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Passkey Setup Instructions

Passkey Setup Instructions

UA LITTLE ROCK IT SERVICES

Instruction Guide: Going Passwordless

Setting up Passkeys & YubiKeys for your UA Little Rock Account

 

 

Overview

UA Little Rock is moving toward a "Passwordless" environment to increase security and simplify the sign-in process. Passkeys are phishing-resistant credentials that replace your password with your device's biometrics (FaceID/Fingerprint) or a physical hardware key.

 

 

Method 1: Use your Phone as a Passkey (Bluetooth)

Best for: Users who want to use their smartphone to unlock their campus computer via Bluetooth.

Requirements:

  • Smartphone: Android 14+ or iOS 17+.

  • Computer: Bluetooth must be turned ON for both the phone and the computer.

  • App: Latest version of Microsoft Authenticator.

Steps:

  1. Open Microsoft Authenticator on your phone and tap your UA Little Rock account tile.

    image-20260602-180903.png

  2. Tap "Create a passkey".

    image-20260602-181450.png

     

  3. On your laptop/desktop, go to mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info.

  4. Click + Add sign-in method and select Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator.

    image-20260423-121051.png

  5. A QR code will appear on your computer screen. Scan it with your phone's system camera (not the scanner inside the Authenticator app).

  6. Follow the prompts on your phone to approve the Bluetooth "handshake."

  7. Once verified via FaceID/Fingerprint, your phone is now your passkey!

 

 

 

 

Method 2: Use a Physical Security Key (YubiKey)

Best for: Users who prefer a dedicated hardware device or don't want to use a personal phone.

Steps:

  1. On your computer, navigate to mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info.

  2. Click + Add sign-in method and select Security key. (See Image B above).

  3. Choose USB device when prompted.

  4. Insert your YubiKey into an available USB port.

  5. Windows will prompt you to "Set up your security key." Create a Security Key PIN .

    image-20260423-121144.png

  6. When the gold sensor on your YubiKey starts flashing, touch it with your finger.

  7. Name your key (e.g., "Work YubiKey") and click Done.

 

 

Compatibility Note: To use your phone as a passkey with the Microsoft Authenticator app, your device must be running Android 14+ or iOS 17+. If you are on an older version of Android, please use a YubiKey or your computer's built-in Windows Hello instead.

image-20260423-121238.png

⚠️ DEVICE LIMITATION: Some older Android 14 devices—specifically the OnePlus 9 series and certain Moto G models—cannot currently store passkeys inside the Microsoft Authenticator app due to manufacturer software restrictions.

If you own one of these devices: > * Method A (Phone as Passkey) will likely fail.

  • Recommendation: Please use Method B (YubiKey) or your laptop's built-in Windows Hello (fingerprint/face) as your primary passkey instead.

 

Troubleshooting & Compatibility FAQ

Q: I get an error saying "Your device doesn't support passkeys in some apps... update to Android 15." What do I do? 

A: This is a known issue for specific phones like the OnePlus 9 Pro, OnePlus 11, and some Motorola models. Even though these phones run Android 14, the manufacturer did not include the necessary software components for Microsoft Authenticator passkeys.

  • Note: The OnePlus 9 Pro will not receive an update to Android 15. If you see this message, you cannot use your phone as a passkey via Method A. Please use Method B (YubiKey) instead.

Q: Can I use my phone's browser to set up the passkey if the app fails? 

A: If Method A fails, you can try registering your phone's built-in "Google Password Manager" passkey by visiting mysignins.microsoft.com in your phone's Chrome browser. However, for the most reliable experience at UALR, we recommend using a YubiKey.

Q: My computer doesn't have Bluetooth. Can I still use Method A? 

A: No. Bluetooth is required for the "security handshake" between your phone and your computer. If your desktop lacks Bluetooth, you must use Method B (YubiKey).

Q: What if I lose my phone or my YubiKey? 

A: Always have a backup! We recommend registering two methods (e.g., your phone AND a YubiKey, or your phone AND Windows Hello). If you are locked out, contact the UALR Help Desk at 501-916-3011 for a temporary Access Pass.

Q: Does this work on Macs? 

A: Yes! If you are using a MacBook or iMac on campus, you can use TouchID as your passkey or a USB-C YubiKey. The setup process on the "My Sign-ins" page is exactly the same.

 

 


Need Help?

If you encounter any issues during setup, please contact the UALR Help Desk:

  • Website: IT Services help

  • Phone: 501-916-3011

  • Location: Student Services Center (TRA) 105