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How to set up and use passkeys in Dext

Set up a passkey in Dext to log in using biometrics or a security key instead of a password.

Alexander avatar
Written by Alexander
Updated yesterday

A passkey is a secure way to log in without typing your password. Instead of entering your email, password and a 2FA code, you verify your identity using:

  • Face ID or fingerprint

  • Your device PIN

  • A hardware security key (such as a YubiKey)

Passkeys are stored securely on your device or password manager and are designed to be resistant to phishing and password theft.


Why use a passkey?

Passkeys are:

  • More secure than passwords

  • Faster to use

  • Not vulnerable to password reuse

  • Protected by your device’s built-in security

You don’t need to remember anything - your device confirms your identity for you.


How passkeys work

When you create a passkey:

  • Your device generates a secure credential.

  • That credential is stored on your device or password manager.

When logging into Dext, you select Passkey and confirm your identity using your device.


Before you start

Passkeys require a supported operating system and browser.

Supported operating systems

  • macOS 13+

  • Windows 11

  • iOS / iPadOS 16+

  • Android 9+

Supported browsers

  • Safari 13+

  • Chrome 79+

  • Microsoft Edge 79+

  • Firefox 60+

Passkeys can also be stored in supported password managers such as 1Password, Bitwarden, Dashlane and others.


How to set up a passkey in Dext

Step 1 – Open Security settings

  1. Click Profile in the top-right corner.

  2. Open the Security tab.


Step 2 – Add a passkey

  1. On the right of Passkeys, click Add.

  2. Enter your password to verify your identity.

  3. Name your passkey.

  4. Follow the on-screen prompts to choose where to store it.

Dext User settings page showing Security tab with the Add button highlighted next to Passkeys

Tip: Use a descriptive name such as “Keychain”, “Chrome”, “1Password” or “YubiKey” so you can identify it later.


Where to store your passkey

The available options depend on your device and browser.

Chrome or Microsoft Edge

If you use Chrome or Edge:

  • The passkey will be stored in that browser’s profile.

  • It will only be available in that browser.

You’ll be prompted to confirm your identity using:

  • Your device password, or

  • A biometric method

Google Password Manager prompt asking to create a passkey for app.dext.com, showing Touch ID authentication and a “Save another way” option.

Safari (Apple Keychain)

Safari stores passkeys in iCloud Keychain.

Before setting up:

  • Ensure you are signed in with your Apple ID.

  • Ensure iCloud Keychain is enabled and synced.

You’ll authenticate using Touch ID or Face ID.

Safari Keychain prompt requesting biometric confirmation

Mobile device (iOS or Android)

If you want to store your passkey on a mobile device instead of your current browser:

  • In Safari, select More options when prompted.

  • In Chrome, select Save another way.

This allows you to choose a nearby mobile device instead of saving the passkey in your browser.

Note: Your computer’s Bluetooth must be turned on, and your mobile device must be nearby.

You can then:

  • Select your device from the list, or

  • Scan a QR code to complete setup.

You’ll authenticate on your mobile device using biometrics or PIN.

Passkey registration window displaying QR code for mobile device

Logging in with a passkey

After setup:

  1. Go to the Dext login page.

  2. Under Or continue using, select Passkey.

  3. Authenticate using your biometric, PIN or hardware key.

Dext login page showing the “Passkey” sign-in option highlighted below other Single Sign-On methods.

Manage or remove a passkey

You can view, rename, or remove your saved passkeys at any time.

  1. Go to Profile in the top right.

  2. Select User settings.

  3. Open the Security tab.

  4. Under Passkeys, locate the passkey you want to manage.

  5. Select Manage next to the passkey.

  6. Choose:

    • Edit to rename the passkey

    • Remove to delete it from your account

Passkeys section in User settings with Manage menu displaying Edit and Remove options

Note: If you remove a passkey, it will no longer be available for login. You’ll need to sign in using another method (such as your password and 2FA) or register a new passkey.


Troubleshooting

I cannot set up a passkey on Windows

Ensure Windows Hello is installed and configured.

If the issue continues, try using another supported browser or device.


My computer cannot connect to my mobile device

Bluetooth must be enabled on your computer to transfer the passkey.

Ensure:

  • Bluetooth is turned on

  • Your device is nearby

  • Both devices are unlocked


Why do I have to scan a QR code every time?

This usually happens when:

  • The passkey is stored on a mobile device

  • The browser cannot automatically detect it

If using Chrome or Edge, ensure:

  • You are signed into the same Google account in your browser and on your mobile device.

  • Sync is enabled.

If using Safari, passkeys must be stored in iCloud Keychain to be automatically detected.


Managing or removing passkeys

You can manage or delete passkeys from:

User settings > Security > Passkeys

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