To set up a passkey, open the account’s security settings or accept its passkey prompt, then save the credential with a provider such as Apple Passwords, Google Password Manager, Windows Hello, a third-party password manager, or a FIDO2 security key. You’ll confirm with Face ID, a fingerprint, or your device’s screen lock. Where the passkey is saved determines whether it syncs to your other devices and how you can recover it if a device is lost.
Before you create a passkey
A passkey is created for one specific account on a service that supports passkeys. Sign in to that service, then look for a passkey option in its account or security settings, or accept the prompt it presents. The exact wording and steps vary. If you can’t find the option, the service may not currently support passkeys.
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A passkey is held by a credential provider, which may be built into your device or supplied by a password manager. You unlock it with the device’s biometric check or screen lock. Apple describes passkeys as “more secure than passwords, because they’re uniquely generated for every account by your own device and are less vulnerable to phishing.” Apple Support explains passkeys on iPhone.
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Turn on iCloud Keychain sync
Apple requires iCloud Keychain and two-factor authentication for your Apple Account to use passkeys. On iPhone, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Passwords and turn on Sync this iPhone. On iOS 17 and earlier, the menu may say Passwords and Keychain.
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- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
On Mac, open System Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Passwords, turn on Sync this Mac, and confirm. On macOS Sonoma or earlier, the menu may say Passwords & Keychain. Apple’s iCloud Keychain setup guide covers these requirements; menu names can change between operating-system versions.
Create the passkey at the service
- Open the supported app or website and choose its option to create or save a passkey.
- When prompted, authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode.
- Use the same Apple Account on your other Apple devices to access passkeys synced through iCloud Keychain.
Apple says passkeys saved in iCloud Keychain are encrypted and available across devices signed in to the same Apple Account. Its iPhone passkey guide also describes using an iPhone to scan a QR code shown on another device when signing in there.
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Set up a passkey on Android
Use Google Password Manager
Google Password Manager passkeys require Android 9.0 or later and a screen lock. At a supported app or website’s passkey prompt, accept creation and confirm with your screen lock. Google says the passkeys are backed up and synced across Android devices signed in to the same Google Account. Its Android passkey instructions explain recovery on a new device: sign in to the Google Account and provide the security PIN, pattern, or password from the lost device.
Choose another password manager
Android can use a different credential provider, including supported third-party password managers. Go to Settings > Passwords, passkeys & accounts, select the password manager, and enable it to suggest passkeys. If the menu is hard to find, search Settings for “Password.” Labels and provider availability vary by Android version and device. Google’s Android Chrome passkey guidance names Samsung Pass, Keeper, and 1Password as examples.
Set up a passkey on a computer
Mac with Chrome
Chrome on Mac can use Google Password Manager. It can also use Apple Passwords if you’re signed in to iCloud and approve Chrome’s access. Google also describes passkeys stored in a Chrome profile protected by macOS Keychain; those credentials cannot be recovered if the computer is lost or the Chrome profile is deleted. See Google’s computer passkey guidance for the available paths.
Windows with Chrome
Google’s guidance says Chrome can manage passkeys in Windows Hello on Windows 11 version 22H2 or later. Windows Hello passkeys are saved only on that computer; Google says they do not sync or have backup. If you want passkeys available on other devices, Google Password Manager is an alternative when you use the same Google Account in Chrome or Android. Google’s computer passkey guidance covers these options.
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- FIDO-ONLY FUNCTIONALITY: Supports FIDO2 (passkeys) and FIDO U2F protocols for passwordless and second-factor authentication. Does not support OTP, TOTP, Smart Card (PIV), or other advanced features - upgrade to YubiKey 5 Series for extended functionality
- SECURE AND CONVENIENT: Passwordless MFA login with the YubiKey Bio authenticator and biometric information using a fingerprint, with a PIN as a fallback. Simply plug in via USB and use your fingerprint to authenticate
- DEVICE & OS COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux. Works seamlessly with supported services like Google and Microsoft accounts, and major password managers. See the full compatibility list at "Works With YubiKey"
- DURABLE & RELIABLE: Resistant to tampering, water, and crushing. No batteries or network connectivity required, offering dependable authentication without any downtime. Securely manufactured in USA & Sweden
- Yubico Authenticator App - Fingerprint enrollment, passkey management and PIN configuration available via the app app - Upgrade to YubiKey 5 Series to generate one-time-passwords (OTP) via Yubico Authenticator and for advanced compatibility (OATH, PIV)
Use a phone’s passkey on another device
If the passkey is on your phone but you’re signing in on a computer or another nearby device, choose the sign-in option offered by the site or browser, such as Use a phone or tablet or Passkey from nearby device. Scan the displayed QR code with your phone and approve the sign-in on the phone. The labels and flow vary by service, app, and browser; Apple and Google describe this cross-device approach in their iPhone guide and Android guide.
Choose where to save passkeys
Consider three things before choosing a provider: whether it syncs passkeys to your other devices, which account or device it depends on, and what happens if you lose access.
| Storage option | Availability and recovery |
|---|---|
| Apple Passwords / iCloud Keychain | Syncs across approved Apple devices signed in to the same Apple Account. Apple’s iCloud Keychain guide describes the account and sync requirements. |
| Google Password Manager | Google says passkeys sync across supported devices signed in to the same Google Account; Android recovery requires the security PIN, pattern, or password from the lost device. See Google’s Android guidance. |
| Windows Hello | Google says Chrome passkeys saved in Windows Hello stay on that computer and do not sync or back up. See Google’s computer guidance. |
| Chrome profile protected by macOS Keychain | Google says these passkeys cannot be recovered if the Mac is lost or the Chrome profile is deleted. See Google’s computer guidance. |
| Third-party password manager | Sync and recovery depend on the provider and its account setup. Google’s Android guidance lists examples of other managers; check your provider’s instructions. |
| FIDO2 security key | Portable, but Google says passkeys on a physical security key are not backed up and cannot be recovered if the key is lost or reset. See Google’s guidance. Microsoft also lists a security key as a passkey storage option in its passkey saving overview. |
A physical key is optional; you do not need to buy one to use passkeys. For any provider, keep another sign-in or account-recovery method available until you know how that provider handles device loss.
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