In This Guide
Google made passkeys the default sign-in option for personal Google accounts back in October 2023, so many Android users already have one without realising. Adding a passkey doesn't remove your existing recovery options.
1. Create a Passkey for Your Google Account
- On your phone, open Settings → Google → Manage your Google Account → Security.
- Under "How you sign in to Google", choose Passkeys and security keys → Create a passkey.
- Confirm with your fingerprint, face or screen lock.
Google's help: Sign in with a passkey instead of a password.
2. Using Your Android Phone for Microsoft and myGov
When Microsoft or myGov offers a passkey, Android saves it to Google Password Manager by default and syncs it to your other Android devices signed in to the same Google account. myGov needs Android 9 or later.
For a Microsoft work or school account, the passkey normally goes into Microsoft Authenticator. Microsoft recommends Android 15 for this; on Android 14 the option may not appear. See our Microsoft passkey guide.
3. Samsung Phones
Samsung phones can save passkeys in Samsung Pass or in Google Password Manager. Pick one and stick with it — having passkeys split across two managers is a common reason people "can't find" theirs later. Check under Settings → General management → Passwords, passkeys and autofill.
4. The Work-Profile Trap
If your phone has a separate work profile, a passkey saved in the personal side won't work for your work account, and you'll see "We couldn't sign you in". Create the passkey inside the work profile, and don't scan the QR code with the personal camera app.
Android Phone Playing Up?
We set up passkeys, Authenticator and myGov on your Android phone and check they sync properly.
Book HelpSources
Google — Passkeys on Android · Google — Sign in with a passkey · Microsoft — Troubleshoot passkeys · myGov — Use passkeys. Checked 11 October 2026.