Exactly one year ago, Google, Apple, and Microsoft promised to end passwords by 2023, and it looks like, at least in Google’s case, they’re going to make good on that promise. Google last week finally announced the launch of “Passkeys” or access keys, a new system that is already available for personal Google accounts.
According to Google, access keys are more secure than traditional passwords, and they work in the same way that we unlock our smartphone. That is, with a fingerprint, face scan, or screen lock PIN.
How to Log in Without a Password With The New Google Access Keys
If you want to start using this new system to sign in to apps and web pages, the first thing you have to do is set up a new access key. The method works both on mobiles and on PCs, being necessary to configure a different access key for each of the devices where we are going to use it.
It is recommended that we configure the first access key from the mobile, as this will facilitate the process for when we want to configure access without passwords also from the PC.
- Open a new tab in your mobile browser and go to g.co/passkeys.
- Sign in with your Google account.
- Click on “Use access keys*”.
- Click on “Made”.
From here, when you want to sign in with your Google account, you will see a message that says “Use your access key to confirm it’s you”. Simply click on “Continue” and enter the requested unlock method.
*Note: If you don’t see this option available, tap “Create access key” to create a new access key for this device.
In my case, the system has asked me for the screen unlock PIN, although on another occasion putting the fingerprint has been enough. Everything will depend on the unlocking method that you have configured for your mobile.
How to Set Up an Access Key on PC
As you can see, this method that does not require passwords is quite practical and comfortable. If you want to implement it on your desktop as well, you can do so by following these steps:
- Open the PC browser and go to g.co/passkeys.
- Sign in with your Google account.
- Within the management panel, click on “Create access key”.
- In the next window click on “Continue”. will appear a popup message in the browser where you will select the smartphone in which you have previously configured your first access key.
- You will then receive a notification on your mobile phone to verify your identity.
- Once the identity is verified, you will be able to start using the login without passwords on your PC thanks to the new access key that we have just created.
The next time you need to sign in with your Google account, you’ll see an on-screen prompt to use the PC access key. Simply enter the phone unlock PIN and you will be able to access without using any password.
Of course, it must be made clear that the access key is a complementary system to the existing onesso you can continue to use your regular password, two-step verification, or hardware security keys.
In the words of Google, the new access keys are more resistant to online attacks such as phishing, being a more secure system than SMS verification or one-time codes.
As we said at the beginning, passwordless access keys are now available for standard Google accounts. However, the professional accounts of Google Workspace will still have to wait a little longer to be able to enjoy this new functionality.