Google Moves Closer to a Passwordless Future with Passkeys

Google is taking a bold step toward eliminating passwords once and for all. With its latest Chrome updates, users on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android can now enjoy full passkey support, making logging in faster, safer, and much less prone to attacks. iOS support is still in the works, but Google promises it’s coming soon.

Passkeys, hailed by 1Password as “almost impossible for hackers to guess or intercept,” are designed to replace traditional login methods, including hardware security keys and even two-factor authentication for high-risk users. Instead of typing a password, you authenticate using your device’s built-in biometrics or screen lock, creating a secure, phishing-resistant login tied to the physical device itself.

Seamless Sync Across Devices

Until recently, passkeys were mostly limited to Android devices via Google’s Password Manager. That meant accessing accounts on other devices required scanning QR codes—a cumbersome workaround that led many users to third-party solutions like 1Password or Apple’s Keychain.

Now, Google has removed that friction. Once a passkey is registered on one device, it automatically syncs across all your other devices, making account access instant and secure. This syncing is protected by a Google Password Manager PIN, which ensures your passkeys remain end-to-end encrypted. Google cannot see them, and no additional apps are needed—the functionality is built directly into Chrome and Android.

Why Passkeys Are a Game-Changer

Traditional passwords are increasingly vulnerable. Hackers exploit weak or reused passwords, often using brute-force attacks or massive computing networks to crack hashed credentials. Even sophisticated hashing algorithms like bcrypt or Argon2, designed to slow down attackers, can be overcome with enough computational power.

Passkeys sidestep these risks entirely. By storing credentials on-device and using cryptographic verification combined with biometrics or PINs, passkeys eliminate the need to type or transmit sensitive passwords over the internet. They are resistant to phishing, man-in-the-middle attacks, and brute-force attempts, making them significantly more secure than standard passwords, OTPs, or app-based MFA methods.

How Passkeys Work

A passkey is registered once on a device and can then be used repeatedly without exposing your login credentials. When you attempt to sign in, the service prompts you to authenticate using your device’s fingerprint sensor, facial recognition, or PIN. The website or app never sees your biometric data—it only receives cryptographic confirmation that you successfully authenticated.

Passkeys are based on the FIDO2/WebAuthn standard, allowing seamless interoperability across platforms and devices. This means you can register a passkey on Chrome, use it on Windows or Android, and later access it on other compatible services without any additional setup.

Google’s Timeline and Push for Passwordless Login

Google has been steadily pushing passkeys as the future of account security:

• May 2023: Passkeys became the default login method for all Google users.

• 2024–2025: Passkeys replaced passwords for many Google services, including Gmail, YouTube, and Google Drive.

• Google now encourages users to “Skip passwords where possible” in account settings.

The goal is clear: make passkeys the default method for secure authentication not just on Google services, but across the web. By 2026, passkeys could become the universal standard for logging in online.

Getting Started with Passkeys

Setting up a passkey is straightforward:

1. Navigate to your Google Account > Security > Passkeys.

2. Register your device using a fingerprint, Face ID, or screen lock.

3. Enable the “Skip Password” option for faster logins.

4. Add backup devices or recovery options to ensure access in case your primary device is lost.

   
   

Tips for users:

• Never delete your primary passkey-enabled device without adding another.

• Keep software updated on all devices to maintain security.

  
  

For enterprises, passkeys offer additional benefits: administrators can enforce passkey use for employees, reduce password-related support requests, and improve compliance. Developers can now integrate passkey support into apps via Android APIs, Chrome, and Firebase, following FIDO Alliance standards.

Why This Matters

Passwords have long been a weak link in online security. Most users forget them regularly, reuse them across accounts, or create weak, guessable strings. Passkeys solve these problems by removing the human element from the equation. They make logins faster, simpler, and vastly more secure.

By combining biometrics, device-based cryptography, and cross-device sync, passkeys are poised to replace passwords entirely, creating a safer and more user-friendly web. Google’s move is a major step toward a future where passwords are no longer a vulnerability, but a relic of the past.