How to set a passkey for Xbox profile sign-in

This guide walks you through adding a passkey to your Microsoft account, which can then be used for a more secure and convenient sign-in experience on your Xbox console. Success means you can sign into your Xbox profile using your device's biometrics (like a fingerprint or face scan) or a PIN instead of your traditional password.

Note: Steps can vary by console generation, system software, region, and account type. This guide uses safe, general methods.

Quick Answer

Sign in to your Microsoft account on a web browser or your Xbox console.
Navigate to the Security settings.
Look for the Advanced security options or Passkey section.
Select Add a new way to sign in or Add a passkey.
Follow the on-screen prompts to create a passkey using your device's security method.
On your Xbox, you may need to enable passwordless sign-in in your account preferences.

If this doesn’t work, jump to Diagnose the issue below.

What you need

Before you start

Your Microsoft account email and current password.
Access to a web browser on a PC, phone, or tablet, or your Xbox console.
A device that supports passkeys (most modern smartphones, laptops, or security keys).
Your Xbox console connected to the internet and updated.
Two-step verification may need to be enabled on your account first.

Good to know

A passkey is a modern replacement for your password, tied to your device.
You can use the same passkey across devices signed into the same ecosystem (e.g., Windows Hello, iCloud Keychain).
Setting it up on the web is often the most reliable method.
Your console must support the latest system updates for full passkey integration.
You can have multiple passkeys for different devices.
If you lose the device storing your passkey, you can remove it from your account online.

Diagnose the issue in 2 minutes

Check 1 — Where are you trying to set up the passkey?

Are you using a web browser/phone or directly on the Xbox console? The setup process differs.

What you should see: Clear instructions to add a passkey in your account's security settings.

Check 2 — Is your Microsoft account in good standing?

Can you sign in normally with your password? Are there any security holds or required verifications?

What you should see: Successful sign-in to account.live.com with no error messages.

Check 3 — Does your device support passkeys?

Is your phone, laptop, or security key modern enough to create a passkey? Check the manufacturer's specs.

What you should see: An option to create a passkey using biometrics or a PIN on that device.

Check 4 — Is your Xbox console software up to date?

Older system software might not fully support new sign-in methods like passkeys.

What you should see: The console has the latest update installed automatically or manually.

If you identify the branch that matches your case, follow the steps below and use the scenario cards for faster fixes.

Step-by-step guide

Step 1 — Sign in to your Microsoft account online

This is the primary method for managing advanced security settings, including passkeys.

Open a web browser on a PC or smartphone.
Go to the Microsoft account security page (account.microsoft.com/security).
Sign in with your email and current password.

What you should see: Your account dashboard with a "Security" section.

Step 2 — Navigate to Advanced security options

This is where you manage all your sign-in methods beyond the password.

On the Security page, look for a link or card titled "Advanced security options".
Click on it. You may need to verify your identity again.

What you should see: A page with headings like "Two-step verification" and "Passwordless account".

Step 3 — Add a new passkey

This creates the cryptographic key on your chosen device.

Find the section for "Ways to prove who you are" or "Passkeys".
Click on Add a new way to sign in or verify or Add a passkey.
Choose the type of device you want to use (e.g., "This device" or "A different device").

What you should see: A dialog from your browser or operating system prompting you to create a passkey.

Step 4 — Follow your device's creation prompt

Your device (phone, laptop) will guide you through the secure setup.

If using a laptop with Windows Hello, it may ask for your fingerprint or face scan.
If using a phone, you might be asked to scan a QR code and use your phone's biometrics.
Confirm the creation and give the passkey a recognizable name (e.g., "John's iPhone").

What you should see: A confirmation that the passkey has been saved to your device and linked to your Microsoft account.

Step 5 — Enable passwordless sign-in for Xbox (if needed)

Your console might need a setting adjusted to use the new passkey method.

On your Xbox, go to Settings > Account > Sign-in, security & passkey.
Look for an option like "Change my sign-in & security preferences".
Select the option that allows sign-in with a passkey or without a password.

What you should see: A confirmation that your sign-in preferences have been updated.

Step 6 — Test the new sign-in method

Verify everything works by signing out and back in.

