How to Use Passkeys

Key takeaways

• Simplify passkey sign-ins using your device’s face, fingerprint or PIN
• Benefit from stronger passkey security that is harder for hackers
• Switch existing accounts to passkeys through security or login settings

Summary

Passkeys offer a secure, password-free way to sign in to websites and apps. Instead of creating and remembering complex passwords, users can access accounts with the same method they already use to unlock a device, such as facial recognition, a fingerprint or a PIN.

The topic of passkeys matters because they make logging in easier while providing stronger protection against hacking attempts. As more websites add support, users can create new passkeys or update existing accounts through security and login settings while still keeping passwords available as a backup option.

The key takeaways and summary were created with the assistance of generative AI. An AARP editor reviewed and refined the content for accuracy and clarity.

Full transcript

[0:00:05] Digital passwords. To be secure, they have to be complex.

[0:00:09] You need to use a long string of lower and uppercase letters,

[0:00:12] and symbols, and numbers.

[0:00:14] It’s a hassle.

[0:00:15] Then somehow you’re supposed to remember each one.

[0:00:19] Enter the passkey, your solution to not having to use passwords anymore.

[0:00:25] Here’s how to use passkeys.

[0:00:28] A passkey is a secure, password-free way to sign into websites and apps.

[0:00:35] It’s actually quite simple.

[0:00:37] When you’re creating a new account on a website or digital platform,

[0:00:41] select the passkey option, if available, and follow the instructions.

[0:00:45] Then when you log in, instead of typing a password you forgot five seconds after

creating it, you use whatever you normally use to unlock your device.

[0:00:56] On your phone or tablet it might be facial recognition, your fingerprint or a PIN.

[0:01:01] On a laptop it could be the password you use to log in to that computer.

[0:01:06] That’s it.

[0:01:07] No password anxiety required.

[0:01:09] Not only are they easier, but they’re more secure and much harder for hackers to

mess with.

[0:01:15] That’s because when you create a passkey, two digital keys are made.

[0:01:19] One lives on the website, one lives on your device.

[0:01:23] So the website asks, “Do you have your key?” And your device says, “Yes, but let

me make sure it’s my person.” You confirm with your face, fingerprint or PIN, and just like

that, you’re in.

[0:01:36] Already have an account with a password?

[0:01:38] No problem.

[0:01:39] Most sites will give you the option to change to a passkey in your account settings

under security or login options.

[0:01:47] If you’re having trouble finding this option, try a quick browser search with the

name of the site and passkey.

[0:01:53] Not every website has passkeys yet, but more and more are adding them every

day.

[0:01:59] And for anyone who might be worried, old-fashioned passwords very much do still

exist and are there for backup.

[0:02:06] But passkeys are the way of the future.

[0:02:09] For more tech advice go to aarp.org/techguru