Passkeys, Part 2

Passkeys, Part 2

Ready to Ditch Passwords? A Simple Guide to Start Using Passkeys

In our last article, we discussed what passkeys are and why they represent a massive security upgrade over traditional passwords. They are both safer and easier to use. That’s a rare win-win.

But knowing something is great and knowing how to get started are two different things. The good news is that making the switch is surprisingly simple. This guide will walk you through the first steps.

Step 1: Choose Your "Keychain"

First, you need to decide where your passkeys will live. Think of this as your master keychain for all your digital keys. You have two main choices, and both are excellent:

  • A Password Manager (Recommended for Business): This is the most flexible option. A top-tier password manager like 1Password or Bitwarden will store your passkeys and sync them across all your devices, whether you’re on a Windows PC at the office, a MacBook at home, or your Android phone on the go.
  • Your Device’s Built-in Manager: If you’re all-in on one platform, this is a seamless choice. Apple’s iCloud Keychain or your Google Account can store and sync your passkeys across their respective devices.

For most businesses, a dedicated password manager provides the best mix of features and cross-platform support.

Step 2: Find Your First Website to Update

You don’t have to switch every account at once. Start with one or two. Major websites like Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, eBay, and PayPal already support passkeys. A great resource is passkeys.directory, which keeps a running list of all the sites that have adopted the technology.

Pick one of your frequently used accounts to start your journey.

Step 3: Create Your First Passkey (The 30-Second Process)

Log into the site you chose with your old password one last time.

  1. Navigate to the account settings or security section.
  2. Look for an option like “Create a Passkey” or “Add a Passkey.”
  3. When you click it, the website will trigger a pop-up from your device or password manager. It will ask you to verify yourself just like you unlock your device—with your fingerprint, face, or PIN.
  4. Confirm the action.

And that’s it. You’ve just created a passkey. The secure private key is now stored in the "keychain" you chose in Step 1.

Step 4: Experience the Magic of a Password-Free Login

Now for the fun part. Log out of the website and then go back to the login page.

  1. Enter your username or email and hit enter.
  2. The website will now skip the password field and automatically prompt you for your passkey.
  3. Verify with your face, fingerprint, or PIN.

You’re in. Notice what you didn’t have to do? No typing a password. No trying to remember if the "S" was a "$" or if you needed a "!" at the end. It's fast, easy, and incredibly secure.

Start with one account this week. Before you know it, you'll have replaced your most important and frustrating passwords with something much better.