What is a Passkey? How They Work on iPhone, Android, and PC

Article Summary

• Passkeys explained: Passkeys are a passwordless login method that uses encrypted keys with biometrics or PINs, making accounts easier and safer to access.
• Security advantage: Passkeys are stronger than traditional passwords, 2FA, and MFA, since they have built-in protection against phishing and credential theft.
• Adoption and setup: Apple, Google, and Microsoft are rolling out broad support for passkeys, and setup is straightforward across iPhone, Android, Windows, and Mac.
• Limitations to know: Recovery can be difficult when it comes to passkeys without cloud syncing, and some apps still require traditional passwords.
• Expert support: My Computer Works provides help with setup, troubleshooting, and recovery issues surrounding passkeys.
  
  

Logging in securely is more important than ever, and a new alternative is changing the way people think about online safety. This alternative is known as a passkey. But what is a passkey, and how do passkeys work? 

In today’s blog, our team at My Computer Works has answered these questions. We’ve provided expert insights into passkeys, so you know everything you need to know about them to use them to your benefit. 

Passkeys Explained

Understanding how passkeys work is essential to understanding why they are more secure than the traditional method of logging in. Despite what you may have been led to believe, they aren’t just digital passwords; they’re an entirely new system that combines security and convenience for the user. Let’s have a look at what you need to know: 

What Exactly is a Passkey?

Firstly, you should know that passkeys use encrypted keys that stay private on your device, while passwords can be lost or stolen. Now that you know this, it’s important to learn that a passkey is a cryptographic key pair that replaces your password entirely. 

Passkey authentication is a secure and user-friendly alternative that leverages your device’s built-in security features, such as Face ID, fingerprint scans, or PIN codes. You have two parts to a passkey pair: the private key, which remains on your device, and the public key, which is used to communicate with websites or apps. 

How Passkeys Replace Traditional Passwords 

With passwords, you have to remember them and type them in, which makes them vulnerable to phishing or hacking. With passkeys, that risk is significantly reduced. You don’t need to type in a password since the process involves passwordless login. With this process, your device verifies your identity.

Are they Different From Password Managers? 

A password manager stores your existing passwords, making them easier to fill in. Passkeys, on the other hand, eliminate the need for passwords entirely. That’s the key difference between passkey and password manager systems.

Is a Passkey More Secure Than a Password? 

People often ask: Are passkeys more secure than passwords? The answer to that question is yes, without a doubt. They block credential hacking, prevent phishing attempts, protect against credential theft, and are tied to your biometrics or device PIN.

But why are passkeys resistant to phishing? Because the private key never leaves your device and only works with the intended website or app, they can’t be tricked into signing you in on a fake site. And how do they compare with 2FA & MFA? 

Even compared to 2FA & MFA, passkeys are stronger and more complex for attackers to bypass since they combine both identification and authentication in a single step.

The only caveat is device loss or theft, but syncing across platforms prevents this from becoming a significant issue.

Can You Store a Passkey on Your Device? 

People often ask, Can I store passkeys on my device? The answer is yes, and that’s the entire point. Passkeys are stored securely and can also be synced for recovery. 

Storage Options 

There is no one-size-fits-all location for passkeys; instead, they are safely kept according to the device you use. For Android, it’s capable of automatically syncing with your Google account on the device and is stored in Google’s credential vault. For devices on Windows, they are protected by Windows Hello and utilize your device PIN or biometrics.

For Apple users, passkeys on the Mac and iOS are kept in iCloud Keychain, which syncs with all of your Apple devices and is secured by your system password, Face ID, or Touch ID. Additionally, in most instances, your credentials are secured and protected from hackers regardless of the platform. 

Local vs. Cloud Storage 

Choosing to store passkeys locally on your device and nowhere else is possible, but risky. If your phone or computer is lost, the passkeys disappear with it. Cloud syncing solves this by keeping encrypted backups with Apple, Google, or Microsoft. That way, you can restore them on new devices without stress. 

How to Recover a Passkey if Phone Is Lost 

The good news is you can often recover your passkeys. To do this, you’ll need to have cloud sync enabled beforehand. With iCloud, Google, or Microsoft accounts, recovery is smooth if syncing has been activated. Without it, you’ll need to go through account recovery processes or get professional help to assist.

