Troubleshooting Guide

Fix Android passkey failures without guesswork

Q: Why does passkey work in browser but not app?

The app may use an outdated authentication SDK. Use browser login, then update app and try again.

Q: Can I transfer passkeys to a new Android phone?

Yes, if the new phone is signed into the same credential provider or account context and still has a secure lock enabled. Verify sync before wiping the old phone.

Q: Is PIN-only lock enough for passkeys?

Yes for device security baseline, but biometric unlock improves user flow and reduces failed prompt loops.

Android passkeys are usually reliable when the same account, device security, and app/browser versions are aligned. Most failures are one broken link in that chain.

Quick fixes

Confirm screen lock is active and biometric enrollment is valid.
Use the same credential provider and account context that stored the passkey.
Update Chrome, Android System WebView, and Play Services.
Retry sign-in in the browser first, then app if needed.

Root causes on Android devices

Passkeys rely on secure hardware and account sync. If the phone has multiple Google accounts, credentials may save to one account but login happens under another.

Private browsing sessions and embedded in-app browsers also block normal passkey handling in some flows.

Fast fix sequence

Run login in Chrome first. If successful, the account is healthy and app-specific integration is the issue.

If login fails everywhere, refresh account sync and recreate one passkey after password + 2FA login to rebuild credential consistency.

Long-term reliability checklist

Keep one backup authenticator option and avoid removing all recovery methods after enabling passkeys.

For critical accounts, register passkeys on at least two devices to prevent single-device lockout.

FAQ

Why does passkey work in browser but not app?

Can I transfer passkeys to a new Android phone?

Is PIN-only lock enough for passkeys?

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