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How to Fix Passkey and PIN Sign-In Problems on Windows with iPhone
Question details
The user needs to fix a passkey error that occurs when trying to reset a Windows PIN using an iPhone after a recent software update.
- Product
- Windows / iOS Passkey
- Device & OS
- Windows, iOS
- Scenario
- Resetting a Windows PIN using a cross-device passkey stored on an iPhone.
- Observed behavior
- A sign-in error message appears during the authentication process, indicating the passkey is not registered, unrecognized, or outdated.
Make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on both your Windows PC and your iPhone, as cross-device passkey authentication requires physical proximity verified via Bluetooth.
Remove Obsolete Passkeys and Register a New One
Clear out outdated passkeys that may have been orphaned during the software update, then create a fresh passkey.
After a system update, existing passkeys may become unsynced or orphaned, leading to registration errors during sign-in. Clearing the old data and setting up a new passkey usually resolves this issue.
Navigate to your Microsoft account or specific service security settings on your Windows device.
Locate the passkey or sign-in options, find the passkey previously saved for your iPhone, and select the option to remove or delete it.
Click on 'Add a new way to sign in' or 'Create a passkey', and follow the on-screen prompts to register a new credential.
When prompted to choose where to save the passkey, select your iPhone and scan the QR code if necessary to save the new credential securely.
Verify Bluetooth and Network Connections
Ensure both devices are properly communicating during the cross-device sign-in process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my passkey say it is not registered after an update?
Software updates can sometimes reset security tokens or cause existing passkeys to become orphaned. This means the device remembers the passkey, but the server no longer recognizes it. Deleting the old passkey and setting up a new one will fix this issue.
Do I have to use Bluetooth for cross-device passkeys?
Yes, cross-device passkey authentication between a Windows PC and an iPhone requires Bluetooth to be enabled on both devices. This ensures that the devices are physically close to each other, adding an essential layer of security.
What if I can't delete the passkey on a work or school account?
Enterprise and educational accounts often have strict security policies managed by the organization. If you cannot remove or reset your passkey independently, you must contact your IT administrator to clear your authentication methods.
