Before replacing, trading in, or factory-resetting a phone or computer, confirm where each important passkey is stored and prove you can sign in without relying on that device. Synced passkeys may appear on a replacement after you sign in to the same credential-manager account; device-bound passkeys and hardware security keys do not necessarily transfer with a backup. Keep the old device until you have tested the new sign-in and recovery routes.
Will your passkeys transfer to the new device?
It depends on the passkey’s storage location, not just whether you restore a phone backup. A passkey may be synchronized by a credential manager, stored only on one device, or registered on a separate physical security key. Each has different recovery requirements.
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| Where the passkey is stored | What to expect on a replacement | What access or fallback you need |
|---|---|---|
| Synced credential manager, such as Apple Passwords/iCloud Keychain or Google Password Manager | It may be available after you sign in to the same manager account and complete any required recovery or verification. A device backup alone does not confirm that the manager account can be recovered. | Access to the manager account and its recovery methods; also make sure the replacement supports the manager and passkey sign-in. |
| Local or device-bound storage, such as a passkey saved only on the old device | Do not assume it will sync or transfer. You may need to create a new passkey on the replacement and remove the old entry afterward. | The old device until new access is tested, plus another supported sign-in or recovery method. |
| FIDO2 hardware security key | The key is a separately registered sign-in option, not a copy of a phone’s passkey. | The physical key, a compatible connector/device, and advance registration with each account where you want to use it. A backup key is useful if you choose this approach. |
Microsoft says a passkey stored in a synced credential manager—including Microsoft Password Manager, Google Password Manager, or Apple iCloud Keychain—may be usable on a replacement device through that manager. If it was stored only on the old device, create a new passkey on the replacement and then remove obsolete entries. See Microsoft’s guidance on managing saved passkeys and creating and saving a passkey.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteGoogle says passwords and passkeys saved in Google Password Manager can be used on devices signed in to the same Google Account. The replacement still needs the appropriate account sign-in and local screen lock. See Google’s instructions for using passwords and passkeys across devices and its passkey sign-in and management guidance.
#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.
Before you reset or trade in the old device
- Make an account-and-storage inventory. List the accounts that matter—such as email, banking, work, and cloud storage—and identify the passkey location for each: a synced manager, local device storage, or hardware key. Note which manager account and provider control each one.
- Confirm account recovery before changing devices. Check that you know the provider password or have another accepted sign-in route. Verify recovery email, trusted phone number, and any required two-step verification method. Do not erase or sign out of your only trusted device until you have confirmed another route works.
- Prepare the replacement. Update its operating system and browser, set a screen lock, and sign in to the intended credential manager. Where relevant, check that the right password manager or autofill service is selected. A passkey stored in a manager may not be usable until the manager account and device are set up.
- Sign in and add replacement methods. Use the synced passkey if it is available. If a passkey was local to the old device or is missing, sign in another way and create a replacement passkey for the account. For important accounts, register an independent method too, such as a passkey on another device or a compatible FIDO2 security key.
- Test a fresh sign-in. Confirm that the replacement method works while you still have the old device and recovery options. If it is safe for that account, sign out and complete a fresh sign-in; otherwise, use the service’s available security or passkey check without ending your only working session. Make sure recovery does not depend solely on the device you are about to erase.
- Remove stale access, then wipe the device. After testing, remove the retired or lost device’s passkey from the service account where account controls allow it. Check the credential manager too: deleting a passkey from the service does not necessarily remove its saved copy from the manager. Sign the old device out of accounts and factory-reset it only after the replacement route is verified.
Provider-specific checks
Apple devices and iCloud Keychain
Apple describes recovery of iCloud Keychain on a new device as an account-authentication process. For first-time sign-in on a new device, Apple says you need your Apple Account password and a six-digit verification code delivered to a trusted device or trusted phone number. Before resetting the old device, confirm you can receive that code through a route that will remain available. See Apple’s information about passkey security.
Google Accounts and Android
Google’s passkey guidance says to keep the device screen lock enabled, and it provides account controls for reviewing and removing passkeys. If a passkey is unavailable, use another sign-in method. For an Android-to-iPhone move, Google’s checklist treats recovery-information updates, passkey setup, data transfer, verification, and resetting the old Android phone as separate tasks; it advises keeping the old phone during the change. See Google’s passkey sign-in guidance and its Android-to-iPhone checklist.
Rank #2
- 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
Microsoft personal accounts
First establish whether the saved passkey is in a synced manager or only on the device. If it is local and will not be available on the replacement, create the new passkey before deleting the old one. Microsoft Support’s instruction is: “Set up new passkeys first, then check your account for passkeys that no longer apply and delete them.” Read Microsoft’s passkey sign-in troubleshooting guidance.
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Organization policies can limit which passkey methods are allowed, including whether synced passkeys are available. Check your employer or school’s instructions before migrating, and contact the administrator if the replacement device cannot register or use the required method. Microsoft Entra administrators can consult Microsoft Learn’s guidance on enabling synced passkeys.
Rank #3
- 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
Use a security key as an additional route, not a restore tool
A FIDO2 security key can be a separate sign-in method if the service supports it and you register it with that account in advance. It will not recreate or recover a passkey that was stored only on a lost device. Google Account guidance supports passkeys on FIDO2 keys and recommends a primary key plus at least one backup key for people using keys with Advanced Protection. Check the account’s supported methods and the key’s connector compatibility with your devices before relying on it. See Google’s guidance on security keys and Advanced Protection.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If the old device is lost or already reset
- Try the account’s recovery route or another registered sign-in method; do not assume the missing device’s passkey can be restored from a general device backup.
- For synced passkeys, recover access to the credential-manager account on a trusted replacement device, following that provider’s current verification steps.
- For a lost device, remove it from the relevant account’s device or passkey controls where available, and revoke its passkey if the service offers that control.
- Once back in, add and test a replacement passkey or another supported method, then review both the service’s passkey list and the credential manager for stale entries.
Exact recovery options vary by provider, operating system, browser, and—especially for work or school accounts—organization policy. Check the current instructions for the account and platform you actually use.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The information below is per-pack only
- 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.
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.
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