Create a U of G Passkey

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Setting Up Your Passkey Using Microsoft Authenticator

Follow the steps below to set up a passkey for your University of Guelph account using the Microsoft Authenticator app. 

If you already have the Microsoft Authenticator app installed on your mobile device with your U of G M365 account configured, skip to Step 3.

 

Please note that there are some important requirements to use passkeys with the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device:

• You will need the latest version of the Microsoft Authenticator app.

• Your device needs to be running Android 14 or later for Android devices, or iOS 17 or later for Apple devices.

• For cross-device authentication, both the device with the passkey and the device you're logging into must have Bluetooth enabled, along with an active internet connection.

• Microsoft recommends using Microsoft Edge (version 109 or newer), Safari (version 16 or newer), or Chrome (version 109 or newer) to ensure proper functionality.

• See the Microsoft compatibility matrix for more information. 

Step 1 — Install Microsoft Authenticator

1. Download the Microsoft Authenticator app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
2. Install the app on your mobile device.

Step 2 — Add Your U of G Account

1. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app.
2. Tap the "+" icon to add a new account.
3. Select "Work or school account" and follow the prompts to add your U of G account.

Step 3 — Create Passkey on your Mobile Device

1. Within the Microsoft Authenticator app, tap on your University of Guelph account. 

2. Choose ‘Create a passkey’ and follow the prompts to set up your passkey.

3. You may need to update your mobile device settings to allow Microsoft Authenticator to autofill passwords and use passkeys.

Step 4 — Enable Passkey Authentication

1. On a computer, log into your U of G M365 account by visiting https://mysignins.microsoft.com/
2. Choose the "Security info" option on the left navigation bar.
3. Select "Add sign-in method" and select ‘Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator’ on the next screen.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to link your account with the Microsoft Authenticator app.

    

 

 

Step 5 — Setup Passkey as Default Authentication Method

1. From the ‘Security info’ page, look for ‘Default sign-in method' and click on the word ‘Change’. 

2. You will be presented with a drop-down list of your configured MFA methods. Choose ‘App based authentication or hardware token - code’. 

3. Your M365 account is now secured with passkey authentication. 

    

 

 

 

Important Note: It may take up to an hour for the changes above to fully take effect. On your next login, if you are not prompted to use your passkey, you will still be able to log in using your password and the six-digit one-time password code found in Microsoft Authenticator for your account.

 

 

 

 

 

Your New and Improved Login Experience

Once the changes you have made to your account fully take effect, your login experience to U of G services will change. The next time you log in, after entering your U of G username (your central login ID @ uoguelph.ca or @guelphhumber.ca), you will be prompted to use your passkey instead of entering your password.  From the authentication page, ensure ‘iPhone, iPad, or Android device’ is selected and click ‘Next’.

 

Now, open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device and click the ‘Scan QR code’ button on the bottom right and scan the QR code on screen. Review the sign-in information presented to verify your account and the service you are logging into and click ‘Continue’.