> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.locker.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Vault unlock methods

> How to use Master Password, Passkeys, security keys, and biometrics to unlock your Vault

Locker provides multiple flexible methods to unlock your data Vault. Choosing the right method helps you balance security and convenience.

## Unlock with Master Password

**Master Password** is the only decryption key. You are always required to create this password when setting up your account.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Log in">
    Log in to your Locker account.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Decrypt the Vault">
    On the unlock screen, enter your **Master Password** and click `Unlock`.

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/locker/DGmCYM1Opanpr-4x/images/en/locker-general/login-unlock/master-pass-unlock.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=DGmCYM1Opanpr-4x&q=85&s=0de28d2fe2a71d9e9e6c6fb86b9ceb2d" alt="Unlock with Master Password" style={{display: 'block', margin: '0 auto'}} width="542" height="589" data-path="images/en/locker-general/login-unlock/master-pass-unlock.png" />
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  On the mobile app, after unlocking with your Master Password, you can enable **Biometrics** for faster access next time.
</Note>

***

## Unlock with a Passkey

Use biometrics or a device **PIN** to authenticate instead of your Master Password.

<Note>
  Currently, unlocking with a passkey is only available on the web platform (Chromium-based browsers). You can use an Android phone or a security key to store this passkey.
</Note>

### Create a passkey for unlocking

<Steps>
  <Step title="Access settings">
    Log in and unlock the web app. Go to `Settings` > `Security` > `Unlock Methods`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add a passkey">
    Under **Passkeys**, click the `Add New Passkey` button.

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/locker/DGmCYM1Opanpr-4x/images/en/locker-general/login-unlock/create-vault-passkey.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=DGmCYM1Opanpr-4x&q=85&s=c145a4b18ab47a2d37789066b5447087" alt="Add new passkey for Vault" style={{display: 'block', margin: '0 auto'}} width="1877" height="718" data-path="images/en/locker-general/login-unlock/create-vault-passkey.png" />
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure the passkey">
    Enter a **Passkey name** (we recommend naming it after your device), choose the storage method (Android or Security Key), and click `Next`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Authenticate your device">
    * **Android phone:** Use your phone to scan the **QR code** on the screen, then verify with **fingerprint/face** on your phone.

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/locker/DGmCYM1Opanpr-4x/images/en/locker-general/login-unlock/passkey-android-qr.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=DGmCYM1Opanpr-4x&q=85&s=1b9a99cf8834f21749081e50dde34191" alt="QR code for adding passkey on Android" style={{display: 'block', margin: '0 auto'}} width="590" height="711" data-path="images/en/locker-general/login-unlock/passkey-android-qr.png" />

    * **Security key:** Connect the key to your computer, click `OK` in the browser, and scan your **fingerprint** or enter the key's **PIN**.

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/locker/DGmCYM1Opanpr-4x/images/en/locker-general/login-unlock/passkey-securitykey-save.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=DGmCYM1Opanpr-4x&q=85&s=084f92401e5f73d36518371282869549" alt="Add passkey with security key" style={{display: 'block', margin: '0 auto'}} width="573" height="348" data-path="images/en/locker-general/login-unlock/passkey-securitykey-save.png" />
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Use a passkey to unlock

<Steps>
  <Step title="Choose the method">
    On the unlock page, select `Unlock with your Passkey` and click `Continue`.

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/locker/DGmCYM1Opanpr-4x/images/en/locker-general/login-unlock/use-passkey-vault.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=DGmCYM1Opanpr-4x&q=85&s=5ad5ad7de35b45edf26854f0b892eafd" alt="Use passkey to unlock Vault" style={{display: 'block', margin: '0 auto'}} width="568" height="650" data-path="images/en/locker-general/login-unlock/use-passkey-vault.png" />
  </Step>

  <Step title="Authenticate">
    Select the device where your passkey is stored. Scan your **fingerprint**, **face**, or enter your **PIN** on that device to access the Vault.

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/locker/DGmCYM1Opanpr-4x/images/en/locker-general/login-unlock/passkey-auth-vault.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=DGmCYM1Opanpr-4x&q=85&s=f083b2ad71a75d0eb7521112ac2d96d2" alt="Passkey authentication for Vault" style={{display: 'block', margin: '0 auto'}} width="1024" height="1181" data-path="images/en/locker-general/login-unlock/passkey-auth-vault.png" />
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Unlock with a physical security key

Security keys (YubiKey, VinCSS, etc.) can fully replace your Master Password and help protect against phishing attacks.

