A very common question is: "I created my passkey on my phone. How do I use the same account on the computer?" The answer depends on how your devices are configured and which password manager you use.
Why this question exists
Unlike a traditional password (which you can type anywhere), a passkey is saved on the device where it was created. To access on another device, there are two ways:
- Automatic sync via the password manager (when both devices share the same manager).
- Access via QR code (when devices don't share a manager — for example, Windows PC + Android phone).
Scenario A: All Apple (iPhone + Mac + iPad)
If you only use Apple devices and they are all signed in to the same iCloud account with iCloud Keychain enabled, the passkey is automatically synced across all of them. When you try to sign in on Safari on the Mac, the passkey is already available — just authenticate with Touch ID or Face ID.
Scenario B: All Android / Google (phone + Chrome on PC)
If you use an Android phone with Google Password Manager enabled and also use Google Chrome on the PC with the same Google account, the passkey is automatically synced. When you sign in on Chrome on the PC, the passkey is available.
Scenario C: Mixed devices (iPhone + Windows PC, or Android + Mac, etc.)
In this case, since the password managers don't talk to each other, you need to use the QR code flow:
- On the PC, go to usepicnic.com and enter your email.
- Choose the option to use your phone / QR code to authenticate.
- Open the phone camera and point it at the QR code on the PC screen.
- Tap the notification that appears on the phone.
- Authenticate with your phone's biometrics.
- Access on the PC is unlocked.
Details at: How to sign in on PC using a QR code from your phone.
Scenario D: Third-party password manager (1Password, Bitwarden)
If you use 1Password or Bitwarden and have it installed on both devices (phone and PC), the passkey syncs automatically through those managers. Just install the extension/app on the PC and sign in to the manager — the passkey will be available.
Can I register more than one passkey on my account?
Yes! And we recommend it. You can register a passkey on the phone and another on the PC. If one is lost, the other works as a backup.
To add a new passkey on another device:
- Sign in on that device (using QR code, for example).
- Go to Settings → Security → Passkeys.
- Tap Add new passkey.
- Authenticate and save to the new device's manager.
Frequently asked questions
If I switch phones, do I lose my passkey?
It depends. If you use iCloud Keychain (Apple) or Google Password Manager (Android) and your new phone is signed in to the same account, the passkey syncs automatically. If you switched from iOS to Android (or vice versa) without migrating, you'll need to go through the recovery process.
If I reformat my PC, do I lose my passkey?
If the passkey was synced through Google Password Manager / iCloud Keychain / a third-party manager, it remains saved in the manager's cloud. After reinstalling the system and signing back in to the manager, the passkey becomes available again.
What if I use my passkey on a borrowed PC?
Always use the QR code flow. Never save your passkey on someone else's PC — that gives another person access to your account.