Until now, the best way to keep your accounts secure was to partner a password with two-factor authorization (2FA). But now, Google is offering another choice: using a passkey — a secure credential tied to the PIN or biometric authentication your device already uses. The passkey only exists on your device, not in the cloud, making it even safer.

Want to give it a try? Here’s how.

Finally, if you have a Google Workspace account through a school or employer, you won’t be able to set up a passkey for that account. (You can, however, use it for any personal Google account.)

How do I set it up?

• Start by going to g.co/passkeys.
• If you have an Android phone already signed into that account, you may have been automatically registered for a passkey. If that is the case, the device will be listed under Automatically created passkeys, and you can just click the blue Use passkeys button.

• You will then get a pop-up saying that you can now use a passkey. Click Done.
• If your device isn’t listed (if you’re using an iPhone, it probably won’t be), then select the Create a passkey button at the bottom of the page. (Note: at this point, it will be much easier to use the device you want to use as a passkey — in other words, if you want to use your iPhone, then use your iPhone rather than your computer to follow these directions.)
• You will get a pop-up that lets you use either the device you are currently using as the passkey (in which case, select Continue) or be prompted to select Use another device. If the latter, you will be given a QR code to scan with your phone’s camera.
• If you are using an iPhone, you may also be asked to turn on iCloud Keychain.