Sign out of your profile on the Xbox.
Select your profile to sign back in.
Instead of entering a password, you should be prompted to use your passkey.
Approve the sign-in on your registered device (e.g., tap a notification on your phone).

What you should see: You are signed into your Xbox profile without entering a password.

Xbox Series X|S / Xbox One: The console settings path is generally the same. The availability of passkey sign-in on the console itself depends on a recent system update.

Xbox app / Web account: The primary setup must be done via the Microsoft account website as described. The Xbox app may then allow easier approval of sign-in requests.

Common scenarios and fixes

Scenario: I don't see a "Passkey" option on my Microsoft account page.

Likely cause: The feature may be rolling out gradually, your account region might not support it yet, or two-step verification is disabled.

Fast fix: Ensure two-step verification is turned on in your Advanced security options. Try using a different, updated web browser (like Edge, Chrome, or Safari).

When to escalate: If you've waited several weeks, updated everything, and still see no option, contact Microsoft support to inquire about feature availability for your account.

Scenario: My phone/PC won't create a passkey.

Likely cause: The device's operating system is outdated, or biometric sensors are not set up.

Fast fix: Update your device's OS. Ensure you have a screen lock (PIN/pattern) and biometrics (fingerprint, face) configured in the device's own settings.

When to escalate: If your device is very old and cannot be updated, you may need to use a different, compatible device to create the passkey.

Scenario: I set up a passkey, but my Xbox still asks for a password.

Likely cause: The "passwordless" sign-in preference is not enabled on the console, or the console needs a restart.

Fast fix: Double-check Step 5 in the guide above. Fully restart your Xbox (select "Restart console" from the power menu).

When to escalate: If the setting is enabled and a restart doesn't work, your console software may need an update. Check for system updates manually.

Scenario: I lost the device where my passkey is stored.

Likely cause: Your primary passkey is tied to a lost phone or laptop.

Fast fix: Sign into your Microsoft account online using your password and another verification method. Go to Advanced security options and remove the lost passkey. Create a new one on a different device.

When to escalate: If you also cannot access your account due to lost verification methods, use the official Microsoft account recovery process.

Scenario: I want to use a passkey on multiple Xbox consoles.

Likely cause: Passkeys are linked to your account, not a single console.

Fast fix: Ensure the passkey is created and stored in a way that syncs (like in your Microsoft or Apple cloud account). On each console, simply sign in; when prompted, approve the sign-in on your registered device.

When to escalate: If sign-in fails on a specific console, check that console's network connection and system update status first.

Quick reference

Key concepts for this topic

Item	What it means	Why it matters
Passkey	A digital credential based on public-key cryptography that replaces your password. It's stored on your personal devices.	It's more secure than passwords (resistant to phishing) and more convenient (sign in with a fingerprint tap).
Two-Step Verification (2SV)	A security method requiring two different proofs of identity to sign in (e.g., password + phone code).	Often a prerequisite for enabling advanced sign-in methods like passkeys. Adds a critical layer of account security.
Microsoft Account Security Page	The central, web-based hub for managing all security settings for your Microsoft/Xbox account.	This is the primary place to manage passkeys, recovery info, and trusted devices outside of any single console.
Biometric Authentication	Using a unique physical trait (fingerprint, facial recognition) to verify identity.	This is commonly used to unlock the passkey stored on your device, making the sign-in process seamless and personal.

Safe defaults

Setting	Safe default	When to change
Two-step verification	ON	Only turn off if you are transitioning to a pure passkey method and understand the risks.
Number of passkeys	At least 2, on different devices	If you lose access to one device, you have a backup. Add more for convenience (home PC, phone).
Account recovery information	Keep phone and alternate email up-to-date	Update immediately if you change your phone number or lose access to your backup email.
Xbox sign-in preference	"Ask for my passkey" or passwordless option	Change back to "Ask for my password" only if you have issues with your passkey devices.

