Approve-on-phone unlock
Last updated October 2, 2026
Instead of typing your master password in the browser, you can approve the unlock on your Android phone.
Updated to MoatKey 0.6.1? MoatKey now checks on its server that approvals really come from your phone, so earlier pairings were ended. If you see Pair again, pair each browser again with the steps below. Update both the extension and the Android app.
Pair your phone and browser
You need MoatKey on both, signed in to the same account.
- Browser extension Open Tools → Unlock & security. In Unlock with your phone, choose Pair a phone.
- Enter your Master password and choose Show pairing code. A QR code appears. It works for 10 minutes.
- Android app Open Settings → Paired browsers, tap Pair a browser, and scan the QR code on your computer screen.
- Both screens show a code. If they're the same, choose Codes match on each. If not, choose They don't match and start again.
Scanning the QR code is the only way to pair.
Unlock by approving
- Browser extension When MoatKey is locked, choose Approve on your phone. The browser shows three pictures.
- Android app Open MoatKey on your phone. You see Unlock MoatKey on your browser. Check that it shows the same three pictures, and that you asked just now.
- Tap Approve and confirm with your fingerprint or face.
Your phone asks for your fingerprint or face. It only accepts the phone's screen lock (PIN, pattern or password) if the phone has no fingerprint or face set up.
If you didn't ask, tap Deny. The request expires after 2 minutes. Your master password always works too.
MoatKey still asks for your master password every 14 days (why).
Unpair
- Browser extension Unlock with your phone, choose Remove next to the phone.
- Android app Settings → Paired browsers, choose Remove next to the browser.
Signing out of the browser also removes its pairings.
Phone not approving? See Troubleshooting.