Security Stop Press : Google Simplifies Secure Passkey Syncing Across Devices

Google has announced that users can now securely sync passkeys across all devices, not just Android, making sign-ins faster and more secure.

Passkeys use biometrics, such as your fingerprint, face, or screen lock, to sign in to apps and websites, thereby making it easier and more secure than using traditional passwords. Whereas previously, only Android devices could save passkeys, requiring a QR code scan for use elsewhere, Google’s latest update means users can now save passkeys to Google Password Manager on desktops (Windows, macOS, and Linux), with ChromeOS in Beta.

Once a passkey is saved, it syncs automatically across devices. Google has also introduced a Google Password Manager PIN for extra security, ensuring passkeys are encrypted and inaccessible to others, even Google.

To start using use passkeys on a new device, users will need their Google Password Manager PIN or Android screen lock. Users can set up a six-digit recovery PIN by default or select “PIN options” to create a longer alpha-numeric PIN.

Google says that with passkeys available for sites like Google, Amazon, and PayPal, and with Google Password Manager built into Chrome and Android, users can start benefitting from this secure, more convenient change without the need for extra apps.