MFA: Adding Sign-in Method - Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator on Mobile Device

Summary

This article explains how to set up a Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator as a multi-factor authentication (MFA) sign-in method for your USNH account on your Android or iOS mobile device.  A passkey lets you sign in without a password by verifying yourself with your device's biometric authentication (such as Face ID or a fingerprint) or device PIN/passcode.  

We recommend setting up at least two sign-in methods on two different devices, such as the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone plus a passkey on your computer, so you are not locked out if you lose access to one device.

 

Before you Begin

You will need:

 

How-To

Add a Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator on iOS

 

Task: To add a Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator on iOS

Requires a computer and an iPhone or iPad running iOS 17 or later.

Instructions

Step 1 - On your computer, go to:  myaccount.microsoft.com  

Step 2 - In the left hand navigation panel, expand My Account then choose Security Info. The Security Info page times out very quickly for security purposes. If prompted, sign in again. 

Step 3 - Confirm that Microsoft Authenticator is listed as an existing sign-in method.

Step 4 -  Click Add sign-in method.

Security info with list of MFA sign-in methods and link to Add sign-in method.

 

Step 5 -  Select Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator.

Add Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator marked.

 

Step 6 -  In the Create a passkey in Microsoft Authenticator box, review the requirements, then click Next.

Step 7 -  A Finish creating your passkey in Authenticator screen will appear. Continue on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 8 -  On your iPhone or iPad, open the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Step 9 - Tap on your USNH (like jbd2519@usnh.edu) account. 

Step 10 - Under Other ways to sign in, tap Create a passkey.

Step 11  - On the Let's create your passkey screen, tap Sign in.

Step 12 - Enter your password, then tap Sign in.

Step 13 - Follow the on-screen instructions to complete verification, then tap Continue.

Step 14 - Wait while your passkey is created.

Step 15 - You will see a Passkey created confirmation screen.  Tap Done.

Step 16 - Back on your computer, click Next.

Step 17 - You will see a Passkey created confirmation screen.  Click Done.

Step 18 -  You should now see Passkey (Device bound); Microsoft Authenticator listed as a sign-in method under Security info.

 

Outcome

You have successfully added a device-bound passkey in Microsoft Authenticator as an MFA sign-in method for your USNH account. If this is the only sign-in method on your account, we recommend adding a second one on a different device before you finish.

 

 

Add a Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator on Android

 

Task: To add a Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator on Android

Requires a computer and an Android device running Android 14 or later.

Instructions

Step 1 - On your computer, go to:  myaccount.microsoft.com  

Step 2 - In the left hand navigation panel, expand My Account then choose Security Info. The Security Info page times out very quickly for security purposes. If prompted, sign in again. 

Step 3 - Confirm that Microsoft Authenticator is listed as an existing sign-in method.

Step 4 -  Click Add sign-in method.

Security info with list of MFA sign-in methods and link to Add sign-in method.

 

Step 5 -  Select Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator.

Add Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator marked.

 

Step 6 -  In the Create a passkey in Microsoft Authenticator box, review the requirements, then click Next.

Step 7 -  A Finish creating your passkey in Authenticator screen will appear. Continue on your Android device.

Step 8 -  On your Android device, open the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Step 9 - Tap on your USNH (like jbd2519@usnh.edu) account. 

Step 10 - Under Other ways to sign in, tap Create a passkey.

Step 11  - On the Let's create your passkey screen, tap Sign in.

Step 12 - Enter your password, then tap Sign in.

Step 13 - Follow the on-screen instructions to complete verification, then tap Continue.

Step 14 - If prompted, follow the on-screen instructions to allow Authenticator to use passkeys.

Step 15 - Once Authenticator is enabled for passkeys, tap Continue.

Step 16 - Wait while your passkey is created.

Step 17 - You will see a Passkey created confirmation screen.  Tap Done.

Step 18 - Back on your computer, click Next.

Step 19 - You will see a Passkey created confirmation screen.  Click Done.

Step 20 -  You should now see Passkey (Device bound); Microsoft Authenticator listed as a sign-in method under Security info.

 

Outcome

You have successfully added a device-bound passkey in Microsoft Authenticator as an MFA sign-in method for your USNH account. If this is the only sign-in method on your account, we recommend adding a second one on a different device before you finish.

 

 

Further Readings

MFA: Installing the Microsoft Authenticator App

MFA: Setting up the Microsoft Authenticator App for M365 - using a computer (recommended method)

MFA: Setting up Microsoft Authenticator App using Mobile Phone/Device only

 

Need additional help?

Visit the Technology Help Desk Support page to locate your local campus contact information or to submit an online technology support request.  For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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