QR code passkey?

Question

can you explain, like i'm a fourth grader, how to sign up to use the QR code passkey?

Answer 1

Here’s a simple, kid-friendly way to start using a QR code passkey with Microsoft Authenticator on Android.

Think of it like this: your computer is asking, “Who are you?” and your phone answers by showing your face, fingerprint, or PIN. The QR code is the “secret handshake” between them.

Part 1 – Get ready on your phone (Android)

1. On your Android phone, install the Microsoft Authenticator app from Google Play if it isn’t there already.
2. On your phone, open Settings.
3. Go to Passwords & Accounts (the name might be a little different on some phones).
4. Look for Additional providers and turn on or enable Authenticator.
   • This tells your phone that Authenticator is allowed to store and use passkeys.

Part 2 – Start passkey setup on your computer

1. On your computer, open a web browser and go to My Security info: https://aka.ms/mysecurityinfo.
2. Sign in to your account and finish any security check (like a code or existing sign-in method).
3. On the Security info page, choose + Add sign-in method.
4. Pick Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator (preview), then choose Add.
5. Complete the multifactor authentication (MFA) step if asked, then select Next.
6. When it asks what kind of device, choose Android.

Part 3 – Connect your phone with a QR code

1. Make sure Bluetooth and the internet are turned on for both your phone and your computer.
2. On the computer, follow the steps until a QR code shows up on the screen.
3. On your Android phone, open the camera app (or in Authenticator, tap Add work or school account > Scan QR Code).
4. Point the camera at the QR code on your computer screen.
5. On your phone, tap Use passkey or similar when it appears.
6. Your phone will show a screen from Android asking you to prove it’s you:
   • Use your face, fingerprint, or device PIN/unlock pattern.
7. When you finish, the passkey is saved in Microsoft Authenticator.

Now, next time you sign in on a computer that supports this, you can:

1. Go to the app or site (like Office).
2. Choose Other ways to sign in or Sign-in options.
3. Pick Face, fingerprint, PIN, or security key.
4. A QR code appears.
5. Scan it with your phone’s camera.
6. Approve with your face, fingerprint, or PIN.
7. You’re signed in—no password typed.

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References:

• Set up a passkey in Microsoft Authenticator
• Sign in with a passkey in Microsoft Authenticator
• Register passkeys in Authenticator on Android or iOS devices
• Sign in with a passkey (FIDO2) for your work or school account