From Passwords to Passkeys: A Simple Google Guide

Tired of remembering and typing passwords every time you log in? Try passkeys! This FIDO Alliance-developed method makes logging in easy and secure. Major tech companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft are adopting passkeys to replace traditional passwords, providing more security and convenience. Although they aren’t yet standard across all platforms, passkeys are quickly becoming a go-to solution for protecting online accounts without the hassle of passwords.

Google is leading the way in passkey adoption. It offers simple ways to create and sync passkeys across devices through Chrome. A great place to start is by creating a passkey for your Google account. Below, we’ll guide you through the steps to set up a Google passkey and make the switch to a passwordless login.

Requirements for Using Google Passkeys

Before setting up passkeys, make sure your device meets these requirements:
For mobile devices: iOS 16 or Android 9 or newer.
For computers: MacOS Ventura or Windows 10, with a web browser version of Chrome 109, Safari 16, or Edge 109 or higher.

How to Set Up a Google Passkeys

1. Visit Google Passkeys: Open your preferred browser and go to g.co/passkeys on any device—phone, tablet, or computer.
2. Sign In: If you’re logged into your Google account, enter your usual password when prompted. To switch accounts, tap on the current email to choose a different Google account.
3. Create the Passkey: After entering your password, click “Next” and follow the prompts. When the pop-up appears, select “Continue.” Your passkey will save automatically to a secure location (e.g., iCloud Keychain for iOS).
4. Confirm with Biometrics: Follow the prompts to confirm your identity using your device’s biometric feature (like Face ID or fingerprint).

Your passkey is now ready for that device! You can use it to log in to your Google account without a password. If you’ve enabled two-factor authentication, your passkey bypasses it since it verifies you’re using a trusted device.

What If You Lose Your Passkey Device?

If your device with a passkey is lost or stolen, don’t worry. You can still access your Google account using another device:
1. Go to g.co/passkeys and sign in with your password.
2. Next to the lost device’s passkey, click the “X” and select “Remove.”
3. Once removed, you can log in with your password or create a new passkey on a different device.

Passkeys simplify your logins, making it easier to keep your Google account secure without relying on passwords. Try it today for a simpler, safer login experience!