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Passkeys represent Apple’s advancement toward a password-free internet, offering a more secure and convenient way to log into websites and applications. Instead of relying on traditional passwords that can be phished or guessed, Passkeys use cryptographic keys verified by your device’s security features like Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode.
These encrypted keys are automatically stored within your iCloud Keychain and securely synced across all your Apple devices linked to the same Apple ID. To use Passkeys, ensure iCloud Keychain and Two-Factor Authentication are enabled on your account.
What are Passkeys?
A Passkey is essentially a pair of keys: a public key stored by the website or app, and a private key that remains secured on your iPhone. Because the private key never leaves your device and requires your biometric authentication (or passcode) to be used, they offer superior protection against common threats like phishing and data breaches.
How to Create and Save a Passkey on Your iPhone
Creating a Passkey is typically done during the sign-up process for a new service or by updating your account settings for an existing one.
- Navigate to the Service: Open the website or app that supports Passkeys on your iPhone.
- Access Account Settings: If you have an existing account, sign in with your current credentials and navigate to your Security or Account Settings section. If you are creating a new account, proceed through the standard sign-up flow.
- Initiate Passkey Creation: Look for an option that says “Set up a Passkey”, “Use Passkey instead of Password”, or a similar prompt. Tap this option.
- Confirm the Action: When your iPhone prompts you to save the Passkey to your iCloud Keychain, tap Continue.
- Authenticate: You will be asked to verify your choice using Face ID, Touch ID, or your iPhone’s passcode.
- Passkey Saved: Once authenticated, the Passkey is securely saved in your device’s keychain and is ready for future sign-ins.
How to Sign In Using a Passkey
Once a Passkey is saved, logging into an account on your iPhone is a seamless, one-tap process.
- Open the Sign-In Page: Go to the supported app or website’s login screen.
- Select Account Field: Tap on the username or account name field.
- Use the Suggestion: Your iPhone will automatically suggest the saved account/Passkey either above the keyboard or at the bottom of the screen. Tap the suggested entry.
- Biometric Verification: The system will immediately prompt you to use Face ID or Touch ID to verify your identity. If biometrics fail or are unavailable, you can enter your device passcode.
- Access Granted: Once verified, the iPhone uses the private key to complete the cryptographic handshake, logging you in instantly without needing to type a password or an OTP (One-Time Passcode).
How to Use an iPhone Passkey on a Nearby Non-Apple Device
Passkeys are designed to work across different platforms. You can use your iPhone-stored Passkey to log in securely to a device that isn’t Apple (like a Windows PC or an Android tablet).
- Start Login on the Other Device: On the non-Apple device (e.g., a laptop), navigate to the supported website and begin the sign-in process.
- Choose a Nearby Device: On the login screen of the website, choose the option to sign in using a Passkey from a nearby device. This option might be labeled “Other options” or “Passkey from nearby device.”
- Scan the QR Code: The device will display a QR code.
- Scan with iPhone: Use your iPhone’s camera to scan this QR code. A notification will appear, confirming the login attempt.
- Authenticate on iPhone: Follow the prompts on your iPhone, using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to authorize the login.
The iPhone will then securely transfer the necessary authentication data (without revealing the private key) to complete the login on the non-Apple device.
