How to Set Up a Passkey on Your Google Account

A passkey lets you sign in to your Google Account by unlocking your device with a fingerprint, face scan or screen lock, with no password to type. Google says passkeys can't be shared, copied, written down or accidentally given away, which makes them more resistant to phishing. Here's how to set one up, based on Google's help page.

What you need

• A computer running at least Windows 10, macOS Ventura or ChromeOS 109; or
• A phone running at least Android 9 or iOS 16; or
• A hardware security key that supports FIDO2.

Before you start, Google says to:

• turn on your phone's screen lock;
• turn on Bluetooth if you'll use your phone to sign in on another computer;
• turn on iCloud Keychain on iPhone, iPad or Mac;
• update your operating system and browser. Passkeys may not work in Incognito mode on some systems.

Steps

1. On the phone or computer you want to use, go to myaccount.google.com/signinoptions/passkeys. You may need to sign in or verify your identity.
2. Choose to create a passkey and follow the prompts.
3. Unlock your device when asked (fingerprint, face or screen lock).
4. Repeat on each device you want to use.

Know this first

• Only use devices you own. Google warns that once you create a passkey, anyone who can unlock that device can access your Google Account, even if you've signed out.
• It skips 2-Step Verification. Google says a passkey bypasses the second step because unlocking the device proves you have it.
• Nothing else changes. Adding a passkey doesn't remove your existing sign-in or recovery methods.
• Biometrics stay on your device. Google says fingerprint and face data are never shared with Google.
• Work and school accounts: your admin may not allow passkey-only sign-in. Check the "Skip password when possible" page.

More guides: How-To.