Passwords are a problem, and they have been for a long time. They’re hard to remember, and if they aren’t, they’re probably easy to guess. Sure, they’re better than nothing, but it isn’t too likely you’ll find anyone who actually enjoys using passwords.
Apple, along with Google and Microsoft, is aiming to address this issue by switching from passwords to passkeys, which are much easier to use and far more secure. It’s not going to be an instant fix, but it’s a step toward keeping your data safer.
We’re not going to get into the weeds here, but Apple, Google, and Microsoft have all committed to supporting the FIDO Standard, with replaces passwords with a safer alternative. Apple Passkey is Apple’s implementation of the standard.
Apple Passkey support debuts in iOS 16 and macOS 13. With Apple Passkey, you no longer need to enter a username and passwords to log into apps and websites that support the standard. The system is easier to use for us, but in the background, it’s much safer.
For each website, the system generates a unique key that is tied to your Apple Passkey. When you log into the site, you can authenticate via Face ID or Touch ID, just as you would for logging into your device. This passkey is stored in iCloud Keychain and is never visible to you, the user, so this prevents malicious websites from stealing your login information.
So, for users, Apple Passkey is much easier than dealing with traditional passwords, since all you need to do is authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID.
How to Use Apple Passkeys on Windows
While primarily designed for the Apple ecosystem, it’s possible to use Apple Passkeys on Windows as well. This integration allows for a seamless experience across different platforms, ensuring that your digital life remains secure, whether you’re using an iPhone, iPad, or Windows PC.
Setting Up Apple Passkeys on Windows
Step 1: Install iCloud for Windows
Download iCloud for Windows: Visit the official Apple website to download iCloud for Windows.
Install the Software: Follow the on-screen instructions to install iCloud on your Windows PC.
Sign in with Your Apple ID: Enter your Apple ID and password to sign in.
Step 2: Enable iCloud Keychain
Open iCloud Settings: Click on the iCloud icon in the system tray.
Select ‘Keychain’: Check the box next to ‘Keychain’ to enable it.
Follow the Prompts: You may be asked to verify your identity using two-factor authentication.
Step 3: Accessing Passkeys
Open Your Preferred Browser: Apple Passkeys should work with most modern browsers on Windows.
Navigate to the Website: Go to the website where you want to use Apple Passkeys.
Choose ‘Sign in with Apple’: If the website supports it, you’ll see an option to ‘Sign in with Apple.’
Authenticate Using Passkeys: Your passkeys stored in iCloud Keychain will be used to authenticate your login.
Using Apple Passkeys on Windows: Tips and Troubleshooting
Ensure iCloud Keychain is Synced: If you’re having trouble accessing your passkeys, make sure that iCloud Keychain is properly synced across your devices.
Update iCloud for Windows: Always keep iCloud for Windows up to date to ensure compatibility with the latest features, including Apple Passkeys.
Contact Apple Support if Needed: If you encounter persistent issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to Apple Support.
Apple Passkeys offer a secure and convenient way to authenticate online accounts, and the ability to use them on Windows extends their benefits beyond the Apple ecosystem. By following the steps outlined in this guide, Windows users can take advantage of this innovative feature, enjoying a more secure and streamlined online experience.
The integration of Apple Passkeys on Windows represents a broader trend towards cross-platform compatibility and enhanced digital security. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovations that break down barriers between different operating systems and devices, creating a more cohesive and user-friendly digital landscape.
How to Set Up Apple Passkey
Apple has once again raised the bar with its innovative Apple Passkey. As we descend deeper into a world where cyber threats lurk around every corner, the need for a robust yet user-friendly security solution is more pressing than ever. Apple Passkey, an integral part of Apple’s commitment to enhancing user security and experience, emerges as a beacon of hope in this scenario.
However, there are a few things that you’ll need to do before you are able to set up and create an Apple Passkey. These include enabling a couple of important services that Apple offers for anyone that has an Apple ID. Here’s how you can get started:
Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
Scroll down and tap Passwords.
Authenticate yourself using FaceID or your iPhone’s passcode.
Tap the More button in the top right corner.
Tap the Password Options button.
At the top of the page, tap the toggle next to Autofill Passwords and Passkeys to the On position.
Under the Use Passwords and Passkeys From section, tap iCloud Passwords & Keychain.
Under the Set up Verification Codes Using: section, tap iCloud Passwords & Keychain.
With the proper password settings enabled from your iPhone or iPad, you’ll need to also make sure that Two-Factor Authentication is set up and turned on. Thankfully, the steps are pretty straightforward, so here’s how you can do so:
Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
Tap [Your Name] at the top of the page.
Tap Sign-In & Security.
Scroll down and tap the Two-Factor Authentication option.
Tap the Continue button.
Follow the on-screen steps to set up and enable Two-Factor Authentication for your Apple ID.
With Two-Factor Authentication enabled, you’ll be able to use Apple Passkey without needing to jump through any other hoops. The biggest difference with Apple Passkey compared to a Passkey set up for another app or service is that everything is managed via your Apple ID. This means that there’s not actually anything that you’ll need to do in order to actually set up the Apple Passkey.
Provided that you followed all of the steps above, you are now able to use a Passkey to sign into any Apple-related website. These include the likes of the Apple Store, Apple ID landing page, or even iCloud.com. All you’ll need to do is navigate to the website of your choosing, enter your Apple ID, then tap the Sign in with iPhone button. You’ll no longer need to find and enter your password and will instead be able to sign in using either Face ID or Touch ID, depending on the device that you are using.
Where Can You Use Apple Passkey?
As you’ve seen in the above section, it doesn’t take much to get started with Apple Passkey, at least as a user. This doesn’t mean that you can instantly forget about all your passwords.
