Google Passkeys: Google’s First Step Towards Passwordless Future; How to Set Up?

Google has taken its step toward the aim of a “Passwordless Future,” which also makes the sign-in process more accessible and more secure. Generally, people find creating, remembering, and storing a solid password difficult. 

Thus, Google has introduced the concept of the Google Passkeys, which works upon the biometric sensor, including fingerprint or facial locks, backed by the PIN. 

These Passkeys are much more accessible than filling up a password and are more solid than 2-factor authentication. In simple words, the concept of passkeys not only eases your work but also makes your security more robust. This guide has mentioned all the essential information regarding the Passkeys and how you can set them up in your Google accounts.

What are Passkeys? 

Passkeys are typically called digital credentials associated with the user’s account. Passkeys allow you not to remember any username or password or fill up any extra authentication factor. Passkey technology is made to replace old passwords. 

To access the Passkeys, the browser or the OS (Operating System) allows users to select the right ones. This technology provides an almost similar experience to how a “saved password” works. The system is smart enough to ask users to unlock their devices to access the passkeys. These passkeys generally work over the biometric sensors. 

How do Passkeys Work? 

Passkeys take the help of an Operating System or Browser so that passkeys managers can create, backup, and avail the passkeys to the users. Google Password Manager keeps the passkeys for all Android users, which are also connected to their Google accounts. 

Moreover, the Passkeys can also be accessed through other devices than stored. For instance, no matter if you have created the Passkey on your phone, you can always use it on your laptop. 

You need to have your phone near your laptop and approve the sign-in process. The best thing is that the next time, you won’t need the phone near your laptop or any other device to visit the site. 

Step-by-Step Process to Setup The Google Passkeys 

Step – 1: First, you need to visit the Google Account Page and sign into your Google Account. 

Step – 2: Click on the “Security” tab to move further. 

Step – 3: Find out the tab named “How you Sign in to Google”.

Step – 4: In the bottom left corner of the iOS device, you will find the “Passkeys” option on the web. (For Android, you can find it below the “Security Code” function). 

Step – 5: Once the sign-in menu pops up, you must re-authenticate it. 

Step – 6: Tap on “Create a Passkey” on the web and then further “Use Passkey” on the Android device. 

Step – 7: Confirm your eligible settings and device, then click “Done” on the Android device. (Instead, you need to click on “Use Another Device” and the given QR code).

Step – 8: Follow all the instructions on the screen, and select the required one between the “External Security Key or Built-in Sensor” or the “Use A Phone or Tablet.”

Is Google Passkeys Safe To Use? 

Unlike traditional passwords, Google Passkeys are considerably safer. These Passkeys do not have any risk of online cyber attack, phishing, or any improper use of OTPs. 

Basically, the Passkeys are Public Key Cryptography that doesn’t have any potential security breach. Plus, these passkey technologies also save you from any hassle of storing or remembering passwords. 

Google Passkeys is a standardized technology that allows you to use them on various devices. However, it also has a risk associated with losing your device.