Set Up a Passkey for Your Gmail Account

What is a passkey?

A passkey is a safer way to log in. It uses the same lock you use to open your phone or laptop. That can be a fingerprint, a face scan or a PIN. There is no password to type, and no password to steal. A phishing site (a fake page that tricks you) cannot use it.

Before you start

• Use a device with a screen lock set, such as a phone, tablet or laptop.
• Use an up-to-date browser such as Chrome, Safari, Edge or Firefox.
• Do this on your own device, not on a shared one.
• If your Gmail is a work or school account, the admin may control this option.

Steps on a computer

1. Open a browser and go to your Google Account page (search for "Google Account").
2. Sign in if asked.
3. Click Security in the left menu.
4. Find the section How you sign in to Google.

   

5. Click Passkeys and security keys.
6. Click Create a passkey.
7. Click Continue.
8. Your device asks you to prove it is you. Use your fingerprint, face or PIN.
9. Click Done when you see the message that it worked.

Steps on an Android phone

1. Open Settings, then Google, then Manage your Google Account.
2. Tap Security.
3. Tap Passkeys and security keys.
4. Tap Create a passkey and follow the screens.

Menu names may change a little over time.

Sign in with a passkey

1. Go to the Gmail sign-in page.
2. Type your email address.
3. Choose to use your passkey, if asked.

   

4. Confirm with your fingerprint, face or PIN.

Remove a passkey

Go back to Passkeys and security keys. Click the small cross or the delete icon next to the passkey. Confirm it.

Quick recap

• A passkey replaces your password with your device lock.
• Open your Google Account, then Security, then Passkeys and security keys.
• Click Create a passkey and confirm with your fingerprint, face or PIN.
• Keep recovery options set up.