find passkey

Debbie Redleaf 0 Reputation points
2026-09-06T19:43:45.6366667+00:00

I scanned the QR you gave me on my computer. Can't find passkey

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Accounts, profiles, and login
0 comments

3 answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest

  1. AI answer

    2026-09-06T19:43:59.68+00:00

    If the QR code was scanned but the passkey cannot be found, the most likely causes are:

    1. The passkey was saved on the phone or tablet that scanned the QR code, not on the Windows PC.
    2. The sign-in process timed out or a step was not completed before the device timed out.
    3. Bluetooth was not enabled on both devices, or the devices were not close enough and connected to the internet.
    4. On Android, the passkey may have been saved in the wrong profile. If it was created with a camera or authenticator app in the Personal profile for a work account, it must be recreated in the Work profile.

    What to do next:

    1. Try the sign-in again from the site or app.
    2. On the computer, choose Use passkey from another device or Sign-in options > Face, fingerprint, PIN or security key > iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
    3. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices.
    4. Keep both devices near each other and connected to the internet.
    5. Scan the QR code again with the device that should hold the passkey.
    6. On iPhone, select Sign in with passkey. On Android, select Use passkey to sign in.

    If the passkey still does not appear:

    • Check that the phone or tablet has a screen lock enabled, because passkeys cannot be used on a device without face, fingerprint, or PIN authentication.
    • If a message says the passkey is no longer valid or cannot be used, set up a new passkey and delete any old passkeys that no longer apply.
    • If using an Android Work profile, recreate the passkey in the Work profile.

    If the passkey was deleted, it cannot be recovered and must be created again.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

  2. Bulldog 4,315 Reputation points
    2026-09-06T21:02:30.34+00:00

    Microsoft Q&A is a community forum, so 'we' didn't give you anything. ((:-)

    You can't see a passkey. It's securely stored inside the computer's TPM, where it's safe from attack.

    Also: You need more than a QR code to receive a passkey. I have a feeling you really mean multifactor authentication. The most common way to add a website to your phone's authenticator app is to scan a QR code with your phone. Once you scan the QR code, the website appears in the phone's authenticator app, and then the website will ask you to enter 6-digit number you see in the app.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Thomas4-N 21,530 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-09T10:13:10.01+00:00

    Hello Debbie Redleaf,

    Scanning the QR code does not display a passkey that you can copy. It normally saves the passkey to the phone, password manager, security key, or Windows Hello location selected during setup.

    Could you clarify:

    • Which website or account were you setting up?
    • Did you scan the QR code with an iPhone, Android phone, or Microsoft Authenticator?
    • Are you trying to use the passkey on the computer or manage/delete it?

    Please do not post the QR code or any account details here.

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.