You no longer need a password to sign in to your Google account

Google has taken a major step towards a future without passwords with the introduction of passkeys, a new cryptographic keys solution that uses a pre-authenticated device. Google users can now opt for passkeys and get rid of passwords and two-step verification codes altogether while signing in. Once a passkey is added to a Google account, the platform prompts for it whenever users sign in or when it detects suspicious activity that requires extra verification. Passkeys are stored on compatible hardware and can be shared with other devices using services like iCloud or password managers such as Dashlane and 1Password (which is expected to be available in early 2023).

However, users should never create passkeys on a shared device, as anyone who can access and unlock that device would have access to their Google account. To prevent unauthorized access, users can revoke passkeys in the Google account settings or use the “use a passkey from another device” option for temporary access on someone else’s device, which generates a one-time sign-in and doesn’t transfer the passkey to the new hardware.

Advanced Protection Program users can choose to use passkeys instead of their physical security keys. The passkeys are compatible with iPhones running iOS 16 and Android devices running Android 9, and they add an extra layer of security by requiring a pre-authenticated device for access. With the introduction of passkeys, Google is moving closer to its goal of making the internet safer and more secure for everyone.