Using Passkeys with Apple Passwords App: A Step-by-Step Guide

Key Notes

• Passkeys offer a secure and swift alternative to traditional login methods.
• The Passwords app in iOS 18 centralizes all your passkey management.
• Passkeys can seamlessly integrate across your Apple devices through iCloud Keychain.

Embracing Passkeys: A Secure Future in Apple’s Passwords App

Shifting from traditional passwords to passkeys enhances security and usability in online logins. This guide walks you through creating and managing passkeys in iOS 18.

Understanding Passkeys

Passkeys eliminate the need for traditional passwords by utilizing a unique pairing of a private key stored on your device and a public key retained by the service. This system enhances security as there’s no password to remember and eliminates risks associated with password theft.

Creating a Passkey on Your iPhone

The process to create a passkey varies by app or service. Below, we detail the steps for setting up a passkey on Twitter.

1. Step 1: Initiate Your Account Creation

   If creating a new account, you’ll be prompted automatically. If you have an existing account, sign in with your password first.

2. Step 2: Access Security Settings

   Navigate to Settings > Security, and locate ‘Passkey’ settings.

3. Step 3: Confirm Password and Create Passkey

   Enter your password for verification, then select ‘Create Passkey’.

4. Step 4: Complete Authentication

   Provide the necessary authentication, and touch ‘Done’.

5. Step 5: Verify Your Passkey

   Your newly created passkey will be accessible in the Passwords app.

Creating a Passkey on Another Device

You can generate passkeys on non-iOS devices and save them to iCloud Keychain, enabling access through the Passwords app. Below is how you can create a passkey on Amazon using a Windows PC.

1. Step 1: Log Into Your Amazon Account

   Start by signing in to your Amazon account as you normally would.

2. Step 2: Access Account Settings

   Go to Settings > Your Account, find ‘Passkey’, then click ‘Set up’.

3. Step 3: Initiate Setup

   Click ‘Set up’ to begin creating the passkey.

4. Step 4: Use Another Device

   Choose ‘Use another device’ to initiate QR scanning.

5. Step 5: Select Your iPhone

   Select your iPhone from the presented options.

6. Step 6: Scan the QR Code

   Open your Camera app on your iPhone, scan the QR code, then tap ‘Save a passkey’.

7. Step 7: Authenticate

   Use biometric authentication or your PIN to confirm.

8. Step 8: Verify Passkey Storage

   After completion, your passkey will be listed in the Passwords app.

Signing In Using Passkeys

Once you have a passkey set up, logging in is straightforward:

1. Step 1: Open Your Chosen App or Website

   Launch the app or navigate to the website on your iPhone.

2. Step 2: Select Your Account Name

   Choose your account name and hit ‘Sign in’.

3. Step 3: Input Account Name If Not Displayed

   If your account isn’t showing up, manually input it.

4. Step 4: Confirm Usage of Passkeys

   When prompted, opt to use your passkey for the sign-in process.

5. Step 5: Authenticate to Log In

   Complete the login using biometric verification, and you’re in!

Signing In on Another Device

To access your passkey on another device, take the following steps:

1. Step 1: Access the Desired App or Website

   Begin by opening the app or website on the alternate device.

2. Step 2: Choose ‘Sign In with Passkey’

   On the password entry page, opt for ‘Sign in with a passkey’.

3. Step 3: Identify Your iPhone

   Select your iPhone to proceed.

4. Step 4: Scan the QR Code

   Activate your Camera app, scan the code, and choose ‘Sign in with a passkey’.

5. Step 5: Authenticate to Gain Access

   Utilize your device’s biometrics or PIN for authentication to access your account.

Deleting a Passkey

You can easily remove passkeys stored in the Passwords app:

1. Step 1: Open the Passwords App

   Navigate to the Passwords app and select ‘Passkey’ to view your saved entries.

2. Step 2: Edit and Remove the Desired Passkey

   Select the passkey you wish to delete, tap ‘Edit’, then choose ‘Delete Passkey’.

Alternatively, you can manage and delete your passkeys directly from the account settings in the corresponding service, but using the Passwords app is more efficient.

In today’s tech landscape, where breaches are rampant, passkeys represent a swift and secure solution for account access. With the iOS 18 Passwords app, managing your passkeys has never been more straightforward.

Summary

This guide covers the advantages of using passkeys over traditional passwords, offering clear steps for creating, managing, and utilizing passkeys in Apple’s Passwords app in iOS 18. Transitioning to passkeys results in a more secure, hassle-free login experience.

Conclusion

Adopting passkeys is a significant step towards enhanced security and convenience in online transactions. By efficiently utilizing the Passwords app in iOS 18, you can enjoy safer logins without the burdens of traditional passwords.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)