Google launches Passkeys for hassle-free login to Gmail and YouTube without a password - here's how to set them up

• Google accounts now support passkeys for password-free sign-in.
• This means you can access Google-linked accounts such as Gmail and YouTube without a password using passkeys.
• Below, read more to find out how to set up passkeys.

Many people dislike passwords because they are difficult to create, remember, store, and use. However, Google has introduced a new way of logging into your accounts, eliminating the need for passwords. With passkeys, you can now access your Google accounts by verifying your identity through facial or fingerprint recognition or a PIN code. This feature is available to all Google users starting today.

A passkey is a special key that identifies users and their accounts and can be easily and safely shared across different devices. Passkeys are created using the WebAuthn standard and rely on public-key cryptography.

A key pair is generated when a user logs in for the first time using passkey technology. One key remains on the user's device and is kept private, while the other key is stored on the service's servers. When the two keys match, the login information is shared. To unlock and share the key, users can use the biometrics or other authentication methods available on their Android phones.

How are passkeys different from passwords?

Passkeys have several advantages that set them apart from traditional passwords. Firstly, they are longer and more secure than passwords, but you don't have to remember them. They are securely stored on your device and matched up with the web server using a handshake protocol, and you can log in using biometrics or similar security measures.

Secondly, passkeys are highly resistant to hacking attempts. Your private key is securely stored on your device and cannot be intercepted. The server provides a challenge sequence that only the private key can solve correctly, so even if a public key is hacked, it cannot be used to log in to your account.

Thirdly, passkeys are not susceptible to phishing attempts. Giving a passkey to a third party is impossible, so if a phishing attempt tries to get you to log in to a fake web form, it will not work.

Are passkeys a better alternative to passwords?

Indeed, the advantages of passkeys make them a significant improvement over passwords in terms of security and ease of use. Once set up, there is very little to worry about.

However, passkeys do have their limitations. They rely on authentication devices, so if your phone is stolen, you may need to take more time to log in to services. Additionally, passkeys are more difficult to share with others than traditional passwords, which can be a security benefit but inconvenient when you need to give a password to a colleague or family member.

How to set up a Google passkeys

Setting up a Google passkey is quick and easy and can be done from your computer, phone, or tablet. You can also authorize multiple accounts, which means you can access your account from any device. Here are the steps to set up a passkey:

1. Open your web browser on your phone or computer and go to the Google passkey page at g.co/passkeys.
2. Enter your Gmail address and password if prompted.
3. Once you're logged in, you'll see your automatically generated passkeys. Click the ‘Use passkey’ button.
4. A pop-up will appear asking if you want to create a passkey on your current device or use another device. Select the option you want.
5. If you're creating a passkey on your current device, you'll be asked to authenticate using biometric data or a PIN/password, depending on your device. Enter the required information.
6. Once your passkey is created, click ‘Done.’

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