<Note>
  **Requirement:** You need to install the **Desktop app** to enable this feature. [Download the app here](https://locker.io/passwords/download).
</Note>

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="On Desktop App">
    <Steps>
      <Step title="Go to Security settings">
        Open the Desktop app, go to `Settings` > `Security` > `Unlock Methods`.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Connect the key">
        Under **Security Keys**, click the `Add New Key` button. Connect the physical key to your computer via **USB** or **BLE**.

        <Note>If the key does not appear on screen, try clicking the Reload device list button.</Note>

        <img src="https://mintcdn.com/locker/DGmCYM1Opanpr-4x/images/en/locker-general/login-unlock/desktop-add-securitykey.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=DGmCYM1Opanpr-4x&q=85&s=2b5683a890b214c8ad925dea96aff46b" alt="Add key on desktop" style={{display: 'block', margin: '0 auto'}} width="1881" height="595" data-path="images/en/locker-general/login-unlock/desktop-add-securitykey.png" />
      </Step>

      <Step title="Authenticate">
        Scan your **fingerprint** or enter the key's **PIN**.

        <Note>**Note:** You will need to perform the authentication on the key **2 times** as required by the system to complete the setup. Afterward, the system will automatically log you out.</Note>
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="On Web App">
    <Steps>
      <Step title="Connect to the Desktop app">
        Under `Unlock Methods` in the browser, click `Add New Key`. Select `Open Desktop App` when prompted.

        <img src="https://mintcdn.com/locker/DGmCYM1Opanpr-4x/images/en/locker-general/login-unlock/open-desktop-app.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=DGmCYM1Opanpr-4x&q=85&s=8ad7c81d8f93657d045a748e7d0bbb59" alt="Open desktop app" style={{display: 'block', margin: '0 auto'}} width="504" height="282" data-path="images/en/locker-general/login-unlock/open-desktop-app.png" />
      </Step>

      <Step title="Verify the OTP code">
        Confirm that the **6-digit OTP code** displayed on both the Web and Desktop app matches. Click `Confirm` on both applications.

        <img src="https://mintcdn.com/locker/DGmCYM1Opanpr-4x/images/en/locker-general/login-unlock/web-desktop-otp.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=DGmCYM1Opanpr-4x&q=85&s=3077b69f1083739d43d8063dcc7435a6" alt="Confirm OTP" style={{display: 'block', margin: '0 auto'}} width="627" height="377" data-path="images/en/locker-general/login-unlock/web-desktop-otp.png" />
      </Step>

      <Step title="Physical authentication">
        Connect the physical key to your computer and scan your **fingerprint/PIN** on the key **2 times** to complete the setup.

        <Note>If the key does not appear on screen, try clicking the Reload device list button.</Note>

        <img src="https://mintcdn.com/locker/DGmCYM1Opanpr-4x/images/en/locker-general/login-unlock/desktop-add-securitykey.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=DGmCYM1Opanpr-4x&q=85&s=2b5683a890b214c8ad925dea96aff46b" alt="Add key on desktop" style={{display: 'block', margin: '0 auto'}} width="1881" height="595" data-path="images/en/locker-general/login-unlock/desktop-add-securitykey.png" />
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

## Unlock with biometrics

This method is available exclusively on the mobile app (iOS/Android), using **Face ID**, **Touch ID**, or **fingerprint scanning**.

<Note>
  If your device supports both face and fingerprint recognition, Locker will prioritize face recognition.
</Note>

### How to enable

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Settings">
    Open the Locker mobile app, go to the `Menu` tab > `Settings`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable the feature">
    Scroll down to the **Security** section and toggle on `Unlock with Face ID/Touch ID` (or Biometrics).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm">
    Scan your **face** or **fingerprint** so the system registers your unlock method.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Remove an unlock method

You can manage and remove previously configured unlock methods at any time to keep your account secure:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Access the list">
    Go to `Settings` > `Security` > `Unlock Methods` and expand the **Passkeys** or **Security Keys** section.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select the method to remove">
    Find the device or key you want to remove and click the `Trash` (Delete) icon next to it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm">
    In the confirmation dialog, click `Delete` to confirm. Once removed, this method will no longer work to unlock the Vault.
  </Step>
</Steps>