Mind map summary

Start -> Want to set a passkey for Xbox
  -> Symptom: Can't find the option
      -> Most likely cause: Feature not available, 2SV off, old browser
          -> Fast fix: Enable 2SV, try updated browser, wait for rollout
              -> If still broken: Check account region, contact support
  -> Symptom: Can create passkey but Xbox ignores it
      -> Most likely cause: Console preference not set, console needs update
          -> Fast fix: Enable passwordless sign-in in Xbox settings, restart console
              -> If still broken: Check for system update, ensure network connectivity
  -> Symptom: Lost device with passkey
      -> Most likely cause: No backup passkey
          -> Fast fix: Use password & other 2SV to sign in online, remove lost key, add new one
              -> If locked out: Use official account recovery process

Troubleshooting checklist

Console

Is the console connected to the internet?
Is the system software fully updated?
Have you restarted the console after changing sign-in preferences?
Are you signed out of all profiles before testing the new sign-in?
Is the "Allow passwordless sign-in" or similar option enabled in account settings?

Account and services

Can you sign in to account.microsoft.com with your password?
Is two-step verification enabled on your account?
Have you checked the "Advanced security options" page online?
Do you have at least one other working verification method (e.g., phone number) as a backup?
Is your account region one that supports the passkey feature?
Have you given the new feature time to roll out to your account?

Device and Setup

Is the device you're using to create the passkey (phone/PC) updated?
Does that device have a screen lock (PIN/Pattern) enabled?
Are biometrics (fingerprint/face) set up on that device?
Are you using a modern, updated web browser?
Did you name the passkey clearly for future reference?
Did you get a final confirmation that the passkey was added?

When to escalate

Contact Microsoft/Xbox support if you are certain the passkey feature should be available for your account (based on region, account type) but the option is missing for an extended period, or if you encounter an error code during setup that you cannot resolve.
Try a reset or recovery if you are completely locked out of your Microsoft account and cannot use any recovery options. Use the official account recovery form as a last resort—be prepared to provide as much account history as possible.
Contact your device manufacturer's support if the problem is strictly related to your phone or PC not being able to create/store passkeys, even after all software updates.

What to collect before escalating

Error code or exact message displayed on screen.
Time and timezone when the issue occurred.
Console model and system version (from Settings > System > Console info).
Make and model of the device used to create the passkey (e.g., "iPhone 14, iOS 17.4").
Web browser name and version used during setup.
What changed recently (new phone, system update, password change).

FAQ

What exactly is a passkey?

A passkey is a modern login standard that uses cryptography instead of passwords. It consists of a pair of keys: one public (stored by the service, like Microsoft) and one private (securely stored on your personal device). To sign in, you prove you own the private key, usually with a fingerprint or face scan.

Do I still need my Microsoft account password?

Yes, for now. Your password remains as a critical backup recovery method. You'll use it less often, but you must remember it and keep it secure in case you need to access your account settings or recover from a lost device.

Is a passkey the same as two-step verification (2SV)?

No, but they work together. 2SV adds a second step (like a code) after your password. A passkey replaces the password step entirely. Using a passkey is often considered a stronger single step than a password alone, but having 2SV on as a backup is still a recommended safety net.

Can I use a passkey on an Xbox One?

Potentially, yes, if the console has received the necessary system update to support the feature. The setup process is the same: create the passkey for your account online, then enable the appropriate sign-in preference on the console.

What if I want to sign in on a friend's Xbox?

You can. When you try to sign in on a new or untrusted console, you'll be prompted to approve the sign-in. You can do this by scanning a QR code with your phone and using the passkey stored there. You don't need to set anything up on their console first.

Are passkeys required for Xbox sign-in?

No, they are an optional, more secure alternative. You can continue using your password, or a password plus two-step verification, if you prefer.

Can I remove a passkey if I don't like it?

Yes. Go to your Microsoft account security page online, find the list of your passkeys or sign-in methods, and select to remove the one you no longer want. Your account will then revert to requiring your password.

Does this work for child or managed family accounts?

It depends on the account restrictions. Child accounts managed through Microsoft Family Safety may have limitations on changing security settings. The family organizer may need to adjust settings or enable features for the child account first.

Sources and references

Official Xbox support documentation and help articles
Microsoft account security and recovery guidance
FIDO Alliance passkey specifications and implementation guides
General security best practices (two-step verification, password hygiene)
Operating system documentation for Windows Hello, iCloud Keychain, and Google Password Manager

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How to set a passkey for Xbox profile sign-in

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