Google reported on May 2, 2024, that passkeys had authenticated users more than one billion times across over 400 million Google Accounts in less than a year. The figures count authentication events and accounts—not unique people—and are a dated company-reported milestone, not a current 2026 total. [Google’s announcement]
What Google announced about passkey adoption
Google said daily passkey authentication on Google Accounts had become more common than authentication using legacy SMS one-time passwords and app-based one-time passwords combined. It also reported that passkeys were 50% faster than passwords. Both comparisons are Google’s claims; the announcement does not provide a methodology that would establish them as universal or independently verified results. [Google’s May 2, 2024 announcement]
The same announcement reported Cross-Account Protection coverage across 2.4 billion accounts and 3.4 million apps and sites. That is a separate Google-reported security measure, not a passkey adoption figure. [Google’s announcement]
What a passkey is—and why Google calls it phishing-resistant
A passkey lets you sign in by unlocking a compatible device, for example with a fingerprint, face scan, or screen-lock PIN. Instead of typing a password, you approve authentication using the device’s built-in unlock method.
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#1 Best Overall
- 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
Google explains that a passkey is associated with the legitimate app or website identity, helping prevent it from being used on a fraudulent lookalike site. Google describes this property as phishing resistance; it does not mean that every account, device, or recovery process is immune to attack. [Google Account Help] [Google’s passkey developer documentation]
Devices and browsers Google lists as compatible
Google Account Help lists the following minimum device operating systems and browsers for passkeys. Requirements can change, so check the live support page before troubleshooting an older device or browser. [Google Account Help]
Rank #2
- 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.
| Category | Google-listed support |
|---|---|
| Computers | Windows 10, macOS Ventura, or ChromeOS 109 and later |
| Phones | Android 9 or iOS 16 and later |
| Browsers | Chrome 109+, Safari 16+, Edge 109+, or Firefox 122+ |
| Physical security keys | FIDO2-compatible hardware security keys |
A dedicated physical key is optional: a compatible phone or computer can also hold or use a passkey. Google documents a FIDO2 security key as another option for people who prefer a separate device. [Google Account Help] [Google Security Blog]
How to create a passkey for a Google Account
- Open Google’s passkeys and security keys settings and sign in to the account if prompted.
- Select Create a passkey, then follow the on-screen instructions. Google may ask you to verify your identity.
- To create a passkey on a hardware security key, choose the option to use another device and follow the prompts. The key must support FIDO2.
Google’s help page has the current flow and troubleshooting details. [Google Account Help]
Rank #3
- 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
Choose where your passkey lives with care
Create passkeys only on devices you personally control. Google warns that anyone who can unlock a device that has a passkey for your account may be able to access that Google Account. A shared, borrowed, or employer-managed device may therefore be a poor choice, depending on who can unlock it and how it is managed. [Google Account Help]
Passkeys may be stored on a particular device or synchronized by a passkey manager. Google’s developer documentation describes synchronized passkeys and says Google Password Manager uses end-to-end encryption. Cross-device availability and recovery depend on the manager and account you choose; consult that manager’s current documentation before relying on synchronization. [Google’s passkey developer documentation]
Rank #4
- 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.
- Device-bound passkey: Consider where the credential is stored, which devices can use it, and what sign-in or recovery route you have if that device is lost.
- Synchronized passkey: Check which account or manager controls synchronization, what devices and browsers it supports, and how you would regain access if you lose access to that manager.
- FIDO2 hardware key: This provides a dedicated physical option, but it is not required if you use a compatible phone or computer. Consider how you would sign in if the key were lost and whether your other devices and browsers support it.
Google says adding a passkey does not remove the other authentication or recovery factors already on your account. Keep those options current so you have another route if a passkey device is unavailable. [Google Account Help]
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Passkeys in Google’s Advanced Protection Program
On July 10, 2024, Google announced that passkeys were available for its Advanced Protection Program (APP), which is designed for users at higher risk of targeted attacks. Product Lead Shuvo Chatterjee said the change was intended to make it easier for high-risk users to enroll and use the program. [Google’s July 10, 2024 announcement]
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Best Value
- FIDO2 & Passkey Ready: Business-ready and FIDO2 L1 certified. This key is supported by major management suites and is ideal for both individual and enterprise deployment. Works seamlessly with Gmail, Facebook, GitHub, Dropbox, Coinbase, and more.
- Universal Connectivity (USB-A ): Features a built-in USB-A connector—simply unfold the key and plug it into your compatible PC or laptop for seamless authentication on the go.
- Dedicated Manager App: Use the Thetis Manager App for the initial hardware PIN setup. Setting the PIN on the device first ensures a smooth registration process. Once the PIN is configured, you can begin registering the key across your favorite FIDO2-compatible online services.
- Ultra-Durable & Portable: Featuring a rotating metal cover, this key is water, crush, and tamper-resistant. It fits easily on a keychain and requires no batteries or network connectivity.
- Check FIDO2 compatibility before purchase - Known limitations: ID Austria is not supported (requires FIDO2 Level 2). Windows Hello login only works with Windows Enterprise editions that support Entra ID, and NFC is NOT supported.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
