How to create a passkey for your Google account (Guide)

Are you using the traditional way of logging into your Google account? That is with a password of 8 or more characters. You mostly are, and you should stop doing that now. Well, a password is meant for security, however, it’s not the safest way of signing in. Google introduced passkeys in 2022, allowing users to do a passwordless login. Passkeys are not only easier to use, but are also a safe alternative to passwords. Let’s see why you should use a passkey instead of a password and how you can create and enable it for your Google account.

Why use a passkey?

There’s a stark difference between a passkey and a password. Passkeys are easier to create and use, and you do not have to remember anything. All you need is a device to create a passkey and your biometric to sign in at any time in future. Also, it’s safe to use the passkey login method as it’s less likely that your account will be hacked. Passwords can be copied or replicated, which may lead to hacking in certain cases.

Pre-requisites to create a passkey?

— To create a passkey, all you need is a device that’s locked with a passkey or biometric such as fingerprint or Face ID. You can also use two devices such as a laptop/PC and a smartphone or hardware security key. The laptop or PC must have Chrome 109 or up. You can also create a passkey using Safari 16 or up, Microsoft Edge 108 or up and Firefox 122 or up.

— You should have a screen lock enabled on your phone. It can be a Face ID or a fingerprint.

— iOS or macOS users must enable iCloud Keychain on their device. To do that, head to Settings > Account > iCloud > Passwords and Keychain > and toggle it on.

Here’s how to create a passkey for your Google account

Step 1: Open the browser on your laptop or PC and log into your Google account with your ID and password.

Step 2: Open the Google Passkey page.

Step 3: Enter your account password and visit the passkey page.

Step 4: Tap on Create a passkey.

Step 5: If you are on a laptop, you may be able to create a passkey without using your phone. If you are on a desktop, it may ask you to use another device such as a phone or a security key. Tap on it.

Step 6: A pop-up will arrive asking you to choose a device to create a passkey. Tap on the ‘Use a different phone, tablet, or security key’ option.

Step 7: Open the camera on your phone and scan the QR code shown in the pop-up.

Step 8: You should now see a pop-up on your phone. Confirm and give your Face ID or fingerprint to enable the passkey.

Once you follow all the methods, your passkey should be created. Next time you want to log into your Google account, select the passkey method and with a single tap, you should be logged into your Google account.