With the latest update, Google allows users to sync their Passkeys using the Google Password Manager for swift access. With this move, Google aims to facilitate users in accessing and using Passkeys across different devices.
Users Can Now Sync Google Passkeys With Password Manager
As a recent blog post elaborated, Google now lets users sync Passkeys across all devices, including desktops.
Google first launched support for Passkeys in 2023, providing users with a dedicated passwordless login feature. However, the feature provided users with limited accessibility. They could only save Passkeys to Google Password Manager on Android. Using this feature on other devices would require scanning QR codes via their Android devices. Nonetheless, Google now provides them with more options.
According to Chirag Desai, Product Manager, Chrome, at Google, the previous limitation of using Passkeys on other devices after QR code scanning no longer applies. Instead, users can now save the Passkeys on devices like Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. Once done, these saved Passkeys will sync seamlessly across all devices, saving the users from further hassle.
While this cloud sync for Passkeys ensures better accessibility, it also risks unauthorized access. To prevent this threat, Google also rolled out another security layer with the Password Manager—the Google Password Manager PIN. This PIN applies end-to-end encryption on Passkeys, securing them from third parties, including Google.
Google explained the PIN as a six-digit code that guards access to Passkeys. Users can either set up this PIN or opt for a longer PIN, using alphanumeric combinations for enhanced security. To use longer PINs, users can click on the “PIN options” button to seek more options.
Users can easily create the PIN when using the Passkeys moving forward. Once done, users must enter this PIN when using the Passkeys the first time on a device. Android devices, however, have the flexibility to offer Passkey access via the screen lock, ditching the PIN.
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