Tired of having to remember and input passwords just to check in somewhere? Try a passkey, an authentication technique invented by the FIDO Alliance and swiftly adopted by Apple, Google, and Microsoft. Though they are not yet the industry norm, passkeys are gradually becoming the “solution” to passwords, providing you with additional security and peace of mind while eliminating the hassle associated with passwords when it comes to securing your online accounts.
Google is at the vanguard of the passkey push, offering simple ways to set up and sync passkeys across devices using the Chrome browser. If you are new to passkeys and want to get started, one of the greatest ways to begin is by making one.
for your Google account, as you clearly have one.
Below, we’ll teach you how to create a passkey for your Google account and get a peek of the password-free future that internet titans are promising. For more, see everything you need to know about your iPhone’s new RCS functionality and how to free up space in your Gmail account without losing all of your emails.
What are the criteria for using Passkeys?
Before you can set up your Google passkeys, you must complete the following conditions, which differ depending on the device you’re using.
For mobile devices, you must have at least iOS 16 or Android 9.
Your machine must be running either MacOS Ventura or Windows 10. Additionally, your web browser must be at least Google Chrome 109, Apple Safari 16, or Microsoft Edge 109.
How to Set up Passkeys with Google
Navigate to g.co/passkeys on your preferred web browser, whether on your phone, tablet, or PC. If you are already logged in to your Google account, you will be prompted to enter your usual password to confirm your identity. If you need to switch accounts, hit the current email address to select from all of your other Google accounts.
Enter your password when asked, then click Next. On the following page, you will be prompted to generate a passkey. When the pop-up displays, click Continue. The passkey will be saved on your device (e.g., iCloud Keychain on iOS), which may differ depending on the device.
To prove your identification, you must follow any instructions and provide any biometric information requested by your device. Once done, your passkey
will be designed specifically for that device.
Setting up a passcode for Google
Once your passkey has been set up, you may log in to Google with your face, fingerprint, screen lock, or hardware security key.
Screenshots by Nelson Aguilar for CNET.
Note: While it is possible to generate a passkey using another device (tablet, external security key), the simplest technique is to create the passkey on the device you are now using.
You may now use your passkey to access your Google account. If you have two-factor authentication set, your passkey will circumvent 2FA since it indicates that you have physical control of your phone, which is essentially what 2FA accomplishes. Furthermore, if you don’t want to utilize your passkey for whatever reason, you canEnter your password to log in.
Have you lost a gadget with a passkey on it? Google has got you.
If you lose your device or it is stolen, you may still access your Google account. Using another device that can access your Google account: Go to g.co/passkeys, sign in with your regular password, then delete the passkey linked with your lost or stolen device. To remove the passkey and return to using your password, just click the X next to it and then select Remove.
For additional information, see how to improve your iPhone’s security on iOS 18 and what settings to adjust as soon as you receive your new iPhone 16.