Recover a passkey from Bitwarden, iCloud Keychain, or your device
If you changed phones or wiped a laptop, you can usually restore your passkey from your manager or from your platform account, then sign in again.
Step 1: check your manager
- Bitwarden: sign into the Bitwarden app or extension, open Vault, and search for the site name. If passkeys are enabled, you will see a passkey item and can use it when the site asks for a passkey.
- iCloud Keychain: on an Apple device signed into your Apple ID, open Settings, then Passwords, and search for the site entry. Use Face ID or Touch ID to view and select Use passkey during sign in.
Step 2: use a platform passkey
- Android and Google account: on an Android device or Chrome desktop where you are signed into your Google account, choose Use passkey. Approve with your device screen lock.
- Windows Hello: on Windows with Edge or Chrome, choose Use passkey and approve with Windows Hello or your PIN.
Step 3: re-enroll if needed
If the site cannot find a passkey, sign in with any fallback the site offers and create a new passkey on the device you plan to use. If the site is passkey only, contact the site to restore access as documented on its support page.
Common errors and fixes
- No passkey prompt: update the browser, disable aggressive extensions, and try again.
- Wrong account: confirm you are signed into the correct Apple ID or Google account and select the right profile in the browser.
- Biometric not available: set up Face ID, Touch ID, or a device PIN, then retry.
- Sync delay: managers can take a minute to sync. Wait, then try again.
Keep a backup
- Store a passkey in a manager that supports sync, such as Bitwarden, or make one on more than one device.
- Do not write down passkeys; they are not usable as text and should be stored by the device or manager.
More help
- Create: Create a device passkey
- Basics: Passkeys basics
- All passkey posts: https://blog.1sttrip.com/search?q=passkeys
Ask Travel Mat™ for more details!