What if a Passkey Device is Lost?#
If a passkey device is lost, users can still access
their accounts because passkeys are synchronized across the user's ecosystem, such as
Apple iCloud Keychain,
Google Password Manager, or via a third-party
password manager (e.g.
1Password,
Dashlane,
Bitwarden).
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This ensures that passkeys are available on all devices connected to the same account,
meaning that losing one device does not lock you out of your accounts. However, it is
important to secure your cloud account or third-party
password manager with strong security measures like
two-factor authentication
(2FA) to protect your passkeys from unauthorized access.
- If a passkey device is lost, accounts are still
accessible through synced passkeys across the user's ecosystem.
- Passkeys are stored and synchronized in ecosystems like Apple
iCloud Keychain and
Google Password Manager, or via third-party
password managers, making them available on other connected devices.
- Ensure your ecosystem is secured with strong security measures like
two-factor authentication
(2FA).
What happens if your passkey device is lost?#
Losing a device that holds your passkeys might seem alarming, but the way passkeys are
designed ensures that you can still access your accounts without much hassle. Here’s how
it works:
- Ecosystem Synchronization: Passkeys are not stored on a single device; instead, they
are synchronized across the user's ecosystem (e.g. Apple iCloud Keychian or
Google Password Manager) or third-party
password manager (e.g.
1Password,
Dashlane or
Bitwarden). This means that if
you lose one device, the passkeys are still available on other devices within the same
ecosystem. For example, if you lose your iPhone but have an iPad or a MacBook connected
to the same Apple ID, your passkeys will be available on those devices.
- Security Measures: While ecosystems make it easier to access your passkeys from
multiple devices, it’s crucial to protect your ecosystem with strong security measures.
This includes using a robust password for your primary account and enabling
two-factor authentication
(2FA). This way, even if someone gains access to your
lost device, they would still need to bypass these additional security layers to access
your passkeys.
- Recovery Options: In case all devices are lost or inaccessible, most ecosystems
offer recovery options, such as using a recovery key or contacting support to regain
access to your account. However, this process might vary depending on the ecosystem, so
it's advisable to familiarize yourself with the recovery options provided by your
specific ecosystem (Apple, Google, etc.).
Best Practices for Securing Your Passkeys#
To minimize the risk associated with losing a
passkey device:
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of security to your
ecosystem account can prevent unauthorized access even if a device is lost.
- Regularly Update Your Devices: Keeping your devices and software up to date ensures
that you have the latest security patches and features that protect your passkeys.

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