Are you tired of trying to remember multiple complex passwords? Google’s new passkeys may be the solution you need. This new feature provides a secure credential that is tied to your device’s biometric authentication or PIN, allowing you to access your Google account and apps more quickly and easily. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to set up and use Google Passkeys.
Hardware and Software Requirements
Before setting up a passkey, it’s important to ensure that your device meets the necessary hardware and software requirements. Currently, you can create a passkey on any compatible hardware, including laptops and desktops with Windows 10 or macOS Ventura (or later) running Chrome 109, Safari 16, or Edge 109 or later. For mobile devices, you’ll need iOS 16 or Android 9 (or later). You can also use a hardware security key that supports the FIDO2 protocol. Additionally, you must have a screen lock enabled, and if you want to use your phone to sign into another device, such as a laptop, you’ll need to have Bluetooth turned on.
Setting Up Your Passkey
- To set up your passkey, start by visiting g.co/passkeys.
- If you have an Android phone that is already signed into your Google account, you may have been automatically registered for a passkey. If so, your device will be listed under Automatically created passkeys, and you can just click the blue “Use passkeys” button.
- If your device isn’t listed, select the “Create a passkey” button at the bottom of the page.
- Next, you’ll be prompted to select either the device you’re currently using as the passkey or to use another device. If you’re using another device, you’ll be given a QR code to scan with your phone’s camera. If you’re using an iPhone, you may be asked to turn on iCloud Keychain.
- Once you’ve set up your passkey, you can use it to sign in to your Google account and apps. If you lose or sell a device that has a passkey, you can remove it from your list of passkeys by going to your Google account, selecting “Security” in the left-hand column, and scrolling down to “How you sign in to Google.” Under “Passkeys you created,” click the X next to the passkey you want to delete. If the passkey was automatically created by Google, you can’t delete it, but you can sign that device out of your account by going to “Manage all devices” under “How you sign in to Google.”
- If you are using an iPhone, you may also be asked to turn on iCloud Keychain.
- you’re done!
Stopping the Use of Passkeys
If you want to stop using passkeys, you can go back to using passwords and 2FA as before.
Go to your Google account, select “Security,” and scroll down to “Skip password when possible.” Toggle it off, and the passkeys will still be part of your account, but they won’t be used.
Conclusion Google’s passkeys offer a more convenient and secure way to access your account and apps. With their simple setup and easy-to-use features, passkeys provide a hassle-free alternative to traditional passwords. So why not give it a try and simplify your online experience today?
