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Since Google’s September 19, 2024 announcement, Chrome users can save passkeys to Google Password Manager on desktop and use them on supported devices. The important distinction: Chrome does not put every passkey in one universal store. The selected credential provider and operating system determine where a passkey is saved and which devices can use it.
What Google announced
Google announced on September 19, 2024, that desktop Chrome could save passkeys to Google Password Manager and sync them with supported devices, extending the service beyond Android. At launch, Google listed Windows, macOS, Linux and Android; ChromeOS was described as being in Beta testing then. That Beta description is historical: Google’s current platform guide lists ChromeOS among the supported environments for Google Password Manager passkeys.
Before the desktop change, Chrome’s passkey storage behavior differed by platform. Google described Chrome on macOS as using iCloud Keychain by default, with local Chrome-profile storage as a fallback; Android used Google Password Manager, while Windows used Windows Hello. The desktop update added Google Password Manager as a synced option. See Chrome for Developers’ 2024 announcement, Google’s September 2024 blog post and the current platform guide.
Where Chrome saves passkeys
Google’s current platform documentation describes these storage options. Actual availability can depend on OS version, device configuration and the credential provider selected.
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- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
| Platform | Chrome passkey storage and access |
|---|---|
| Windows | Chrome-created passkeys are stored in Google Password Manager. |
| Linux | Chrome-created passkeys are stored in Google Password Manager. |
| ChromeOS | Chrome-created passkeys are stored in Google Password Manager. The current guide lists the platform as supported. |
| Android | Google Password Manager is the default for passkeys created in Chrome. On Android 14 or later, a password manager selected in system settings can serve as the passkey provider; behavior may vary on some device makers’ versions of Android. |
| macOS | Chrome can use Google Password Manager or iCloud Keychain on macOS 13.5 or later. A Chrome-profile storage option is also documented; passkeys stored in that profile do not sync to other environments. |
| iPhone and iPad | On iOS/iPadOS 16 or later, Chrome supports passkeys stored in iCloud Keychain (Apple Passwords) by default. On iOS/iPadOS 17 or later, Chrome can be configured as an autofill provider to use Google Password Manager. |
These distinctions mean a passkey saved through Apple’s provider or locally in a Chrome profile should not be assumed to appear in Google Password Manager. For the current platform details, consult Google’s supported environments guide and its help pages on signing in with passkeys and managing passkeys in Chrome.
How cross-device access works
When a passkey is saved to Google Password Manager, Google says it is end-to-end encrypted. To access passkeys on a new device, Google says users may need their Google Password Manager PIN or the unlock method used by their Android device. Google describes this as a way to enable access across computers and Android devices while preventing Google from accessing the passkeys. This is Google’s description of its design, not an independent security audit.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
The PIN or device unlock method is an access or recovery factor; it is not the passkey itself. Nor does the setup ensure that credentials saved through every other provider are copied into Google Password Manager. Keep your account recovery options current, since passkey sync does not replace recovery planning.
How to decide which provider to use
Choose based on where you want credentials stored and which devices need to use them. Google Password Manager can sync passkeys across its supported environments; iCloud Keychain is an Apple credential-storage option; and a Chrome-profile passkey stays within that profile rather than syncing to other environments. On Android 14 or later, the system’s selected password manager can determine the passkey provider.
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Rank #3
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
- Need access across Google Password Manager-supported devices? Save the passkey to Google Password Manager where that provider is available.
- Use Apple’s credential system? iCloud Keychain may be the relevant option on Apple platforms; check the platform-specific settings and support requirements.
- Prefer a profile-specific credential? A Chrome-profile passkey on macOS is documented, but it is not synced to other environments.
Google’s passkey sign-in help and Chrome passkey management help provide user guidance for using and managing credentials.
Do you need a security key?
No. A FIDO2-compatible security key is an optional external sign-in method, separate from saving or syncing a passkey through Google Password Manager. It may suit someone who specifically wants a hardware authenticator, but buying one does not enable Google Password Manager syncing. Google’s Chrome 116 enterprise release notes describe external security keys in cross-device passkey flows.
Rank #4
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
A separate Chrome feature for developers
Chrome 132 introduced desktop support for a Signal API that lets passkey providers keep credential metadata aligned with public-key credentials on a relying party’s server. This is a developer-facing consistency feature, not the consumer syncing announcement from September 2024. Details are in Chrome for Developers’ Signal API overview.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Ultra-Compact FIDO2 Security Key - Plug-and-stay or carry on a keychain. This USB-A hardware security key offers portable, always-on protection for desktop and mobile use. (Item Size: 0.75 X 0.74 IN x 0.25 IN)
- USB-A Hardware Key for All Devices - Works with USB-A ports on PC, Mac, Android, and other laptop/notebook device. Enables secure, cross-platform login with FIDO2.0 passkey support.
- FIDO Certified Security Key - Meets FIDO and FIDO2 standards. Works with Google, Microsoft, GitHub, Dropbox, and more. Please check service compatibility before purchase.
- Passwordless Login with Passkey - Supports passkey login via WebAuthn and CTAP2. Enjoy password-free sign-ins where supported. Not all websites or services currently support passkeys.
- Advanced Multi-Factor Authentication - Offers 200 FIDO2 passkey slots and 50 OATH-TOTP slots. Strong, flexible 2FA/MFA support across various apps and authentication platforms.
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