Are you sick of having to key in and remember passwords just to get in somewhere? Try a passkey, an authentication technique created by the FIDO Alliance and swiftly embraced by companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft. Passkeys are gradually taking the place of passwords as the “solution” to the problem, offering you more security and peace of mind and eliminating the annoyance of using passwords to safeguard your online accounts, even if they aren’t currently the industry standard.

Google is leading the passkey movement by providing simple methods for configuring and syncing your passkeys across devices using the Chrome browser. You clearly have a Google account, so if you’re new to passkeys and want to get started, making one for that is one of the best places to start.

Get a sneak peek at the passwordless future that internet giants are promising us below, along with instructions on how to set up a passkey for your Google account. For further information, see this helpful tip for clearing up your Gmail account without erasing all of your emails and what you need to know about your iPhone’s new RCS capability.

Google pro tip
Google offers its own Titan Security Key if you want to input your passkey and access your Google accounts using a hardware security key. In addition to connecting to your computer, the key may be used with the majority of Android and iPhone devices that accept NFC or USB.Details at Google for $30

What prerequisites must be met in order to utilize Passkeys?

The following prerequisites, which change according on the device you’re using, must be fulfilled before you can set up your Google passkeys.

You need to have at least iOS 16 or Android 9 installed on your mobile device.
You must have at least Windows 10 or MacOS Ventura installed on your computer. Additionally, you need to be using at least Microsoft Edge 109, Apple Safari 16, or Google Chrome 109.

How to configure Google passkeys

Go to g.co/passkeys using the online browser of your choice on your computer, tablet, or phone. You’ll be prompted to enter your standard password to confirm your identity if you’re already signed into your Google account. You may choose from all of your other Google accounts by tapping the current email if you need to switch accounts.

When asked, enter your password now, then click Next.when the pop-up window displays. Depending on your device, the passkey will be stored to it (for instance, iCloud Keychain on iOS).

To verify your identity, you must adhere to any instructions and utilize whatever biometric your device requests. Your passkey will be generated for that device when you do that.

Creating a Google passkey
Once your passkey is configured, you may access Google using your face, fingerprint, screen lock, or hardware security key.
Nelson Aguilar

Note: The simplest way is to generate the passkey on the device you’re using, however you may also use another device (such as a tablet or external security key).

You may now access your Google account by using your passkey. Because a passkey indicates that you physically own your phone, which is what two-factor authentication ultimately does, it circumvents 2FA if you have it enabled. Additionally, you may always log in using your password if you don’t want to utilize your passkey for whatever reason.

Have you misplaced the gadget with the passkey on it?

You may still access your Google account even if you misplace or have your device stolen. With a different gadget that can access your Google account: Remove the passkey linked to your lost or stolen device by visiting g.co/passkeys and logging in with your regular password. To remove the passkey and resume using your password, just click the X next to it and then choose Remove.

For further information, see how to improve the security of your iPhone on iOS 18 and 7 settings that you should modify as soon as you get your new iPhone 16.