If your Microsoft account passkey is not working, start with the exact error message and check where the passkey is saved. A passkey can still be valid but unavailable to the device, browser, or work profile currently handling sign-in. Before removing anything, make sure you have another way into the account and can create a replacement.
Start with the error message
Microsoft lists separate fixes for common passkey errors, so use the message on screen to narrow the cause instead of resetting unrelated credentials. See Microsoft’s passkey troubleshooting guide for the current symptom-by-symptom instructions.
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- “No passkeys available”: Check whether the passkey is saved in another provider, device, or profile, and whether that provider is available in the current sign-in flow.
- “This passkey can no longer be used” or an invalid-passkey message: The credential may have been deleted or an authentication method may have changed. If you can sign in another way, create a replacement before removing the old entry.
- QR code will not appear or the phone cannot complete sign-in: Check Bluetooth on both devices, their proximity, and internet access.
- “External security key not found”: Reconnect the USB or NFC key and respond to the prompt promptly, following the key maker’s instructions.
- “We couldn’t use your device to verify your identity” or “Something went wrong”: Check screen-lock setup, compatibility, and whether the passkey is stored in the place the sign-in flow is checking.
Check the device lock and passkey storage location
Microsoft says a device needs a screen lock—such as a PIN, face recognition, or fingerprint—to use its passkeys. Set up or unlock the device’s screen-lock method, then try again.
Next, identify where the passkey was created. It may be saved on one device only, stored in a synced passkey manager, or held by another device. Open the relevant provider and check the Microsoft account’s saved passkeys. Microsoft explains the distinction between synced and device-bound passkeys in its passkey overview and provides management steps in Manage your saved passkeys.
#1 Best Overall
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
If you replaced or reset a phone or computer, the passkey may not have moved with it. Microsoft notes, “If you get a new device, you may need to set up your passkeys again.”
Fix phone-to-computer QR sign-in
When a phone supplies a passkey for sign-in on a computer, enable Bluetooth on both devices. Keep them nearby and make sure both are online. They do not need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If the QR code never appears, Microsoft advises checking Bluetooth first.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
An employer or school may disable cross-device Bluetooth sign-in, so a missing option on a managed account may be policy-related rather than a fault with your phone.
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Check platform and browser compatibility
Microsoft’s published minimum requirements, reviewed October 4, 2026, are listed below. Meeting a minimum does not guarantee that every browser, passkey provider, device configuration, or organization policy will work.
Rank #3
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
| Component | Microsoft’s listed minimum |
|---|---|
| Windows | Windows 10 or newer |
| macOS | macOS Ventura or newer |
| ChromeOS | ChromeOS 109 or newer |
| iOS | iOS 16 or newer |
| Android | Android 9 or newer |
| Microsoft Authenticator passkeys | iOS 17 or Android 14 or newer |
| Browsers | Edge 109 or newer, Safari 16 or newer, or Chrome 109 or newer |
| Microsoft Password Manager | Edge 142 or newer, for a personal profile |
Update an unsupported device or browser, then retry the sign-in. The detailed requirements are in Microsoft’s passkey overview.
Check the Android work profile
A passkey saved in an Android phone’s personal profile may not be available to an app or browser operating in the work profile. Create the passkey inside the work profile instead. If you intend to save it there, do not scan the work sign-in QR code using the personal-profile camera. Work and school administrators can also restrict available passkey options; see Microsoft’s passkey creation guidance.
Rank #4
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
Sign in another way, then replace an invalid passkey
- Use another sign-in method offered on the Microsoft sign-in screen, such as a password or another security method already associated with the account.
- Once signed in, add a new passkey in a supported location that you can access from the device and profile you use.
- Test the new passkey in a fresh sign-in before deleting an entry you no longer use.
- After confirming the replacement works, remove only the obsolete passkey from the saved-passkey settings.
Removing all security information is different from removing one obsolete passkey: Microsoft says doing so can place an account in a restricted state for 30 days. During that period, security and billing changes cannot be accepted, although the account remains open and usable for email, OneDrive, and devices. Review Microsoft’s saved-passkey management instructions before making account-wide security changes.
Reconnect a physical security key
If you use a FIDO2 security key, reconnect it by USB or NFC and complete the prompt within the time allowed. Check that the key and connection type are compatible with the device you are using, and follow the manufacturer’s setup instructions. Microsoft documents the personal-account flow in Sign in to your account with a security key. A physical key is an optional sign-in method; it will not fix a passkey saved to the wrong profile, an outdated browser, or a policy restriction.
Best Value
- Security Key : Protect your online accounts against unauthorized access by using FIDO2 and U2F authentication with T110. It's the world's most protective security key that works with windows, Mac OS, Linux as well as Chrome, Firefox, Edge and many other major browsers.
- Certified with the new FIDO2 standard, T110 provides the benefit of fast login and strong protection against phishing, account takeover as well as many other online attactks.
- Works with : Bank of America, Github, Google, Microsoft, DUO, Twitter, Facebook, Dropbox, Apple, ebay, BINANCE, mor and more.
- Fits USB-A port : Insert the T110 security key into the USB-A port of each service and log in conveniently with one touch
- For the driver download and user guide, please visit TrustKey Solutions Home support page.
If you still cannot access the account
Use Microsoft’s sign-in helper and passkey troubleshooting guidance if no offered method works. Microsoft Support agents cannot send password-reset links or change account details, so use the account recovery and sign-in flows available through Microsoft.
Quick Recap
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