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Glossary

Passkey

Passkey: A passkey is a login method that replaces your password with a cryptographic key stored on your phone or computer and unlocked with your face, fingerprint or device PIN; it cannot be phished because it only works on the real site.

Updated February 1, 2027

An example

Signing in to Google with your fingerprint on your phone instead of typing a password.

Why it matters to you

Passkeys end the two biggest problems with passwords: reuse and phishing. Turn one on for email and bank first.

Where to go next

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See also

  • Two-factor authentication

    Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a second check at login, usually a code from an app or a text, so that a stolen password alone is not enough to get in.

  • Password manager

    A password manager is an app that creates, stores and fills a different strong password for every account, locked behind one master password or your device's face or fingerprint unlock.