Common Issues With Passkeys 

If you are wondering “What happens if I lose my device with passkeys,” or if you will come across errors, you should be aware that while passkeys are impressive, they aren’t perfect yet. 

Knowing the most common passkey issues helps you avoid frustration and manage expectations. Here are some of the most common issues with passkeys we’ve noticed:

Device Compatibility 

Not every app or browser is ready for passkeys. While support is growing quickly, some sites still require passwords. Until passkeys are universal, you may be switching back and forth between the two. 

Recovery Problems if You Lose Your Device 

What happens if you misplace your device with passkeys? Because the private key lives on your device, losing it without syncing can lock you out of accounts. Without a backup in iCloud, Google, or Microsoft, recovery may be slow, frustrating, and stressful. 

Concerns About Syncing Across Platforms 

Apple iCloud Keychain passkeys, Google Password Manager passkeys, and Windows Hello passkeys each work well in their own software. But if you switch between platforms, you might experience hiccups along the way. Cross-platform options are improving, but they’re not perfect yet. 

Microsoft and Passkeys

Microsoft has fully embraced passwordless login as the future of authentication. Microsoft passkey support is now built into Windows and Microsoft services. While Microsoft Authenticator no longer stores passwords, it supports passkeys, which tie neatly into Windows Hello passkeys. 

By using biometric features like fingerprints or facial recognition, Microsoft is leading the push away from weak, hackable passwords or having to create strong passwords and moving to a future with a more convenient but still secure form of security. 

How to Set Up a Passkey 

Getting started with passkey setup is straightforward, whether you’re using Apple, Google, Microsoft, or Mac devices; we have you covered:

iPhone: Apple Passkey iPhone Setup 

Use Safari to log into a site with passkey support>Tap Create Passkey>Approve with Face ID or Touch ID>check saved automatically in iCloud Keychain. 

Android: Google Passkey Android Setup 

Use Chrome to log in>Select Set Up Passkey>Authenticate with fingerprint, PIN, or face unlock> Select stored in Google Password Manager passkey vault. 

Windows PC: Windows Hello Passkey Setup 

Log in via Edge or supported apps>Choose Create a Passkey>Approve with Windows Hello biometrics. 

Mac: Mac Passkey Setup 

Open Safari on macOS Ventura>click Create Passkey>Approve with Touch ID> and check saved and synced via iCloud.

What to Do if You Can’t Get in With Your Passkey 

If you’re locked out, knowing how to fix it saves time and frustration. Here are some steps you can try:

Common Lock Out Passkey Issues 

There are common lockout issues that users experience, so if you are facing any of these, you are not alone:

• Outdated software that isn’t supported by the most recent security updates.
• Delays in device or account synchronization.
• Keys that were inadvertently erased can cause login issues.

The majority of these issues are simple to fix with the correct procedures, such as reading through guides, updating your browser, or a brief consultation with customer service or us at My Computer Works.

Troubleshooting Passkey Login Errors 

Fixing a passkey that isn’t working is often straightforward and something you can usually try on your own before reaching out for professional help.

Often, all that is needed is to update your device and browser to the most recent version if you encounter login issues. Alternatively, you can try signing in from a different device that is synchronized and has your passkey saved on it. Since not all platforms currently allow passkeys, confirm that the website or application you’re using does before you try to log in. 

If none of these options resolves your error or issue, see the official Apple, Google, or Microsoft guidelines for comprehensive instructions. Additionally, My Computer Works will troubleshoot passkey login difficulties with you if you want professional tech advice or assistance.

Wrap Up: Unlocking the Future With Passkeys 

Passkeys are not going away. With their simple and secure passwordless login capabilities, they are expected to become a standard way of logging in across apps and devices.

Additionally, even though there are some challenges, like syncing issues or recovery issues in the case of a lost phone, the benefits considerably outweigh the cons.

In the end, whatever you’re doing, whether you are learning how to use your first device or exploring the passkey vs password controversy, My Computer Works can help. With My Computer Works by your side, you’ll always have expert insights and support for all your other tech needs as well.