How to use passkeys to secure your Gmail email account

Google is pushing users toward a password-free future with passkeys, a authentication method that replaces traditional passwords with biometric verification. Passkeys offer stronger security because they cannot be written down, phished, or stolen in data breaches.

Once enabled, users can sign into their Google accounts using biometric authentication like fingerprints or face scans instead of typing passwords.Passkeys offer stronger security because they cannot be written down, phished, or stolen in data breaches. Once enabled, users can sign into their Google accounts using biometric authentication like fingerprints or face scans instead of typing passwords.

What are passkeys

Passkeys are digital credentials that use encrypted keys stored on your device to verify your identity.

Unlike passwords that can be intercepted or guessed, passkeys work only on registered websites and apps. They use public key cryptography, meaning only a public key is stored on Google's servers—useless to hackers without the private key that stays safely on your device.Your biometric data never leaves your device or gets shared with Google, addressing privacy concerns while providing seamless, secure authentication across all your devices.

How to set up passkeys

Setting up passkeys takes just minutes:

How to use passkeys for login

Once configured, signing in becomes simpler. Go to any Google sign-in page and enter your email address. Instead of typing a password, you'll be prompted to unlock your device using biometrics or your PIN. That's it—you're logged in securely without remembering complex passwords or waiting for two-factor codes.