[ad_1]
A year and a few days after Google announced entering passwords, the idea of a password-free future is slowly starting to materialize. When we say slow, we mean it. While major tech companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Sony Playstation have introduced or announced they will support passwords, it took a while, but we’re not mad at the progress we’ve seen in just one year.
While Google has its own password manager built right into the Chrome web browser, some may either not trust the search giant enough to give them all their passwords, or have password manager of their own they choose to use, all of which are not difficult to use, but password management in general can be. Access keys allow you to avoid this by allowing you to use biometrics to enter.
Since Google is in charge of pushing, setting up passwords is easy. Below, we’ll show you how to set up a passkey to sign in to your Google Account. For more technical tips see how to increase your iPhone battery life with these two tweaks and how to properly clean your Macbook.
If you want to use a hardware security key to enter your passkey and sign into your Google accounts, Google has its own Titan security key. The dongle works with your computer, but can also connect to most iPhone and Android devices as long as they support USB or NFC.
Details
You must meet the requirements to use passwords
Before setting up your Google passwords, you must meet the following requirements, which vary depending on the device you’re using.
- For mobile devices, you must be using at least iOS 16 or Android 9.
- For your computer, you must be using at least MacOS Ventura or Windows 10. Also, your web browser must be at least Google’s Chrome 109, Apple’s Safari 16, or Microsoft’s Edge 109.
How to set up passwords with Google
In the web browser of your choice—on your phone, tablet, or computer—go to g.co/passkeys. If you’re already signed in to your current Google Account, you’ll be asked to enter your normal password to verify your identity. If you need to switch accounts, tap the current email to choose from all your other Google accounts.
Now enter your password when prompted and press The next one. On the next page, you will be asked to create a password. When the pop-up window appears, press continued. The passkey will be saved on your device (eg iCloud Keychain on iOS), which varies depending on your device.
You’ll need to follow any prompts and use the biometrics your device asks for to verify your identity. Once you do, your passkey will be generated for that device.
You can use your face, fingerprint, screen lock, or hardware security key to sign in to Google after your password is set.
Note: There is an option to create a passkey using another device (tablet, external security key), but the easiest method is to simply create a passkey on the device you’re using.
You can now use your passkey to sign in to your Google Account. If you’ve enabled two-factor authentication, your passkey bypasses 2FA because the passkey means you have physical possession of your phone, essentially doing 2FA. Also, if you don’t want to use your passkey for any reason, you can always use your password to sign in.
Lost your device that had a passkey on it? Google got you.
If for some reason you lose your device or it’s stolen, you can still sign in to your Google Account. Use another device that has access to your Google Account: Go to g.co/passkeys, sign in to your account using your usual password and remove the passkey associated with your lost or stolen device. Just hit x next to the password and then press Removal to get rid of it and go back to using your password.
For more technical tips see 9 surprising uses for Siri and how to get android 15 beta right now.
Even if you don’t lose your device, you can still remove your passcode and go back to your usual passcode.
[ad_2]
