What are Passkeys and how do they work on a Mac?
Jun 23, 2025 am 12:04 AM
Passkeys is a new way to log in to replace passwords on Apple devices. It generates unique digital keys to verify identity through the device, improves security and simplifies the login process. They are based on public key encryption technology, with private keys retained on the device, and public keys are used for service verification to avoid password leakage or phishing risks. When using on Mac, the creation process includes: selecting the passkey option when registering a supported service and confirming it with the Touch ID or Mac password; automatically syncing to the iCloud keychain after creation, which can be synchronized between all Apple devices. When logging in, click the "Login with Passkey" button and authenticate, which is suitable for both online and offline scenarios. In terms of management, you can view and delete the passkey in the password section set by the system to ensure the security of the account. If you change the device, you just need to log in to the new device with your Apple ID and verify the existing passkey to synchronize, but cross-platform migration requires service support. Overall, passkeys provides a safer and more convenient experience, although support is still expanding.
Passkeys are a new way to sign in to apps and websites without using passwords. Instead of typing a password, your Mac creates a unique digital key that's stored securely on your device. When you log in, it uses that key to verify who you are—no need to remember or enter a password.
They're built using public-key cryptography, which means there's a private key (stays on your device and never gets sent anywhere) and a public key (shared with the service you're logging into). This makes passkeys more secure than traditional passwords since there's no password to steal or phish.
Here's how they work day-to-day on a Mac:
Setting Up Passkeys on Your Mac
To create a passkey, you'll usually do it when signing up for a service that supports them. The process is simple:
- Go to the website or app and choose to create an account.
- When prompted for a password, look for the option to use a passkey instead.
- Confirm with Touch ID or your Mac's user password.
Once created, the passkey is saved in your iCloud Keychain, so it syncs across your Apple devices automatically. If you have an iPhone, you can even use it to unlock your Mac or other devices.
Things to keep in mind:
- Make sure iCloud Keychain is turned on in your settings.
- You might need to use two-factor authentication for your Apple ID to enable syncing.
Using Passkeys to Log In
After setting up a passkey, logging in becomes much smoother:
- Go to the login screen of the website or app.
- Click the “Sign in with Passkey” button.
- Authenticate with Touch ID or your device password.
This works both online and offline, and because it's tied to your device, phishing attacks become far less of a threat.
A few things you might notice:
- Some services may still offer a backup password option—this is good to have just in case.
- On some sites, the passkey option might appear as a small icon next to the username field.
Managing and Deleting Passkeys
You don't interact with passkeys directly like passwords, but you can manage them in System Settings:
- Open System Settings > Passwords , then click Passkeys .
- Here, you can view all saved passkeys and delete any you no longer need.
If you lose access to your device or stop using a service, deleting old passkeys helps keep your accounts clean and secure.
Also, if you share your Mac with someone else, each user will have their own set of passkeys. So one person's sign-in won't interfere with another's.
What Happens If You Switch Devices?
Since passkeys sync through iCloud Keychain, switching devices is pretty seamless. Just sign in with your Apple ID on the new device, authenticate with your existing passkey, and you're good to go.
One thing to note: if you're moving from a non-Apple device to a Mac, not all passkeys will transfer unless they were created with cross-platform support enabled.
That's basically how passkeys work on a Mac. They're designed to be secure, easy to use, and mostly invisible once set up. Not everything supports them yet, but adoption is growing fast.
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