🔑 Synced Passkeys vs. Device-Bound Passkeys

SMU supports passkeys, a secure and convenient way to sign in to your account without using a password.

This article explains the two types of passkeys, how they’re different, and how to choose the option that works best for you.
 

What Is a Passkey?

A passkey lets you sign in using:

• Your face or fingerprint, or
• A device PIN

Once set up, you no longer need to type a password or approve a one-time code.
 

The Two Types of Passkeys

🔁 Synced Passkeys

A synced passkey is saved securely in a trusted password manager or device keychain and can be used across devices.

• Automatically available on your other devices
• Easy to restore when you get a new phone or computer
• Still protected by Face ID, fingerprint, or PIN

🔒 Device-Bound Passkeys

A device-bound passkey is tied to one specific device.

• Works only on the device where it’s created
• Does not sync to other devices
• Must be set up again if the device is replaced or reset
   

Quick Comparison

Feature	Device-Bound Passkey	Synced Passkey
Works on multiple devices	❌ No	✅ Yes
Easy to restore on a new device	❌ No	✅ Yes
Password required after setup	❌ No	❌ No
Uses biometrics or PIN	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Best for	Single-device use	Multi-device convenience

Is Using a Synced Passkey Safe?

Yes. Synced passkeys are designed to be highly secure and resistant to phishing.

What this does not do:

• Does not give SMU control over your phone or computer
• Does not enroll your device in remote or mobile device management
• Does not allow access to personal files, apps, messages, or location

What SMU may see:
Only basic technical details (such as device type or operating system version) to ensure your device is compatible.


Device & App Requirements (At a Glance)

Device / Platform	Built-in Passkey Option	Minimum Requirement	Notes
iPhone / iPad	iCloud Keychain	iOS 16 or later	Works automatically if iCloud Keychain is enabled
Mac	iCloud Keychain	macOS 13 (Ventura) or later	No extra setup required
Android phones	Google Password Manager	Android 9 or later	Built in on most devices
Windows computers	Google Password Manager (Chrome)	Latest Chrome browser	May require signing into Chrome
Other password managers (1Password, Bitwarden, LastPass)	App or browser extension	Varies by provider	Desktop may require an extension; mobile requires app

How to Set Up a Synced Passkey

1. Go to https://smu.edu/mfasetup
2. Select Add sign-in method
3. Choose Passkey
   (This option allows syncing. Don’t select a device-only option if you want syncing.)
   1. 
      (Example from Google Chrome on macOS)
4. Follow the prompts to confirm using your face, fingerprint, or PIN
   1. 
   2. 
5. Give the passkey a name to help identify it later
   1. 

Signing In with a Passkey

After setup:

1. Enter your SMU email address
2. Confirm using your face, fingerprint, or PIN
3. You’re signed in. No password required