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If you have been asked to “create a passkey” recently, you’re not alone. More websites and apps now offer passkeys as a faster, safer alternative to passwords. Here’s what they are and how to get started.
What is a passkey?
A passkey is a digital key stored on your phone, computer or password manager. Instead of typing a password, you confirm it’s you with your fingerprint, face or device PIN. The site never sees a secret it could leak, and there’s nothing for a scammer to trick you into typing on a fake page.
Why they’re safer than passwords
- They can’t be reused across sites.
- They can’t be guessed or cracked.
- They are tied to the real website, so phishing pages don’t work.
How to set one up
Look for a “passkeys” or “sign-in options” section in your account settings. Choose to create a passkey, confirm with your device’s unlock method, and you’re done. Next time you log in, pick the passkey option instead of typing a password.
What if I lose my phone?
Most passkeys sync through your device’s cloud account or your password manager, so they come back when you sign in on a new device. It’s still wise to keep a recovery method, such as backup codes, somewhere safe.
Should you switch now?
For your most important accounts, such as email, banking and shopping, it’s worth setting up passkeys where available. You can keep your password as a backup while you get used to them.
What happens if I switch from Android to iPhone?
Password managers that support passkeys make this much easier.
Clearest explanation I have read so far.
Set up passkeys on my email after reading this. Took two minutes.