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Overview
This guide walks you through setting up a Google Passkey on your Android device for your Columbia College account. Once complete, you will be able to sign in to Columbia College systems quickly and securely using your device's built-in biometrics or screen lock — no password required. This process takes approximately 6–7 minutes.
Applies to: Staff Faculty Students
✓ What You'll Be Able to Do
After completing this guide, you will have a fully configured Android passkey saved to your Google account that can be used to authenticate into Columbia College systems — without needing to enter your password.
Before You Begin (Prerequisites)
- An Android smartphone with screen lock enabled (fingerprint, face unlock, or PIN/pattern) and Bluetooth turned on.
- A separate computer (Windows or Mac) with an active internet connection and Bluetooth enabled.
- A Google account signed in on your Android device.
- Your Columbia College login credentials (email and password).
Step-by-Step Guide
Instructions
1 Navigate to Security Info on Your Computer
On your computer, open a web browser and go directly to the Microsoft Security Info page for your Columbia College account.
●Go to mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info and sign in with your Columbia College credentials if prompted.
●You will land on the Security info page showing your current sign-in methods.
2 Add a New Sign-In Method: Passkey
Initiate adding a passkey from the Security Info page.
●Click + Add sign-in method.
●In the Add a sign-in method dialog, select Passkey — described as "Sign in with your face, fingerprint, PIN or security key."
●Important: Do not select "Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator" — choose the standalone Passkey option.
3 Select Your Device Type
A Windows Security dialog will appear asking where to save your passkey.
●Select iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
4 Enable Bluetooth If Prompted
If your computer's Bluetooth is currently off, a prompt will appear before the QR code is displayed.
●If you see "Bluetooth is off", click Turn on Bluetooth to continue.
●If Bluetooth is already on, this screen will be skipped automatically and a QR code will appear.
5 Scan the QR Code and Confirm on Your Android Device
A QR code will appear on your computer screen. Use your Android phone to scan it and complete the passkey setup on your device.
●Open your phone's camera or QR code scanner and scan the QR code displayed on your computer screen.
●Tap the link that opens on your phone and select your preferred Google account to store the passkey.
●Authenticate using your phone's biometric method (fingerprint, face unlock, or PIN/pattern).
●Your computer will update to show "Device connected! Continue on your device" — this confirms the Bluetooth pairing was successful.
6 Name Your Passkey and Complete Setup
Back on your computer, you will be prompted to give your passkey a recognizable name before finalizing.
●In the "Let's name your passkey" dialog, enter a descriptive name (e.g., "google passkey", "Pixel 8", or "Galaxy S24").
●Click Next to save.
●Your passkey will now appear in your Security Info list as Passkey (Synced) — Google Password Manager and can be set as your default sign-in method by clicking Change next to your default sign-in method.
Important Note — Privacy & Biometric Data
Columbia College never receives or stores your biometric data (fingerprint or face scan). Biometric verification occurs entirely on your local device to unlock your passkey. Your passkey is synced and managed through Google Password Manager on your Android device.
Support & Assistance
Get Help
Need additional assistance setting up your passkey? Reach out using the appropriate link below: