What Are Passkeys?
Passkeys replace passwords. Instead of typing something you know (and might forget, reuse, or get phished), you authenticate with something you have (your device) and something you are (biometrics):
- No passwords to remember — your device handles authentication.
- Phishing-proof — cryptographically bound to the real domain.
- Biometric unlock — Face ID, Touch ID, fingerprint, Windows Hello.
- Synced across devices — via iCloud, Google, or Microsoft account.
- FIDO2/WebAuthn standard — open standard, not vendor lock-in.
How Passkeys Work (Simplified)
- Registration: Website generates a challenge → your device creates a key pair → public key goes to the site, private key stays on your device.
- Login: Website sends a challenge → your device signs it with the private key (after biometric verification) → website verifies with the public key.
- No secrets transmitted — the private key never leaves your device.
Where to Set Up Passkeys
| Platform | Setup Location | Sync Method |
|---|
| Google | myaccount.google.com > Security > Passkeys | Google Password Manager |
| Apple | Settings > Sign-In & Security | iCloud Keychain |
| Microsoft | account.microsoft.com > Security | Windows Hello |
| GitHub | Settings > Password and authentication | Browser/device |
| Amazon | Account > Login & security | Browser/device |
| PayPal | Settings > Security > Passkeys | Browser/device |
Passkeys vs Other Authentication Methods
| Method | Phishing Resistant? | User Experience | Recovery | Cost |
|---|
| Passkey | ✅ Yes | One-tap biometric | Cloud sync + recovery email | Free |
| Password | ❌ No | Type and remember | Password reset | Free |
| Password + SMS 2FA | ❌ No (SMS interceptable) | Type + wait for code | Phone number | Free |
| Password + TOTP | ⚠️ Partially | Type + open app | Recovery codes | Free |
| Hardware key (YubiKey) | ✅ Yes | Tap physical key | Backup key | $25-$70 |
Common Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|
| Do all browsers support passkeys? | Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox (2024+) — all major browsers |
| Can I use a passkey on someone else’s computer? | Yes — scan a QR code with your phone to authenticate cross-device |
| Do passkeys work offline? | The authentication happens locally (biometric), but the site needs internet |
| Can someone clone my passkey? | No — private keys are stored in secure hardware (TPM, Secure Enclave) |
| What about password managers? | 1Password, Dashlane, and Bitwarden now support storing passkeys |
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|
| ”Passkey” option not showing | Update your browser and OS; check passkeys.directory for site support |
| Biometric not working | Ensure Face ID/Touch ID/Windows Hello is enabled in device settings |
| Passkey not syncing to new device | Sign into the same iCloud/Google/Microsoft account |
| Site still requires password | Some sites use passkey as secondary; delete password if passkey-only is available |
Summary
- Passkeys replace passwords — no more phishing, no more forgotten passwords.
- Set up now on Google, Apple, and Microsoft.
- Phishing-proof — the biggest security upgrade for everyday users.
- Supported by all major browsers and growing fast.
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