What Is a Passkey? A Simple Guide to Password-Free Sign-Ins

If you've recently tried signing in to an app or website, you may have seen an option to use a passkey instead of a password. But what exactly is a passkey, and should you use one?

The short answer: Yes. Passkeys are designed to be safer, easier, and more convenient than traditional passwords.

In this guide, we'll explain what passkeys are, how they work, and why more companies are encouraging people to switch.

Need help setting up a passkey? TechPals can walk you through it. Visit https://techpals.org to learn more.

What Is a Passkey?

A passkey is a secure way to sign in to websites and apps without creating or remembering a password.

Instead of typing a password, you verify your identity using something you already use to unlock your device, such as:

• Your fingerprint

• Face ID or facial recognition

• Your phone's PIN

• Your computer's login password

Once you confirm it's really you, you're signed in.

Why Are Passkeys More Secure?

Traditional passwords have several weaknesses:

• They can be guessed.

• They can be stolen in data breaches.

• They can be reused across multiple websites.

• They can be tricked out of you through phishing scams.

Passkeys solve many of these problems.

Your passkey stays securely stored on your own device and isn't shared with the website in the same way a password is. That makes it much harder for scammers to steal or misuse your login information.

How Do Passkeys Work?

When you create a passkey, your device generates a unique digital credential for that specific website or app.

The next time you sign in:

1. The website asks for your passkey.

2. Your phone, tablet, or computer asks you to verify your identity.

3. You unlock your device using Face ID, your fingerprint, or your PIN.

4. You're signed in automatically.

You never have to type a password.

Where Can You Use Passkeys?

Many popular websites and apps now support passkeys, including email providers, banks, online shopping sites, and social media platforms. More companies continue to add support each year.

If a website offers the option to "Create a Passkey" or "Sign in with a Passkey," it's generally a good idea to use it.

Do I Still Need Passwords?

For now, yes.

Although passkeys are becoming more common, not every website or app supports them yet. Many online accounts still require you to create and use a traditional password, so it's important to know how to protect those accounts as well.

Whenever a website offers the option to create a passkey, it's generally a good idea to use it. For websites that don't yet support passkeys, continue using strong, unique passwords for each account. Reusing the same password across multiple websites can put several of your accounts at risk if one website experiences a data breach.

If you have trouble remembering multiple passwords, consider using a trusted password manager to store them securely. Password managers can generate strong passwords for you and make signing in much easier.

If you haven't already, check out our guide:

How to Choose a Good Password: Strategies for Stronger Security

You may also find these articles helpful:

• Why You Should Stop Using "123456" as Your Password — Learn why common passwords are so easy for hackers to guess and what to use instead.

• What to Do If You Forgot Your Email Password — Step-by-step instructions for recovering access to your email account if you're locked out.

Are Passkeys Safe?

Yes. In fact, cybersecurity experts consider passkeys to be one of the safest ways to sign in online.

Because there's no password to remember or type, scammers have fewer opportunities to steal your login information through fake websites or phishing emails.

That doesn't mean you should ignore security. Always keep your phone or computer protected with a PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition.

Can I Use Passkeys on More Than One Device?

Usually, yes.

If your devices are connected to the same Apple, Google, or Microsoft account, your passkeys may securely sync between them.

For example, you might create a passkey on your iPhone and later use it on your iPad or Mac.

What Happens If I Get a New Phone?

Most people won't lose access to their passkeys.

If your new device is restored from a secure backup or signed into the same account, your passkeys are often transferred automatically.

It's still a good idea to make sure you have recovery options, such as a recovery email or phone number, for important accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a passkey?

A passkey is a secure way to sign in to a website or app without typing a password. Instead, you verify your identity using your fingerprint, Face ID, or your device's PIN. Passkeys are designed to make signing in both easier and more secure.

Is a passkey the same as a password?

No. A password is something you create and type each time you sign in. A passkey is securely stored on your device and lets you sign in by unlocking your phone, tablet, or computer. Because you don't have to remember or type it, a passkey is much more resistant to phishing scams.

