How To Set Up Passkeys on Your Google Account

Passwords have protected online accounts for years, but they also come with risks. Weak passwords can be guessed, reused across multiple websites or stolen through phishing attacks. To improve account security, Google now allows users to sign in using passkeys instead of traditional passwords.

A passkey is a more secure way to access your Google Account. Instead of entering a password, you can sign in using your phone's fingerprint, face recognition, screen lock or another trusted device. This makes it much harder for hackers to gain access to your account.

If you'd like to make your Google Account more secure, here's how to set up and use passkeys.

What Is a Passkey?

A passkey is a digital credential stored on your device that replaces your password during sign-in. It works with your device's built-in security features, such as:

• Fingerprint recognition
• Face recognition
• PIN
• Screen lock

Unlike passwords, passkeys cannot be guessed or stolen through fake login pages, making them one of the safest ways to protect your account.

Why Use a Passkey?

Setting up a passkey offers several benefits:

• Stronger protection against hackers
• Protection from phishing attacks
• Faster sign-in
• No need to remember complex passwords
• Better overall account security

Before You Begin

Before creating a passkey, make sure:

• You have a Google Account.
• Your phone or computer supports screen lock, fingerprint or face recognition.
• Your device software is up to date.
• Screen lock is enabled on your device.

How To Set Up a Passkey

Follow these steps:

1. Open your web browser and sign in to your Google Account.
2. Go to your Google Account security settings.
3. Select Security.
4. Scroll down to How you sign in to Google.
5. Tap or click Passkeys.
6. Select Create a passkey.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions.
8. Verify your identity using your fingerprint, face recognition or screen lock.

Once completed, your passkey will be saved securely on your device.

How To Sign In With a Passkey

After setting up a passkey:

1. Open a Google sign-in page.
2. Enter your email address.
3. Choose to sign in using your passkey if prompted.
4. Verify your identity using your device's fingerprint, face recognition or screen lock.

You won't need to type your password each time on that trusted device.

Can You Still Use Your Password?

Yes. Setting up a passkey does not automatically remove your password.

Your password remains available as a backup, especially when signing in from devices that don't yet support passkeys.

How To Manage or Remove Passkeys

If you replace your phone or no longer want to use a passkey:

1. Open your Google Account.
2. Go to Security.
3. Open Passkeys.
4. View your saved passkeys.
5. Remove any passkey you no longer use.

You can also create new passkeys for additional trusted devices.

Tips for Better Security

To keep your Google Account secure:

• Keep your devices updated.
• Use screen lock on every device.
• Never share your phone's PIN or unlock pattern.
• Remove passkeys from devices you no longer own.
• Enable two-step verification for added protection.

Passkeys are becoming the future of online security. They make signing in faster while offering stronger protection than traditional passwords. If you use Gmail, Google Drive, Google Photos or any other Google service, setting up a passkey is a simple step that can significantly improve the security of your account.

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