DIGITAL SKILLS / SECURITY · EDITORIAL FEATURE
Passkeys: A Different Way to Sign In
What passkeys are, why they resist phishing and how to get started with your Google Account.
Passwords can be guessed, reused or stolen. Passkeys offer a different way to sign in, typically using your device's screen lock.
How they work
A passkey uses public-key cryptography. The service holds a public key; the private key is protected by your device or credential manager. This design helps prevent phishing because a passkey is bound to the legitimate website or app.
Set one up
Visit your Google Account security settings and find the passkeys section. Follow the prompts on a supported device. The available steps depend on your device and account configuration.
Plan for recovery
Make sure your account recovery methods are current, especially if you lose or replace a device. A passkey is an important security improvement, not a reason to ignore account recovery.
Official guide: Google Account Help — Passkeys.