How To Set Up Google Passkey On iPhone And Android: A Quick Guide

Google Passkey offers a simple and secure alternative to traditional passwords, allowing users to sign in with their fingerprint, face scan, or screen lock. Here’s a detailed guide on how to set up Google Passkey on your iPhone or Android device.

What Is Google Passkey?

Google Passkey is designed to simplify and enhance security by using biometric data (fingerprint, face scan) or screen lock instead of traditional passwords. Passkeys are private and stored only on your device, ensuring that no sensitive information is shared with Google or other parties. This method not only makes sign-ins quicker but also protects against phishing attacks and password theft.

Set Up Google Passkey on iPhone

Step 1: Check Eligibility

• Ensure your iPhone is running iOS 10 or later. Google will automatically detect if your device is eligible for the passkey setup.

Step 2: Enable 2-Step Verification

• Make sure you have 2-Step Verification or Advanced Protection enabled for your Google account. This is a prerequisite for setting up the passkey.

Step 3: Visit Google Account Security Settings

• Open your web browser (Chrome or Safari) and go to myaccount.google.com/security.
• Under the section “How you sign in to Google,” select Passkeys and Security Keys.
• Sign in if prompted.

Step 4: Add Security Key

• Scroll to the bottom and select Add security key.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to set your iPhone as the security key. When prompted, tap Yes, I’m in using the Google Smart Lock app.

Step 5: Finalize Setup

• If you don’t have the Google Smart Lock app, you’ll be prompted to install it. Allow the app to send notifications for successful sign-ins.
• Once the setup is complete, your iPhone can now be used as a passkey for new devices.

Using Your iPhone as a Passkey:

1. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices (your iPhone and the device you’re signing into).
2. Sign in to your Google Account on any Chrome OS, macOS, iOS, or Windows device.
3. You will receive a Smart Lock notification on your iPhone. Tap it and confirm by selecting Yes.

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Set Up Google Passkey on Android

Step 1: Ensure Compatibility

• Your Android phone must be running Android 7.0 or later. Google will verify your phone’s eligibility for setting up a passkey.

Step 2: Turn On 2-Step Verification

• Just like on iPhone, you need to activate 2-Step Verification before adding a passkey.

Step 3: Access Google Account Security

• Go to myaccount.google.com/security on your Android device.
• Under the How you sign in to Google section, select Passkeys and Security Keys.

Step 4: Add Security Key

• Select Add security key and choose your Android phone as the security key.
• You will get a confirmation that your phone has been successfully added as the passkey.

Step 5: Sign In Using Your Android Passkey

1. Ensure that Bluetooth is turned on for both your Android phone and the device you are signing into.
2. Sign in to your Google Account on a Chromebook, Windows, or iPhone using a supported browser (e.g., Chrome).
3. You will receive a notification on your Android phone asking if you are trying to sign in. Double-tap the notification and follow the on-screen instructions to verify it’s you.

Why Use Google Passkey?

• Simple and Secure: Passkeys eliminate the need to remember complex passwords. You can now sign in with just a fingerprint, face scan, or screen lock.
• Stronger Protection: Passkeys can’t be guessed, reused, or stolen, offering better protection against phishing and hacking attempts​(en_GB_Google_Passkey)vate**: Your biometric data is stored locally on your device and never shared with Google.

Quick Tips for Passkey Setup:

• You can only have one built-in security key per account. If you have multiple devices, you will need to select one phone.
• Passkeys are compatible with Chrome OS, macOS, iOS, and Windows 10 devices.
• Ensure Bluetooth is turned on to allow communication between devices during the sign-in process.

By setting up a Google Passkey, you are taking an important step toward a passwordless future that enhances both the simplicity and security of your online experience.

Also Read: How To Scan A QR Code On An Android Phone: A Simple Guide