Why doesn't the imKey Pass S6 prompt for PIN or Fingerprint setup when used on mobile without initialization?

imKey Pass S6 is a fingerprint-enabled security key based on the FIDO2 standard (a hardware passkey device). Many users feel confused when using it on a phone for the first time: Why doesn’t the system guide me to set a PIN or enroll a fingerprint?
The main reason is that different platforms provide different levels of security-key management capabilities.

Why can I set it up on a PC, but not on a phone?

PC Side: Typically provides full initialization and management

On Windows or macOS, when using Chrome, the system typically provides a more complete set of security-key setup and management functions.
So when the device is brand new (not initialized) or after a reset, plugging it into a computer often shows the options to set a PIN and enroll a fingerprint, allowing you to complete the initialization.

Mobile Side: Primarily treats the hardware key as a verification tool

On iOS / Android, when the key has not been initialized, the system usually treats a hardware key as something used only for sign-in verification. In most cases, mobile platforms do not expose device management entry points such as setting a PIN or enrolling/managing fingerprints.

In many website scenarios, the key is therefore more commonly used as a 2FA security key. Whether it can also work as a Passkey sign-in credential depends on the website’s support and the specific browser/OS implementation.

This explains why users cannot perform these basic settings directly when using the device for the first time on a mobile device.

Recommended Path: Initialize First, Use Later

To ensure a smoother experience, it helps to think of using imKey Pass S6 in two stages:

Stage 1: Initialization (recommended on a PC)

This stage is best done on a PC. You “lock” the device and bind it to your identity by:

• Setting a PIN
• Enrolling a fingerprint

This is a one-time setup and improves security.

Stage 2: Daily authentication (most common on mobile)

This is the typical mobile experience. You only need to:

• Plug in imKey Pass S6
• Follow prompts to verify with your fingerprint or PIN

Then you can quickly complete sign-in or confirm sensitive actions.

✅ The simplest path is: initialize once on a PC, then use it normally on mobile.

Understanding the difference between 2FA and Passkey

Many users add a security key to their Google account on mobile and notice they still need to enter a password when signing in. That’s because in this scenario, imKey Pass S6 usually works as the second factor for 2FA.

As 2FA: password first, then hardware verification

The value is clear: even if your password is leaked, an attacker still can’t sign in without the physical security key.

As a Passkey (passwordless sign-in): usually no password required

The “sign in without typing a password” experience many users see on a PC is closer to Passkey / passwordless sign-in.

Whether you can achieve that depends on:

• The website’s Passkey support
• Whether you registered the key as a Passkey sign-in credential or only as a 2FA factor

Quick Rule of Thumb:

• Enter password first, then use the key → usually 2FA
• No password (or only select an account), then use the key → usually Passkey

FAQ

Q1: Why didn’t I see any prompt to set a PIN or enroll a fingerprint on mobile?

Because on mobile (iOS / Android), when the key hasn’t been initialized, the system usually treats it as an authentication tool for sign-in verification only. The OS and browser typically don’t provide full device management options (such as enrolling fingerprints or changing a PIN).

PIN setup and fingerprint enrollment are part of initialization, which you can do on a computer using Chrome’s built-in security key management page:
chrome://settings/securityKeys

Q2: What happens if I don’t initialize the PIN/Fingerprint on a PC first?

You may not get the Passkey (passwordless sign-in) experience on mobile. That can create a “Why do I still need a password after adding the key?” gap and may lead you to mistakenly think the device is malfunctioning.

For best results, initialize the key once on a PC (set a PIN and enroll a fingerprint), then use it on mobile for daily verification.

Q3: Can I add/remove fingerprints or change the PIN on mobile?

Usually not.
These management actions generally need to be done on a Windows or macOS computer (especially via Chrome).

Q4: Why do I still need to enter a password after adding the security key to my Google account on mobile?

That’s normal. In this case, imKey Pass S6 usually functions as 2FA (second factor):
You enter your password first, then plug in the key to complete the second-step verification. Even if your password is leaked, an attacker can’t sign in without the physical key.

Q5: What is the “sign in without typing a password on PC” experience?

That’s closer to Passkey / passwordless sign-in.
Whether it works depends on the website and whether you registered the key as a Passkey credential or only as a 2FA factor.

Quick check:

• Password first, then key → usually 2FA
• No password (or only select an account), then key → usually Passkey

Summary

• Mobile platforms mainly handle authentication, not device management.
• It’s recommended to initialize the PIN and fingerprint on a PC before using the key across platforms.
• Passkey (passwordless sign-in) and 2FA (second factor) are two different security flows.