MFA: Enroll a Passkey With Microsoft Authenticator App (iOS or Android)

Overview

This article provides step-by-step instructions for creating a device-bound Microsoft MFA passkey in the Microsoft Authenticator app. These instructions apply to both iOS and Android devices.

Important Information

What Is a Device-Bound Passkey?

Passkeys created in the Microsoft Authenticator app are device-bound, meaning the passkey is stored only on the device where it was created.

If the device is lost, damaged, or replaced, the passkey will not transfer to a new device and must be recreated. If this occurs, please contact the Help Desk for assistance.

Authenticator Passkeys vs. Authenticator Push Notifications

Using a passkey in Microsoft Authenticator is different from approving a Microsoft Authenticator push notification.

A passkey:

  • Allows passwordless sign-in
  • Uses your device's Face ID, fingerprint, PIN, or other secure unlock method
  • Verifies your identity using cryptographic credentials stored on the device

Multiple Passkeys Are Supported

You can register multiple passkeys for your NEOMED account.

For example, you may have:

  • A device-bound passkey in Microsoft Authenticator
  • A synchronized passkey stored in Apple Passwords (iCloud Keychain)
  • A synchronized passkey stored in Google Password Manager

Android Devices

Microsoft Authenticator must be enabled as a passkey provider to create a passkey within the app.

Depending on your Android version and device manufacturer, you may be prompted to enable Microsoft Authenticator as:

  • A preferred credential provider, or
  • An additional credential provider

during the enrollment process.

Path 1: You Do Not Currently Use Microsoft Authenticator with Your NEOMED Account

Step 1: Install Microsoft Authenticator

  1. Download and install Microsoft Authenticator from your device's app store.

Step 2: Add Your Account

  1. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app.
  2. Select Add work or school account.

Step 3: Sign In

  1. Sign in using your NEOMED account credentials.

Step 4: Secure Your Account

  1. On the Let's secure your account screen, select Continue.

  1. Complete your device's unlock method when prompted:
    • Face ID
    • Fingerprint
    • PIN
    • Passcode

Android Note: If Microsoft Authenticator is not already enabled as a passkey provider, you may be prompted to enable it during enrollment. The experience may vary by Android version and device manufacturer.

Step 5: Register the Device

  1. On the Register your device screen, select Register.

Step 6: Complete Device Security Registration

  1. On the Help us keep your device secure screen, select Register.
  2. Complete your device unlock method again when prompted.

Step 7: Finish Enrollment

  1. Select Done.

Your NEOMED account is now added to Microsoft Authenticator, and a device-bound passkey has been created.

Path 2: You Already Use Microsoft Authenticator with Your NEOMED Account

Step 1: Open Microsoft Authenticator

  1. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your smartphone.

Step 2: Select Your NEOMED Account

  1. Tap your NEOMED account.

Step 3: Create a Passkey

  1. Select Create a passkey.

Note: If Microsoft Authenticator has not previously been granted permission to use your device's biometric authentication or PIN, you will be prompted to allow access.

Step 4: Verify Your Identity

  1. Complete the device unlock method when prompted:
    • Face ID
    • Fingerprint
    • PIN
    • Passcode

Android Note: If Microsoft Authenticator is not enabled as a passkey provider, you may be prompted to configure it during enrollment. The exact screens may vary based on your Android device and operating system version.

Step 5: Complete Setup

  1. Select Done.

Your device-bound passkey has now been successfully created.

Verify the Passkey

To confirm the passkey was created:

  1. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app.
  2. Select your NEOMED account.
  3. Select Passkey.

The passkey details should be displayed, confirming that enrollment was successful.

Need Help?

If you experience issues enrolling or using a passkey, contact the NEOMED IT Help Desk.

  • Submit a ticket through the IT Service Portal (see Services above)
  • Email: help@neomed.edu
  • Phone: 330-325-6911
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