How to set up and use Passkeys with My Passwords

Passwords have long been the standard for online security, but they come with risks. They can be stolen, guessed, or phished, leaving your accounts vulnerable. Passkeys offer a safer and faster way to sign in without typing a password. This guide explains how to set up and use passkeys with the My Passwords app, making your online experience smoother and more secure.

What Is a Passkey?

A passkey replaces traditional passwords with a private cryptographic key stored on your phone. Instead of typing a password, your device proves your identity using this key. This method is faster and protects you from phishing attacks because the key never leaves your device and cannot be intercepted or reused by hackers.

Passkeys work with websites and apps that support this modern authentication method, including popular platforms like Google, Facebook, Apple, and GitHub.

What You Need to Get Started

Before setting up passkeys, make sure you have:

• A phone running Android 14 or newer with the My Passwords app installed.

• At least one password entry saved in the My Passwords app.

• A second device such as a laptop, tablet, or another phone where you want to sign in using a passkey.

  
  

Having these ready ensures a smooth setup and use of passkeys.

How to Turn On Passkeys in My Passwords

You only need to enable passkeys once on your phone. Follow these steps:

1. Open the My Passwords app.

2. Navigate to Settings → Autofill and Passkeys.

3. Switch on the passkeys feature.

4. When the system dialog appears, select My Passwords as your credential provider.

   
   

This action allows your phone to manage passkeys and autofill credentials when signing in on other devices.

Creating Your First Passkey

Creating a passkey links your phone’s secure key with an online account. Here’s how to do it:

1. On your laptop or second device, open a website that supports passkeys, such as Google, Facebook, Apple, or GitHub.

2. Go to the site’s security settings and find the option to Add a passkey.

3. Choose Use a phone, tablet or another device. A QR code will appear on the screen.

4. Open the camera app on your phone and scan the QR code.

5. Tap the notification that appears, then select My Passwords.

6. Unlock the app using your master password or biometric authentication.

   
   

Your passkey is now saved securely in the My Passwords app and linked to your account.

Signing In Using a Passkey

Once your passkey is set up, signing in becomes quick and password-free:

1. Visit the same website on your laptop or second device.

2. Click Sign in with a passkey.

3. Select Use a phone or tablet and scan the QR code shown.

4. Choose the stored passkey from My Passwords.

5. Unlock the app with your master password or biometrics.

   
   

You will be signed in immediately without typing any password.

Managing Your Passkeys

The My Passwords app lets you view and manage all your saved passkeys:

• Open the app and tap the menu.

• Select Passkeys to see a list grouped by account entries.

• From here, you can view details, copy non-secret information, or delete any passkey you no longer need.

  
  

Regularly reviewing your passkeys helps keep your accounts organized and secure.

Why Use Passkeys with My Passwords?

Passkeys offer several advantages over traditional passwords:

• Enhanced security: Private keys never leave your device, making phishing and password theft nearly impossible.

• Speed: Signing in is faster since you don’t need to type or remember complex passwords.

• Convenience: Use one app to manage both passwords and passkeys, simplifying your digital life.

• Compatibility: Works with many popular websites and services that support passkeys.

  
  

By using My Passwords, you combine the convenience of a password manager with the security of passkeys.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Keep your phone updated to Android 14 or newer to ensure compatibility.

• Save at least one password entry in My Passwords before enabling passkeys.

• Use biometric unlock (fingerprint or face recognition) for faster access to your passkeys.

• If a website does not support third-party passkey providers, use traditional passwords until support is available.

• Regularly back up your My Passwords data to avoid losing access to your passkeys.

  
  

What to Expect in the Future

Passkeys are gaining support across more websites and devices. As adoption grows, you will see fewer password prompts and more seamless, secure sign-ins. Using My Passwords now prepares you for this shift and keeps your accounts protected.