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There is no universal switch that converts every password at once. Replace passwords account by account: sign in with the current method, open that service’s security or sign-in settings, create a passkey on a personal device, credential manager, or compatible FIDO2 security key, test it, and confirm recovery before changing or deleting any password. Each website or app controls its own passkey support and fallback rules.
What a passkey changes
A passkey is a cryptographic credential registered for one account on one service. During enrollment, your device, credential manager, or hardware security key creates a key pair. The private key remains with that authenticator; the service stores the corresponding public key. At sign-in, the service verifies a response from the private key after you unlock the device with a screen lock, biometric check, PIN, or security-key gesture.
Because the credential is associated with the legitimate service domain, it is designed to resist phishing. Microsoft states, “Yes, passkeys are phishing resistant,” and explains that a passkey associated with a registered domain cannot be presented to a lookalike domain (Microsoft Support). The FIDO Alliance describes passkeys as replacing passwords with cryptographic key pairs for phishing-resistant sign-in and an improved user experience (FIDO Alliance).
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A passkey is not a universal identity token. A passkey created for one website does not replace the password at another website, even when both accounts use the same email address or device. Enrollment and removal are separate decisions for every supported account.
#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
Why replacing every password takes time
Services add passkey support at different times and expose it under different labels, such as Create a passkey, Add passkey, Security key, or Sign-in options. If the option is missing from a service’s security settings, that service may not support passkey enrollment yet, or an administrator may have disabled it. Keep using the available sign-in method until the service documents another route.
Choose where your passkeys will live
Decide on a storage strategy before enrolling dozens of accounts. The important differences are device coverage, recovery after loss, cross-platform compatibility, control of the private credential, and any work or school policy.
| Storage choice | Where the credential is available | Recovery and portability | Best fit | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform credential manager | Devices and operating systems supported by that platform | May sync through the platform account; replacement depends on that account’s recovery process | People who mainly use one device ecosystem | A lost device or inaccessible platform account can complicate recovery |
| Synced password manager | Compatible phones, computers, browsers, and apps signed in to the same manager | Designed to make credentials available on additional devices, subject to the provider’s recovery and policy controls | People who regularly switch platforms | Compatibility varies by service, browser, operating system, and organization policy |
| FIDO2 hardware security key | The physical key, when the target service supports it | Portable but device-bound; a second enrolled key or another recovery method is needed if it is lost | High-control personal or administrative accounts | You must keep the key available and verify connector, NFC, and service compatibility |
| Device-bound passkey | One specific phone, computer, or authenticator | Does not automatically appear on a replacement device; recovery requires another enrolled credential or the service’s account recovery | Situations where keeping the credential on one device is intentional | Less convenient when you replace or lose that device |
FIDO distinguishes synced and device-bound passkeys; neither design is automatically right for every account (FIDO Alliance). Google and Apple also document creating passkeys on compatible FIDO2 hardware keys when the account offers that choice (Google Account Help; Apple iPhone User Guide).
Prepare an account-by-account migration
1. Make an inventory
List every account you may want to convert and record its current sign-in method, recovery email or phone, enrolled devices, and whether it is personal, work, school, or shared. Mark accounts that can reset other accounts. A practical order is:
- Your primary email and identity accounts.
- Financial and government accounts, if they support passkeys.
- Work or school accounts, after checking administrator rules.
- Frequently used shopping, social, cloud, and subscription accounts.
This is a prioritization method, not a service-mandated ranking. Do not enroll a passkey on a shared or public device. Anyone who can unlock that device may be able to use the passkey for the account. Google gives the same warning in its passkey guidance (Google Account Help).
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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.
2. Check support and prerequisites
Open the service’s official security or account-help page while signed in, and verify that it supports passkey creation. Check the operating system, browser, screen lock, Bluetooth or NFC requirement for cross-device sign-in, and any credential-manager requirement.
For Google Accounts, the cited requirements include Windows 10 or later, macOS Ventura or later, ChromeOS 109 or later, Android 9 or later, or iOS 16 or later, together with supported browser versions. Google can change those requirements, so use its current help page at the time you enroll (Google Account Help).
3. Confirm recovery before enrollment
Make sure you can still access the account’s recovery email, phone, backup codes, trusted devices, or another enrolled authenticator. Adding a passkey generally adds a sign-in route; it does not automatically remove existing recovery factors. Service-specific rules determine whether a password can later be disabled.
How to create a passkey on any supported account
- Open the legitimate service. Type the known address yourself or use a trusted bookmark. Confirm the account name and domain before entering the current password or approving a prompt.
- Sign in with your existing method. Complete the password, one-time code, security-key, or other factor that the service currently requires.
