Google now prompts users to create passkeys instead of passwords

Google is making it more convenient for users to get rid of typing passwords into their Google accounts in favour of passkeys. Passkeys are a quick, secure, and passwordless login method that uses the PIN, facial recognition or fingerprint authentication built into the devices.

Google will now prompt users to create a passkey for their account by default, eliminating the need for them to manually search through account settings to set it up.

Although the industry-wide goal is to ultimately establish passkeys as the new login standard, Google acknowledges that passwords "will still be a part of our lives as we make the transition."

Consequently, users may still choose to sign in to their Google account with traditional passwords, and they may opt out of using passkeys entirely by disabling the "skip password when possible" option for their account.

Google has added support for passkeys to a variety of its products in the last year, including Workspace and Cloud accounts, as well as its Chrome web browser. A good number of leading websites and applications also support passkeys. Users can find more information about where they can currently be used by visiting this directory created by 1Password — a password management service.