Why is it showing me a QR Code?
What to do if your phone or tablet shows a QR code that you cannot scan.
If you are trying to set up a passkey on your iPhone or iPad and it shows you a QR code on the screen, this means iCloud Keychain is turned off. Apple requires iCloud Keychain to be turned on to save passkeys securely.
Because it is turned off, your device thinks you want to use a different phone to log in, which is why it generates a QR code.
How to fix this:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap your name at the very top.
- Tap iCloud.
- Tap Passwords and Keychain.
- Turn on "Sync this iPad" (or iPhone).
Once that is turned on, return to our website and click "Set Up Passkey" again. The QR code will be gone, and it will simply ask for your Touch ID, Face ID, or your device Passcode!
Using a Laptop and a Phone
QR codes are only meant to be used when you are on a computer (like a Windows laptop) and want to use your phone to sign in. In that scenario, the computer screen will show the QR code, and you will use your phone's camera to scan the computer screen.