App and website developers need to add support for the FIDO Standard before you’re able to use Apple Passkey to log in. This isn’t going to happen right away. While Apple, Google, and Microsoft apps will likely get support for Apple Passkey quickly, third-party apps could take much longer to support this method of login.
What about logging in on other devices that don’t support iCloud Keychain? It’s actually fairly simple: The other device will generate and display a QR code that you scan with your iPhone or iPad. Then you just use Face ID to confirm that it’s actually you logging in.
Support for Apple passkey will grow with time. It won’t happen right away, but like Apple Pay, we’ll see support gradually increase over the coming years.
Recovering Your Apple Passkey
Since Apple Passkey uses iCloud Keychain, it should be very difficult to lose access to your Apple Passkey data. That said, what if something happens, and you lose all of your Apple devices? There are recovery methods available, but you should still be careful to make sure you don’t end up in this situation.
To recover your iCloud Keychain, first you need to authenticate with your iCloud password. Then you need to respond to an SMS message sent to your registered phone number. If you lose all of your devices, this would likely mean getting a replacement phone and SIM from your wireless provider.
To prevent this, you can set up a recovery contact for your iCloud account. This will let you regain access to your data if something goes wrong. If you value your keychain data, this will go a long way toward providing peace of mind.
Can you save your Apple Passkey to 1Password or other Password Managers?
The dawn of the passwordless future is upon us, ushered in by the arrival of Apple Passkeys. These sleek, secure login credentials are replacing traditional passwords, offering a more convenient and robust way to access your online accounts. But with this shift comes a natural question: can you save your Apple Passkey to a password manager like 1Password or LastPass?
The short answer is: yes and no. Here’s the nuanced breakdown:
Storing Passkey details:
Technically yes: Password managers like 1Password can store information about your Passkeys, such as the website, username, and creation date. This allows you to organize and track your Passkeys within a familiar interface.
But not the actual Passkey: The crucial part of a Passkey is its cryptographic key pair. This pair is never stored in your password manager. Instead, it remains securely locked on your Apple device, accessible only through your fingerprint or Face ID.
Why not store the actual Passkey?
Security first: Passkeys are designed to be inherently more secure than passwords. They eliminate the risk of leaks or phishing attacks, as the private key never leaves your device. Storing it in a password manager would compromise this security advantage.
Platform ecosystem: Passkeys are an integrated part of Apple’s ecosystem, designed to work seamlessly with your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Storing them elsewhere would disrupt this smooth experience.
So, what can you do with your password manager?
Manage Passkey details: Organize, label, and search your Passkeys within your preferred password manager for easy reference.
Autofill login information: While not the actual Passkey, your password manager can autofill the website and username fields associated with your Passkeys, streamlining the login process.
Backup and recovery: Some password managers offer backup and recovery features for your Passkey details, acting as a secondary layer of protection in case of device loss.
Remember:
Apple Passkeys are still evolving: The technology is relatively new, and future updates might introduce additional features or functionalities related to password manager integration.
Focus on convenience and organization: While you can’t store the actual Passkey in your password manager, its ability to manage details and streamline logins still offers significant value.
In conclusion, while storing the actual Apple Passkey in a password manager is currently not possible, their ability to manage details and simplify logins makes them a valuable companion in the passwordless revolution.** As the technology matures, we can expect further integration and seamless experiences between Passkeys and password managers. So, embrace the passwordless future with confidence, knowing your logins are secure and conveniently accessible.
Are There Other Apps and Services with Passkey Support?
The use of passkeys, also known as passwordless authentication, has gained traction as a secure and user-friendly method for accessing digital services. While passkey support is commonly associated with popular platforms like Windows Hello and Apple’s Face ID, many other apps and services have recognized the benefits of this authentication method. In this section, we’ll explore the landscape of apps and services that offer passkey support, shedding light on the growing trend towards a more convenient and secure digital future.
Adobe
Amazon
Best Buy
CardPointers
Coinbase
CVS
eBay
GitHub
Google
Instacart
KAYAK
Link by Stripe
Microsoft
Nintendo
NVIDIA
okta
PayPal
Robinhood
Roblox
Shop Pay
Shopify
Synology
Tailscale
TikTok
Uber
WhatsApp
Yahoo!
Zoho
Frankly, this isn’t even the entire list of apps and services that do offer support for Passkeys. However, there is a website that is dedicated to providing an overview, aiming to make it easy to determine whether an app supports Passkeys or not. Funnily enough, the aptly-named Passkeys.directory is actually powered by 1Password, but is “community-driven.”
Conclusion
Apple’s Passkey offers an innovative and secure approach to managing online access, seamlessly integrating with the Apple ecosystem to enhance user experience. By leveraging biometric authentication and iCloud Keychain, Passkey ensures both convenience and high-level security for your online interactions. This forward-thinking solution marks a significant step towards a passwordless future, aligning with Apple’s commitment to user-friendly technology and robust security measures.
Whether you’re navigating online shopping, accessing your favorite social media platforms, or managing sensitive accounts, Passkey stands as a testament to Apple’s vision of a more secure and user-centric digital world. Embrace this change and join the growing community of users who enjoy a more secure, password-free online experience.
Kris Wouk is a writer, musician, and whatever it’s called when someone makes videos for the web. He’s an Apple nerd with a fondness for hi-res audio and home theater gear.
I just bought an iPad mini at the flea-market and they promised it was reset and rest for me to set up for my new small business (Vintage Vinyl Designs Galore)
I just bought an iPad mini at the flea-market and they promised it was reset and rest for me to set up for my new small business (Vintage Vinyl Designs Galore)