What is the logic behind the passkey account selection on devices with multiple accounts?

[simon-st]

I noticed that every time I install the app, it seems to randomly choose one of my accounts on the device. First off, it's pretty hidden and you have to pay attention to it on the passkey creation sheet. Secondly I can't figure out why it chooses one account over the other. Even on my other app that is on the play store, you would assume that it prioritizes the account that installed the app, but that does not seem to be the case.

What is the logic behind this account selection and is there a way to influence it?

[niharika2810]

Hi

The default one on install should be the one which is currently being used as primary on your device and the default account for passkeys sign in should also be the one you initially used to create the passkey for that particular app.

Let us know if this is not the case. To not clutter on one screen and confuse users, the other options for password manager and google accounts are hidden in second bottom sheet.

[simon-st]

Hey @niharika2810. Yes that is what I would have expected. I just tried it one more time and it picked a random account that is not my primary account on the phone or in the play store, nor is it the one i used to install the app.

[niharika2810]

Would you be able to share a recording, may be just accessible to me to once check this? You can try on a testing device for privacy or sensitive data issues.

[simon-st]

@niharika2810 I would prefer to keep the video private. I only have my personal device setup with multiple accounts and would prefer my real email addresses not to be public. Let me know how you want me to send it to you.

[niharika2810]

Hi is this still an issue? Please let me know.

[simon-st]

@niharika2810 Yes it is. It's not a big issue, but i find it a nuisance for testing and users if it is not clear what account is chosen.

I just tried again with an app install from google play. Log in and one account us used to create the passkey. I stoped there, cleared the app data and did the same process again, just this time it chose a different account for the passkey. You can see in below screenshots that it uses different accounts by default and it is not clear to me why.

Attempt 1:

Attempt 2:

[niharika2810]

Hey would you mind created a bug herw with all details asked in this template and we will have a look : https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/new?component=1301097&template=1773864

[simon-st]

Done: https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/338392160

[niharika2810]

Thank you, will be communicating there to avoid any confusions on updates.