Are passkeys safer than passwords?

Yes. In most cases, passkeys are considered safer than traditional passwords. They can't be guessed, reused across multiple websites, or easily stolen in phishing attacks. While no security method is perfect, passkeys provide significantly stronger protection for your online accounts.

Why are companies switching to passkeys?

Companies are adopting passkeys because they improve security while making the sign-in process simpler. People are less likely to forget a passkey than a password, and businesses receive fewer password reset requests. Passkeys also help reduce fraud by making phishing attacks much less effective.

Can hackers steal a passkey?

It's much more difficult than stealing a password. Your passkey stays securely stored on your device and isn't shared with websites in the same way a password is. This makes it much harder for cybercriminals to intercept or misuse your login information.

Can someone use my passkey if they steal my phone?

Not usually. Before a passkey can be used, your device typically requires your fingerprint, facial recognition, or PIN. As long as your phone is protected with a secure lock screen, your passkeys remain protected as well.

Do I still need passwords if I use passkeys?

Usually, yes. Not every website or app supports passkeys yet, so you'll still need passwords for some accounts. Over time, however, more companies are expected to adopt passkey technology.

What devices support passkeys?

Most modern smartphones, tablets, and computers support passkeys. This includes recent iPhones, iPads, Macs, Android phones, Windows PCs, and Chromebooks. In many cases, you'll simply need to keep your device updated to the latest software.

Can I use a passkey on more than one device?

Yes. If your devices are signed in to the same Apple, Google, or Microsoft account, your passkeys can often sync securely between them. This means you can create a passkey on one device and use it on another without setting it up again.

What happens if I get a new phone?

In most cases, you won't need to recreate all of your passkeys. If you restore your new phone from a backup or sign in to the same Apple, Google, or Microsoft account, your passkeys are often transferred automatically. It's still a good idea to make sure your recovery email address and phone number are current.

What happens if I lose my phone?

Losing your phone doesn't necessarily mean losing access to your accounts. If your passkeys are synced through your Apple, Google, or Microsoft account, you can usually restore them on a new device after verifying your identity. Most online services also provide account recovery options if needed.

Can I still sign in if my phone isn't nearby?

Often, yes. If your passkeys are stored on another trusted device—such as your computer—you may be able to sign in directly. Some websites also let you use your phone to approve a sign-in by scanning a QR code, while others provide alternative recovery methods.

Do passkeys require an internet connection?

You'll generally need an internet connection to sign in to online accounts, but the passkey itself is stored on your device. The passkey simply verifies that you are the legitimate account owner.

Which websites and apps use passkeys?

Many popular services now support passkeys, including email providers, banks, online retailers, social media platforms, streaming services, and password managers. As passkeys become more widely adopted, you'll likely see the option to create one on more of the websites and apps you already use.

Can I have both a password and a passkey?

Yes. Many websites let you keep your password while also setting up a passkey. This gives you another secure way to sign in and can make accessing your account faster on trusted devices.

Can I turn off passkeys if I don't like them?

In many cases, yes. Most websites allow you to remove a passkey from your account settings and switch back to using a password if you prefer. However, many security experts recommend keeping passkeys enabled whenever possible because of their added protection.

Should I switch to passkeys?

If a trusted website offers passkeys, they're generally an excellent choice. They're easier to use, eliminate the need to remember another password, and provide stronger protection against phishing and other common online scams. As more websites adopt passkeys, using them will likely become the easiest and safest way to sign in online.

Should You Start Using Passkeys?

Passkeys are quickly becoming the future of online security. They make signing in faster, eliminate the need to remember complex passwords, and provide stronger protection against phishing scams and stolen credentials.

While passwords won't disappear overnight, more websites and apps are offering passkeys every year. If you see the option to create one, it's usually worth taking advantage of it.

If you're unsure how to set up a passkey or have questions about your phone, tablet, or computer, TechPals is here to help. We provide friendly, one-on-one technology support to help you stay safe and confident online.

Need help getting started? Visit https://techpals.org to learn how TechPals can help.