Passkey sync issue: showing on Windows and web, but missing on Android

Resolving Passkey Synchronization Issues Across Devices: Windows and Web Show the Passkey, Android Does Not

In today’s digital landscape, passwordless authentication methods like passkeys are gaining popularity for their enhanced security and user convenience. However, syncing these credentials seamlessly across multiple devices can sometimes pose challenges. If you’re experiencing a scenario where your passkey appears correctly on Windows and web browsers but is missing on your Android device, this guide will help you understand and potentially resolve the issue.

The Scenario

Suppose you’ve created a passkey to access a specific website using Chrome on a Windows PC. You have successfully set up this passkey to work on your Android phone as well. When checking Google Password Manager on your Windows device or via passwords.google.com, the passkey appears as expected. Yet, when you open your password manager on your Android device, the passkey isn’t visible.

Common Troubleshooting Steps and Observations

Device and App Updates:
You’ve ensured that Chrome is updated on both your Windows PC and Android device. Additionally, Google Play Services on your Android phone are up to date, which is essential for synchronization.
Synchronization Settings:
Confirmed that sync is enabled on both devices and that your Google account is properly signed in across all platforms.

Understanding the Underlying Issue

Passkeys are stored and managed through the Google Password Manager, which synchronizes credentials across devices signed into the same Google account. However, there are nuances:

Passkey Type and Storage:
Some passkeys created via Chrome or other browsers may be stored differently and may not automatically sync across all device types.
Platform Compatibility:
While Windows and web browsers have mature support for passkey management, Android support can vary based on the device, OS version, and app integrations.

Possible Causes for Missing Passkeys on Android

Incomplete Synchronization:
Despite enabling sync, sometimes certain credentials or passkeys do not sync immediately due to network issues or sync errors.
Compatibility Limitations:
Not all passkeys generated on desktop are compatible or visible within the Android password manager if created through certain browser extensions or external services.
Storage Location Variance:
Passkeys might be stored in device-specific secure enclaves that do not replicate across platforms automatically.