What is a Passkey?A passkey is a digital credential, like a key to a house, that is stored on your device (computer, phone, or hardware security key). It replaces traditional passwords with a more secure, phishing-resistant authentication method using biometrics (like Face ID or a fingerprint) or a device PIN.Read more about passkeys on the dedicated page: why-dfns-uses-passkeys
Prerequisites
Before you begin, please ensure you have the following:- An active Dfns account with permissions to manage your own security settings,
- Access to the Dfns Dashboard using an existing credential,
- The physical device (computer, Yubikey) on which you want to create and store the new passkey.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to register a new passkey to your Dfns account.1
Log in and Navigate to Credentials
Navigate to the Dfns Dashboard and head to Settings > Authentication > Credentials. Direct link: https://app.dfns.io/v3/settings/authentication/credentialsYou can see here the list of existing credentials, notice the checkbox to activate/deactivate each one of them. This can be useful in case you lost a device for example.

2
Name the new Credential
Click the “Create Credential” button and give a name to the new credential.
Pro Tip: Use clear and specific names to easily distinguish your passkeys.For example:
MacBook Pro (Work)
, Backup Yubikey
, or Google Titan Key
…
3
Register your passkey as the new Credential
Click the “Create Credential” button.Your browser (or your password manager) will now take over and prompt you to create a new access key for 
dfns.io
. This step will vary depending on your operating system and browser (e.g., Windows Hello, Apple Touch ID/Face ID, Android fingerprint).Use your new device’s security method to confirm. This could be:- Biometrics: Fingerprint scan, Face ID, etc.
- PIN: Your device’s local PIN code.
- Hardware Key: Tapping a connected YubiKey or other FIDO2-compliant security key.

4
Sign your request with an existing Credential
Your new passkey has submitted the credential, you just have to save it now.Click “Save Credential” and :key: sign the action with your existing passkey.

5
Confirmation
The last screen shows a confirmation that your new credential has been created.

Congratulations! Your new passkey has been successfully added to your Dfns account. It will now appear in your list of registered passkeys under the Credentials tab. You can now use this passkey to log in to Dfns and approve policy-controlled actions.
Troubleshooting
- “Create Credential” button is not visible: This may be a permissions issue. Please contact your Dfns organization administrator to ensure your role has the necessary permissions.
- The browser prompt does not appear: Ensure you are using a supported browser and that it is updated to the latest version. Check if any browser extensions or pop-up blockers are interfering with the process.
- Authentication Failed: If your biometric or PIN authentication fails, simply try again. Ensure your finger is clean for fingerprint scanners or that you are entering the correct PIN for your device.