What Are Passkeys and How to Create Them

·

In an era where digital security is paramount, passkeys have emerged as a revolutionary solution to replace traditional passwords and one-time verification codes. Backed by the Fast Identity Online (FIDO) Alliance, passkeys offer a seamless, secure, and passwordless login experience. They eliminate the risks associated with weak or reused passwords while providing robust protection against phishing and unauthorized access.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about passkeys — from understanding their core functionality to setting them up on your account for stronger authentication.

👉 Discover how passkey technology is transforming online security today.

Understanding Passkeys: The Future of Secure Authentication

Passkeys are a modern form of multi-factor authentication that rely on public-key cryptography. Unlike passwords, which are stored and verified on servers, passkeys generate a unique cryptographic key pair: one private key stored securely on your device, and one public key held by the service provider.

Because the private key never leaves your device and isn’t susceptible to phishing attacks, passkeys offer enhanced security, convenience, and cross-device compatibility when supported.

The technology is part of the FIDO2 standard developed by the FIDO Alliance — a coalition dedicated to reducing reliance on passwords across the web. With growing support from major platforms like Google, Apple, and Microsoft, passkeys are rapidly becoming the new norm in digital identity verification.

Preparing to Set Up Your Passkey

Before creating a passkey, ensure your hardware and software meet the necessary requirements. Compatibility is essential for a smooth setup process.

Supported Devices

You can create a passkey using any of the following:

These devices support biometric verification (like Face ID or fingerprint scanning) or PIN-based authentication, both of which are used to confirm your identity during login.

Compatible Browsers

To register or use a passkey, you must use a browser that supports FIDO standards. Recommended options include:

Using an outdated browser may prevent you from registering or authenticating with a passkey. Always keep your browser updated for optimal performance and security.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Passkey

Setting up a passkey enhances your account’s security while simplifying future logins. Follow these steps to enable passkey authentication.

Step 1: Verify Your Identity

  1. Go to your account homepage and click the profile icon in the top-right corner.
  2. Select Security Center from the dropdown menu.
  3. On the new page, locate the Passkey option and click Set Up next to it.
  4. Click Add Passkey, then select Enable.
  5. Choose a verification method (such as email or SMS) to authenticate your identity before proceeding.

This step ensures that only authorized users can add new authentication methods to the account.

Step 2: Create Your Passkey

After successful identity verification, choose one of the three available methods to create your passkey.

Method 1: Create a Passkey on This Device

Use your current device to generate the passkey:

This method stores the private key directly on your device, making it fast and convenient for daily use.

Method 2: Use Another Device (Mobile or Tablet)

Ideal if you're setting up a passkey from a desktop but want to authenticate via smartphone:

  1. Select Phone or Tablet
  2. Use your mobile device’s built-in camera or QR code scanner to scan the QR code displayed in the browser
  3. Confirm the action on your mobile device using biometric or PIN verification

This cross-device flow leverages secure Bluetooth or NFC-like handshakes defined in the FIDO2 protocol, ensuring no sensitive data is exposed during transmission.

Method 3: Use a Physical USB Security Key

For maximum portability and hardware-level security:

  1. Click USB Security Key
  2. Insert your FIDO2-compliant USB key into your computer’s port
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions in your browser to complete registration

A physical key allows you to use passkeys across multiple devices without relying on cloud sync — ideal for high-security scenarios.

👉 Learn how hardware-backed authentication strengthens your digital safety.

Step 3: Manage and Use Your Passkey

Once created, you can view your registered passkeys in the Security Center. Each entry can be renamed (e.g., “My iPhone” or “Work Laptop”) to help distinguish between devices.

On subsequent logins, simply select Sign in with Passkey, then verify your identity using your chosen method — no password or OTP required.

This streamlined login process not only saves time but also reduces exposure to common cyber threats like credential stuffing and phishing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are passkeys more secure than two-factor authentication (2FA) via SMS?
A: Yes. SMS-based 2FA is vulnerable to SIM-swapping attacks. Passkeys use end-to-end encryption and device-bound keys, making them significantly more secure.

Q: Can I use the same passkey across different services?
A: No. Each service generates its own unique key pair. However, you can use the same device or hardware token to manage multiple passkeys securely.

Q: What happens if I lose my device or USB key?
A: If you lose a device with a stored passkey, remove it from your account immediately via the Security Center. Always maintain at least one backup method (like another device or USB key) to avoid lockout.

Q: Do passkeys work offline?
A: Yes — especially when using a physical USB security key. Since authentication occurs locally, internet connectivity isn’t required after initial setup.

Q: Is my biometric data shared with the service provider?
A: No. Biometric information remains entirely on your personal device and is never transmitted or stored by third parties.

Q: Can I disable passkey login anytime?
A: Absolutely. You can remove any registered passkey through your account’s Security Center at any time.

Why Now Is the Time to Adopt Passkeys

With rising cyber threats and increasing complexity in managing digital identities, passkeys represent a major leap forward in user-centric security. By combining strong cryptography with intuitive user experience, they address both security and usability challenges inherent in traditional password systems.

As more platforms adopt FIDO standards, users gain greater control over their digital footprint — without sacrificing convenience.

👉 See how next-generation authentication is redefining online safety and ease of access.

Whether you're protecting financial accounts, communication tools, or personal data, implementing a passkey is one of the most effective steps you can take toward future-proofing your online presence.

Embrace passwordless login. Stay secure. Stay seamless.