What is a Global Passkey?
A Global Passkey lets you sign in to your Ford account using your device's built-in security features. Instead of typing a password, use your device's unlock method – like your fingerprint, face scan, or device Personal Identification Number (PIN)/Pattern – to quickly and securely verify your identity. Learn more about Global Passkeys by reviewing our frequently asked questions (FAQs) below.
Customers’ Passkeys FAQs
What exactly is Passkey?
Passkey lets you sign in to your Ford account using your device's built-in unlock method. Instead of typing a password, you simply use your device's unlock method – like your fingerprint, face scan, or device PIN/Pattern – to quickly and securely verify your identity. It's designed to be simple, convenient, and incredibly secure.
How are Passkeys different from traditional passwords?
Passkeys offer several significant advantages over passwords:
- No Remembering: You don't need to create, remember, or type complex passwords.
- Enhanced Security: Passkeys are highly resistant to common online threats like phishing, data breaches, and credential reuse, making them much safer. They are built on strong technology, which is 99.9% secure.
- Speed: Signing in with a Passkey takes about 3-5 seconds, compared to 15-30 seconds or more with a password.
- Simplicity: No additional verification steps are typically needed, unlike passwords which will now require Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
Why is Ford moving to Passkeys?
We're introducing Passkeys to enhance your digital experience and security. Traditional passwords are a common source of frustration – they're often forgotten, mistyped, and can lead to security risks if reused across different websites. By adopting Passkeys, we aim to:
- Provide a more positive and independent self-service experience.
- Strengthen your trust in our digital platforms.
- Significantly reduces the risk of account takeovers and data breaches.
How do I set up a Passkey for my Ford account?
You'll have two main opportunities to set up a Passkey:
- During Account Creation: If you're creating a new Ford account through Ford app or Ford.com, you'll be offered the option to set up a Passkey immediately after registration.
- In Your Account Settings: If you're an existing customer, you can set up a Passkey at any time by visiting the security section within your Ford app Way account settings. https://www.ford.com/myaccount/signin-credentials
Can I choose not to set up Passkey?
Yes, you can choose to continue signing in with your username and password. However, for enhanced security, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) will become a required step for all password-based sign-ins. This means you'll need to enter a one-time code (e.g., sent to your phone or email) in addition to your password.
What devices support Passkeys?
Passkeys are widely supported on most modern devices and browsers:
- Apple: Over 1 billion devices (iPhones, Apple Watch) running iOS 16.4+ support Passkeys via iCloud.
- Android: Over 1.2 billion devices running Android 11+ support Passkeys via Google Play.
- Browsers: Supported on Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Firefox.
If your device or browser doesn't support Passkeys, you'll simply sign in with your username and password (with required MFA).
How do I sign in with a Passkey?
When you go to sign in to your Ford account, you'll see the option to use your Passkey. Simply select it, and your device will prompt you to use your fingerprint, face scan, or device PIN to confirm your identity. It's that quick and easy!
Can I use my Passkey to sign in on another device or a computer?
Yes! If you're signing in on a different device (like a desktop computer) that doesn't have your Passkey registered, you can use your primary device (e.g., your smartphone) to authenticate.
Here's how it works:
- On the second device, the login screen will display a QR code.
- Use your primary device (where your Passkey is stored) to scan this QR code.
- Your primary device will then prompt you to verify your identity (fingerprint, face scan, or PIN).
- Once verified, your primary device securely authorizes the login on the second device, letting you sign in without typing anything there.
What if my face scan or fingerprint doesn't work?
While biometrics are very convenient, they can sometimes have issues (e.g., wet fingers, changes in appearance). If your biometric scan fails, or if you prefer, your device will automatically offer you the option to use your device's PIN, pattern, or password to authenticate and use your Passkey. This ensures you can always sign in.
What if I'm using a shared or public computer?
For security reasons, we advise not using your Passkey on shared or public computers. In these situations, you can still sign in using your traditional username and password, which will require Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for added security.
Where can I manage my Passkeys?
You can manage your Passkeys within the security section of your Ford Pass account settings. Here, you'll be able to see which Passkeys are linked to your account and remove any old or unwanted ones (e.g., if you get a new device or lose one).
What happens if I lose the device that has my Passkey?
If you lose the device where your Passkey is stored, you won't be permanently locked out of your account. You can still recover access by signing in with your username and password, which will require Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We recommend contacting your device provider for steps to secure or wipe your lost device.
Can I have multiple Passkeys linked to my account (e.g., one on my phone, one on my tablet)?
Initially your Passkey is directly registered and stored on the single device where you initially set it up. However, you will have the option to update the device in settings. We are exploring support for multiple devices in future updates to make your experience even more flexible.
How secure are Passkeys?
Passkeys are incredibly secure. They are built following very modern and secure authentication standards, making them highly resistant to phishing and eliminating credential reuse. This significantly reduces the risk of data breaches and account takeovers, offering a much higher level of security than traditional passwords.
What personal information is used with Passkeys?
Passkeys use cryptographic keys, not personal data like your fingerprint image or face scan, to authenticate you. Your biometric information (fingerprint, face scan) never leaves your device and is not shared with Ford. Only the secure confirmation of your identity is sent to us.
Who do I contact if I have issues with my Passkey?
For technical issues with setting up, using, or managing your Passkey, please contact Ford or customer support. If you have questions about your account details or need account recovery assistance, our support team can also help guide you through the process.
What devices and operating systems support Passkeys?