- Open account security settings. Look under Security, Sign-in and security, Login, Authentication, or Account settings. Search the service’s help center if the label is not obvious.
- Choose the passkey command. Select Create passkey, Add passkey, or the equivalent. If the service offers separate choices, decide whether to use the current device, a synced manager, or a FIDO2 security key.
- Approve the platform prompt. Unlock the device or manager using its screen lock or biometric check. For a hardware key, insert or tap it and complete the key’s required touch or PIN step.
- Name or verify the credential if asked. Use a description that identifies the device or manager without placing sensitive information in the label.
- Check the account’s credential list. Confirm that the new passkey appears and note whether the service identifies it as synced, device-bound, or a security key.
- Test before removing anything. Sign out only when you still have a recovery route. Sign in again with the new passkey on the main device, then test a second device or cross-device flow if you depend on one.
- Record the result. Update your inventory with the enrollment date, storage location, and remaining recovery methods. Repeat the process for the next account; one successful enrollment does not migrate other services.
Google Account migration
Google provides a Passkeys and security keys area for creating and managing credentials. While signed in, open your Google Account’s security settings and select the passkey option, then follow the device or security-key prompt. Google says adding a passkey does not remove existing authentication or recovery factors, so leave those routes available until you have tested the new sign-in (Google Account Help).
Google-specific safety checks
- Create the passkey only on a device you personally own and use. A person who can unlock a shared device may be able to access the account.
- If you choose a FIDO2 key, verify that the key is compatible with the account and your computer or phone connector.
- For a sign-in from another computer, Google can use a nearby phone and a QR-code flow. Keep the phone nearby, unlocked, and signed in to the intended account when prompted.
- Google Workspace administrators can control whether passkeys may replace passwords at sign-in. If the option is unavailable on a work or school account, contact the administrator rather than changing security settings repeatedly.
Apple device migration
On an iPhone, sign in to the supported website or app using its current method, open that account’s settings, and save a passkey when the service offers the prompt. Apple’s iPhone guide documents this account-by-account process and notes that a password and passkey can coexist for the same account (Apple iPhone User Guide).
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
Passkeys saved to Apple devices can sync through iCloud Keychain. Before relying on that sync, review the account and recovery setup that protects your Apple devices and iCloud Keychain. Apple describes recovery checks and related safeguards in its support documentation (Apple Support).
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Using a hardware key with Apple
When a service offers hardware-key enrollment, Apple’s guide describes saving a passkey to a compatible security key. Treat that key as a separate authenticator: keep it in a secure place, enroll a backup or retain another recovery method, and confirm that the service supports the key on the devices you use.
Microsoft account and cross-device sign-in
Microsoft documents passkeys that sync through supported credential managers and a QR-based cross-device authentication flow. To enroll, open the Microsoft account’s security page, choose its passkey management option, and follow the prompt for the selected device, manager, or security key. Microsoft’s management guidance covers viewing and removing saved passkeys (Microsoft passkey management).
Replacing a Microsoft device
When a phone or computer is replaced, Microsoft recommends creating a passkey on the replacement device first. Test it, identify credentials that belong to the old device, and then remove those obsolete entries. For work or school accounts, removal may be required both on the account’s security page and in the local credential store (Microsoft passkey management).
Test passkeys across your devices
A passkey that works on one device may not be available everywhere immediately. Test the combinations you actually use:
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- 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.
- Same-device sign-in: sign out of the service and use the passkey on the phone or computer where it was created.
- Second device with sync: verify that the selected manager has synchronized, then sign in on the second device using its supported browser or app.
- Cross-device QR sign-in: on the computer, choose the option to use another device; scan the displayed QR code with the phone when offered and approve the request on the phone.
- Hardware-key sign-in: test the key on each connector, NFC reader, or browser combination you expect to use.
- Recovery path: verify that at least one non-passkey route still works before you remove an old credential.
QR authentication transfers an approval between nearby devices; it does not copy a device-bound private key into the computer. Availability and labels depend on the service and browser. Microsoft and Google both describe QR-based cross-device flows in their support material (Microsoft Support; Google Account Help).
Recovery after a lost, replaced, or shared device
Before a device is lost
- Confirm that synced credentials are linked to an account you can recover.
- Keep a second sign-in factor or recovery route usable.
- For critical accounts, consider enrolling a second passkey on another personal device or a backup hardware key if the service permits it.
- Know where the service lists active passkeys and how to revoke one.
After loss or theft
- Use another trusted sign-in method or the service’s account-recovery process.
- Open the account’s passkey or device list and remove the credential associated with the lost device where the service allows it.
- If the credential was synced, review the credential manager’s device sessions and recovery settings as well.
- Create and test a replacement passkey before deleting the last working credential.
