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RogerSC
User level: Level 1 (25 points)

How to create a passkey for logging into my Apple account?

I've been trying to create a passkey for logging into my Apple account. I can log in with my Apple credentials, but when I try the path to make a passkey when I log in, it says "Failed to verify your identity. Try again." Which I've done a few times, tried again, that is. I've got my Apple keychain turned on, so that shouldn't be the problem.


What really bothers me is how can login credentials that will allow me to log into my Apple account not allow Apple to verify my identity so that I can make a passkey?


Anyone worked through this?


Thanks!

Posted on Oct 14, 2026 12:23 PM

5 replies

WheelieNick
User level: Level 9 (74,110 points)

Oct 14, 2026 2:48 PM in response to RogerSC

Hi there


Please try this


  1. Update Your Device: Ensure your iOS, iPadOS, or macOS is updated to the latest version under Settings > General > Software Update. 
  2. Re-verify iCloud Keychain: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Passwords and Keychain (or Passwords), toggle it off and back on, or restart your device to force a fresh sync. 
  3. Check Two-Factor Authentication: Make sure your trusted phone number or trusted device is active and can receive verification prompts


Chattanoogan
User level: Level 8 (43,489 points)

Oct 14, 2026 2:58 PM in response to RogerSC

Are you attempting to use this yet-to-be-created passkey as the initial user login method for your Mac ?


i.e. From a cold-start state you’d power-on and then enter a passkey PIN to finish the boot-up and local user login of your M5 Mac ???

RogerSC Author
User level: Level 1 (25 points)

Oct 14, 2026 3:51 PM in response to WheelieNick

Have done all of the above, same result. Device is updated, I've been getting two factor auth codes from Apple on my iPhone today, and toggled the Passwords/Keychain off and on again.


Can't verify my identity.


Thanks, but this one has me on the ropes :-). No help from the failure messages as to why my identity can't be verified. I understand this is ostensibly because of security, brought to you by the same people that won't let you see your password as you type it.

RogerSC Author
User level: Level 1 (25 points)

Oct 14, 2026 3:55 PM in response to Chattanoogan

The reason I use passkeys is that I find myself logging into secure web pages often enough that I'm looking for an easier, yet still secure, way to do that.

Chattanoogan
User level: Level 8 (43,489 points)

Oct 14, 2026 4:13 PM in response to RogerSC

That wasn’t my question.


We’re trying to understand how you envision the passkey being employed.


Your OP sounded like you wanted it for initial Mac startup and user login.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256376235