A note from Mitchell: While writing my memoir Where Did My Brain Go?, I thought about the challenges we face every day.
Memory problems make passwords dangerous. We forget them. We write them down in unsafe places. We reuse the same password everywhere.
Passkeys solve these problems. I learned this the hard way during a security emergency.
What Is a Passkey?
Your Face or Fingerprint Is the Key
A passkey uses your face or fingerprint instead of a password. You already unlock your phone this way. Now you can log into websites the same way.
Why Passkeys Are Better
Passwords
Easy to forget. Easy to steal. Hard to type correctly.
Passkeys
Nothing to remember. Cannot be stolen. Just look at your phone.
Perfect for Memory Challenges
You cannot forget your face. You cannot lose your fingerprint. Passkeys work even on your worst brain fog days.
Thieves Cannot Steal Them
A hacker can steal your password from a website. They cannot steal your fingerprint. Passkeys only work on your device.
Faster Login
No typing. No finding your password. Just one quick scan and you are in.
Set Up Passkeys for Google
Google Account
Go to Your Google Account
On your phone or computer, go to myaccount.google.com
Open Security Settings
Tap or click on "Security" in the menu.
Find Passkeys
Look for "Passkeys" under "How you sign in to Google." Tap it.
Create a Passkey
Tap "Create a passkey." Your phone will ask for Face ID or fingerprint.
You Are Done
Next time you log in, just use your face or fingerprint. No password needed.
Set Up Passkeys for Microsoft
Microsoft Account
Go to Microsoft Security
On your phone, go to account.microsoft.com/security
Open Advanced Security
Tap "Advanced security options."
Add a New Way to Sign In
Find "Ways to sign in" and tap "Add a new way to sign in."
Choose Passkey
Select "Face, fingerprint, PIN, or security key."
Follow the Prompts
Your phone will guide you. Use Face ID or fingerprint when asked.
Set Up Passkeys for Apple
Apple ID
Open Settings on Your iPhone
Find the Settings app. It looks like a gray gear.
Tap Your Name at the Top
This opens your Apple ID settings.
Tap Sign-In & Security
Look for this option in the list.
Tap Passkeys
If you do not see this option, make sure your iPhone is updated to iOS 17 or later.
Turn On Passkeys for Apple ID
Follow the prompts. Apple will save your passkey to iCloud Keychain.
Important Tip: Get Backup Codes
Each service will offer backup codes. Print them. Put them in a safe place like a file cabinet. If you lose your phone, these codes will save you.
What If Something Goes Wrong?
Lost Your Phone?
Use the backup codes you printed. Get a new phone. Set up passkeys again. Your passkeys sync through iCloud, so most will come back automatically on Apple devices.
Using a Different Computer?
You can use your phone to log in. The website will show a code. Your phone camera scans it. Then use Face ID or fingerprint on your phone.
You Are Now More Secure
Passkeys protect your accounts better than any password. And you never have to remember anything.