- Change the account password or revoke sessions if you believe the device was unlocked or the account was otherwise exposed.
Apple describes account and iCloud Keychain recovery considerations in its support guidance (Apple Support). Microsoft specifically advises setting up a replacement passkey before removing old credentials that no longer apply (Microsoft passkey management).
When to keep a password
Do not delete every password immediately after creating a passkey. A password may still be required for a browser, app, recovery workflow, administrator policy, or device that does not yet support the credential. Some services let passkeys and passwords coexist; others provide a separate password-removal setting, and some do not offer passwordless sign-in at all.
Remove a password only after you have verified the service’s documented rules, tested the passkey on the devices you need, and confirmed a recovery path. Removing a password does not remove the need to protect the device, credential-manager account, recovery email, or hardware key that now controls access.
Work, school, and managed accounts
Organization administrators can restrict which passkey types are allowed, require a particular credential manager, or prevent passkeys from replacing passwords. Microsoft notes that an administrator can disable synced-manager use, and Google Workspace administrators can limit passwordless sign-in (Microsoft passkey management; Google Account Help).
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- 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.
For a managed account, follow the organization’s enrollment page rather than creating an unsanctioned credential on a personal device. If you leave the organization, remove its passkey from personal credential stores only after you have confirmed that it no longer provides access and that the organization’s offboarding process is complete.
Troubleshoot common enrollment failures
The passkey option is missing
Check that you are signed in to the correct account, using the service’s current website or app, and viewing the security settings rather than a profile-editing page. Review the service’s support documentation for regional, account-type, browser, or administrator restrictions. If no supported option exists, keep the current sign-in method and revisit the service later.
The device cannot create a passkey
Install current operating-system and browser updates, enable a screen lock, and verify that the device meets the service’s requirements. A device without a PIN, password, or biometric unlock may not qualify. On a managed device, policy may block passkey creation.
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The passkey is not offered on another device
Confirm that you are signed in to the same credential-manager account, that synchronization is enabled, and that the second device’s browser or app supports passkeys. If the credential is device-bound, use the service’s cross-device QR option or another enrolled authenticator instead of expecting the private key to appear automatically.
The QR code or nearby-device prompt fails
Keep both devices near each other, unlock the phone, enable the required wireless connection, and use the browser’s official cross-device option. If the prompt times out, start a new sign-in attempt. You can also use a security key or recovery factor if the service offers one.
You enrolled on the wrong or shared device
Sign in from a trusted device, open the service’s passkey list, and revoke the unintended credential. Check whether the credential manager also saved a copy and remove it there. Create a replacement passkey on a personal device, then test it before changing the account password.
A practical rollout plan
- Day one: inventory accounts and repair missing recovery email addresses, phone numbers, backup codes, or trusted-device access.
- First wave: enroll the primary email and identity accounts, because they can often reset other services. Test each on the main device and one alternate route.
- Second wave: add financial, work, school, and high-value accounts after checking their policies and recovery requirements.
- Third wave: convert frequently used personal accounts. Keep a note of services that do not yet offer passkeys.
- After each enrollment: verify the credential appears in the account list, test sign-in, and record where it is stored.
- Only after testing: consider disabling or removing a password when the service explicitly supports that change and your recovery plan remains usable.
FIDO Alliance reporting for World Passkey Day 2025 says 36% of people had at least one account compromised due to passwords. The page provides that wording but not sample or methodology details, so it should be read as the Alliance’s reported consumer-trend figure rather than a universal probability for any individual (FIDO Alliance).
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Security habits that still matter
- Protect the device, credential manager, and recovery account with a strong screen lock and current software.
- Approve passkey prompts only when you initiated the sign-in and the account and domain are correct.
- Do not enroll on a borrowed, shared, or publicly accessible device.
- Keep backup recovery methods current, especially before traveling or replacing a phone.
- Review active sessions and saved passkeys after a lost device, suspected compromise, or change of ownership.
- Expect service-specific differences: passkeys reduce phishing exposure, but they do not eliminate account-recovery abuse, stolen unlocked devices, malicious apps, or administrator mistakes.
Migration checklist
- Inventory accounts and rank identity, financial, managed, and frequently used services.
- Check each service’s current passkey support and device requirements.
- Choose synced, platform, device-bound, or hardware-key storage deliberately.
- Verify recovery access before creating the credential.
- Enroll only while signed in to the legitimate service.
- Test same-device, second-device, and cross-device sign-in as needed.
- Record the credential’s location and identify a backup route.
- Revoke passkeys tied to lost, shared, or retired devices.
- Repeat separately for every supported website and app.
- Remove passwords only under the service’s own rules, never as an automatic final step.
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