Passkeys are widely compatible with iOS devices (iPhones) running iOS 16.4 or newer, and Android devices (smartphones, tablets) running Android 11 or newer. They are also supported on popular web browsers including Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Firefox.
My Passkey isn't authenticating or I'm having trouble logging in with it. What should I do?
If your biometric scan (fingerprint or face scan) isn't working, or if you prefer an alternative, your device will offer you the option to use your device's PIN, pattern, or password instead. Enter that correctly to proceed with the Passkey authentication. If you continue to experience issues, you can always choose to sign in with your username and password, which will require Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) in the future for added security.
Check if you removed passkey from your account: You can still be prompted in the selection page with a certain passkey if it is still stored in your device settings, even though it was removed from your account. If that’s the case, make sure you remove it from your device password manager app and add a new passkey for this device.
I accidentally removed a Passkey from my account or lost the device it was on. Can I get it back?
If you've removed a Passkey from your account settings, you can easily set up a new one from within your account settings whenever you choose. If you've lost the device with your Passkey, you can still access your account by logging in with your username and password, which will require Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) in the future (In 2026). You can then set up a new Passkey on a new device.
What is the process for logging in on a second device using a passkey from my primary device?
Here's how the FIDO2 cross-device login scenario typically works:
- Initiate Login on Secondary Device (Device #2): When you attempt to log in to your Ford account on a device (e.g., a desktop computer) that does not have your passkey registered locally, the login screen will display a QR code.
- Scan QR Code with Primary Device (Device #1): You then use your primary device (e.g., your smartphone) where your passkey is registered to scan the QR code shown on Device #2.
- Verify Identity on Primary Device: Your primary device (Device #1) will prompt you to verify your identity using its built-in security features, such as scanning your face or fingerprint, or entering your device PIN.
- Secure Authorization of Login: Upon successful verification on Device #1, your primary device securely uses the passkey to authorize the login request on Device #2. This allows you to seamlessly log in on Device #2 without needing to enter a username or password on that device. This process often involves a secure connection like Bluetooth between the two devices.
My passkey isn't working at all. What should I check first?
- Are you on the correct device? Ensure you are trying to log in using the device where the passkey was originally registered or a device that has access to it (e.g., via iCloud Keychain on Apple devices, Google Password Manager on Android/Chrome).
- Is your device unlocked? Your device needs to be unlocked and ready to authenticate you (e.g., with your face, fingerprint, or PIN).
- Check your internet connection: A stable internet connection is often required for the passkey flow to communicate with the service.
- Check if you removed passkey from your account: You can still be prompted to sign in with a certain passkey if it is still stored in your device settings, even though it was removed from your account. If that’s the case, make sure you remove it from your device password manager app and add a new passkey for this device.
I'm trying to use a passkey from my phone to log in on my computer, but it's not working. What's wrong?
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi: For cross-device login (e.g., phone to computer), ensure both devices have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled and are reasonably close to each other. They often communicate via these technologies.
- Operating System/Browser Compatibility: Make sure your operating system and web browser on both devices are up to date. Older versions might not fully support the latest FIDO2 cross-device authentication standards.
- QR Code Scan: Double-check that you are correctly scanning the QR code displayed on the secondary device with your primary device's camera.
- Prompt on Primary Device: After scanning, your primary device should show a prompt to authenticate. Ensure you complete this step by verifying your identity (face, fingerprint, PIN).
My fingerprint or face scan isn't being recognized. What should I do?
- Clean Sensor/Camera: Ensure your fingerprint sensor or camera lens is clean and unobstructed.
- Proper Placement: Make sure you are placing your finger correctly on the sensor or positioning your face within the camera's view as you normally would to unlock your device.
- Device Settings: Check your device's biometric settings. Sometimes, re-registering your fingerprint or face ID can resolve issues. If biometrics consistently fail, you might need to use your device's PIN or pattern as a fallback.
I accidentally deleted or revoked my passkey. Can I recover it?
- Recovery is generally not possible: Once a passkey is deleted or revoked, it cannot typically be recovered directly. Passkeys are designed to be device-bound or securely synced, but deletion is usually permanent from the service's perspective.
- Re-enrollment: You will need to re-enroll a new passkey for that service. This usually involves logging in with an alternative method (like your username and password, if still available) and then setting up a new passkey in your account security settings.
I'm getting an error message when trying to use my passkey. What does it mean?
- Specific Error Message: Pay close attention to the exact error message. It might indicate a problem with the service, your device's security settings, or a network issue.
- Try Again: Sometimes, a temporary glitch can occur. Try the login process again.
- Clear Browser Cache/Cookies: For browser-based logins, clearing your browser's cache and cookies can sometimes resolve unexpected issues.
My device isn't recognizing my fingerprint or face during setup.
- Biometric Setup: Ensure your biometrics (fingerprint, face ID) are correctly set up and working for unlocking your device normally. If they're not, you'll need to re-register them in your device's security settings.
- Cleanliness/Placement: Make sure your fingerprint sensor is clean and your finger is placed correctly. For face ID, ensure your face is well-lit and positioned correctly in front of the camera.
- Fallback to PIN/Password: If biometrics consistently fail, your device should offer a fallback option to use your device's PIN, pattern, or password to confirm the passkey creation. Use this alternative method.
What should I do if I still can't set up a passkey after trying these steps?
- Restart Device: A simple restart of your device can often clear up temporary software glitches.
- Try Another Browser/Device: If possible, try setting up the passkey using a different web browser or on another compatible device you own. This can help determine if the issue is with a specific device or browser configuration.
- Contact Ford Call Center 1383.