Have you seen a website offer to let you “create a passkey” instead of using a password? It’s a newer, often easier way to sign in—and it can be safer, too.
What is a passkey?
A passkey is a secure digital sign-in credential stored on your device or in a compatible password manager. Instead of remembering a password, you usually unlock the passkey with the same fingerprint, face recognition, or PIN you use to unlock your phone or computer.
The important part: Your fingerprint or face isn’t sent to the website. Your device uses it to approve a secure sign-in. Behind the scenes, the site checks a cryptographic proof rather than receiving a shared password.
How is that different from a password?
Passwords are secrets that you type into websites. Criminals can steal them through fake sign-in pages, leaks, or reused passwords. With a passkey, the private credential stays protected on your device or within your passkey provider. A fake website cannot normally trick the passkey into signing in to the real website.
How do I create one?
- Sign in to a website that offers passkeys.
- Open its Account or Security settings.
- Choose Create a passkey or Add passkey.
- Follow your phone, computer, or password manager’s instructions.
- Confirm it works before removing any old sign-in method.
Not every website supports passkeys yet, and menu names vary.
What if I get a new phone?
Many passkeys sync through a compatible password manager or phone ecosystem. Others stay on one device, including certain hardware security keys. Before replacing or wiping your old phone, make sure your passkeys are backed up or that you have another way into important accounts.
Are passkeys and two-factor authentication the same?
No. Two-factor authentication adds another sign-in check, often to a password. A passkey can replace the password entirely and still provide strong authentication. Read our plain-English guide to two-factor authentication for the difference.
Should I use passkeys?
Yes, for accounts that support them—especially your main email account. Keep your phone or computer protected with a strong screen lock, understand your recovery options, and never approve an unexpected sign-in request.
Bottom line: A passkey is usually easier to use than a password and far more resistant to phishing. You don’t have to switch everything at once: start with one important account.
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