 15 – Personal or iPad Pro – Work).
●Tap Save or Next to confirm.
5 Confirm Your Passkey
Verify that your new passkey is listed under your registered sign-in methods.
●Check your Security Info page to ensure the newly created passkey appears in your list of methods.
Important Note / Tip
Microsoft is moving away from SMS and voice-based authentication on February 1st, 2027, and recommends using stronger authentication methods such as passkeys. Columbia College does not receive or store the biometric information used to unlock the passkey.
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