How to Set Up a Passkey for Your Google Account - Hassle-Free and Secure

• 08 Aug, 2023
• 96 View(s)

Introduction

Hey there! Are you tired of trying to remember all those passwords for your Google or Gmail accounts? Well, I've got some great news for you! Passwords are dead! Yes, you heard it right. You can now set up a passkey for your Google or Gmail account instead of a traditional password. It's a more convenient way to protect your information, and it's super easy to set up. So, let's dive in and learn how to do it!

Why Passkeys?

Before we jump into the steps, let's talk about why passkeys are the future of online security. Passkeys use either a simple PIN or biometric credentials, like your fingerprint or face recognition, to sign into your accounts. This makes them way more convenient than those lengthy passwords we're used to. And the best part? Passkeys are incredibly personal, making it much harder for hackers to gain access to your data. It's like having a secret handshake that only you can do! With passkeys, two-factor authentication may even become a thing of the past. It's a game-changer in the world of online security.

How to Set Up a Passkey for Your Google Account

Quick Steps

1. Go to Google's Passkeys website


2. Select "Use Passkeys"


3. Log into your account


4. Connect either your phone or computer's login PIN

Detailed Steps

Alright, now let's get into the nitty-gritty of setting up your passkey. Follow these step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Go to Google's Passkeys Website

First things first, head over to g.co/passkeys and sign in to your Google account with your password. This is the initial step to access the passkey setup menu.

Step 2: Select "Use Passkeys"

Once you're signed in, you'll see a page with different options. Select "Use Passkeys" to start setting up your passkey. This will allow you to use either your biometric data or lock screen PIN as your passkey.

Step 3: Log into Your Account Again

After selecting "Use Passkeys," you'll be prompted to log into your account again. This time, a message will appear asking you for your PIN or biometrics. This is an added layer of security to ensure that only you can access your account.

Step 4: Scan the QR Code with Your Mobile Device

Clicking "Continue" will make a QR code appear on the screen. Now, take out your smartphone and open a camera app that can scan QR codes. Scan the QR code displayed on your computer screen. This will allow Google to connect to your phone.

Step 5: Use Your Biometric Credentials

Congratulations! You've successfully set up your passkey. From now on, when you sign in via passkey, Google will send a notification to your device. You can then use your biometric credentials, like your fingerprint or face recognition, to authenticate and access your account. It's as easy as a touch or a glance!

Step 6: Create a New Passkey

If you prefer, you can also create a new passkey by selecting "Create a Passkey" in the Passkeys setup menu. This will allow you to set a passkey using your computer's lock screen PIN. It's another convenient option to protect your account.

Step 7: Use Another Device

What if you want to include another device, like your tablet or another smartphone? No worries! Simply select "Use Another Device" and follow the same process. Google will ask you to scan a QR code with the other device, just like before. It's a seamless way to add more devices to your passkey setup.

Other Options

It's worth mentioning that passkeys are not the only alternative to traditional passwords. Dashlane, a popular password manager, recently introduced its new Passwordless Login feature. This feature allows users to replace their master password with either a PIN or biometrics, similar to passkeys. However, there is a slight difference. Passkeys, developed by the FIDO Alliance and backed by tech giants like Google and Apple, are limited to the ecosystem they were initially stored in. On the other hand, Passwordless Login offers more flexibility. The technology behind it allows for wider usage across different platforms.

As we move towards a passwordless future, it's essential to keep our private information safe. Using a reliable password manager is highly recommended. Check out TechRadar's recommendations for the best password managers to help you keep your data secure.

Conclusion

Passwords are dead, and passkeys are here to stay! With the convenience of using a PIN or biometric credentials, passkeys are revolutionizing online security. By setting up a passkey for your Google or Gmail account, you can enjoy a more secure and hassle-free login experience. So, why stick to those long and hard-to-remember passwords when you can have a personalized passkey? Give it a try and see how passkeys make your life easier and your accounts safer. Happy passkey-ing!