Remembering passwords for email, banking, shopping and social media accounts has become a daily challenge. Weak passwords, repeated credentials and phishing scams continue to put online accounts at risk. Now, a technology called passkeys is gaining momentum, offering a simpler way to sign in without typing a traditional password.
The shift is becoming increasingly significant. According to the FIDO Alliance’s 2026 report, an estimated five billion passkeys are now in active use worldwide. Major technology companies, including Google, Apple and Microsoft, are supporting the transition towards passwordless authentication. <Cite refs={["turn521547search1","turn521547search3"]}/>
What Exactly Are Passkeys?
Passkeys are a modern sign-in method that allows users to access supported websites and apps using their device’s security features. Depending on the device and service, authentication can happen through a fingerprint, facial recognition or a device PIN.
Unlike traditional passwords, passkeys rely on a pair of cryptographic keys. One key is stored by the website or service, while the private key remains protected by the user’s device or credential manager.
When a user attempts to sign in, the system verifies the request without requiring the user to type a password. This makes passkeys significantly more resistant to many common phishing attacks.
How Are Passkeys Different From Passwords?
Traditional passwords can be stolen through fake login pages, data breaches or social engineering. Users who reuse the same password across multiple websites face additional risks.
Passkeys address several of these weaknesses. They are designed to work only with the website or service for which they were created, making it much harder for a fake website to trick someone into revealing a reusable credential.
They can also make everyday sign-ins faster because users do not need to remember or manually enter complicated passwords.
However, passkeys do not eliminate every security risk. A compromised device, an insecure account recovery process or a malicious application can still create problems.
Why Are Technology Companies Promoting Passkeys Now?
Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and attackers continue to exploit stolen credentials to access personal and business accounts.
Microsoft announced in July 2026 that passkeys would become the default authentication experience in Microsoft Entra ID, its identity service for organisations, beginning with a rollout in September. Microsoft also announced plans to discontinue its own built-in SMS and voice authentication delivery for the service from February 2027, encouraging organisations to move towards stronger authentication methods. <Cite refs={["turn521547search0","turn521547search8"]}/>
The broader goal is to reduce dependence on passwords and verification methods that can be intercepted, impersonated or manipulated.
How Can You Start Using Passkeys?
Users do not need to wait for passwords to disappear completely. They can begin using passkeys on services that already support them.
Here are a few steps to get started:
-
Open the security settings of a supported website or app.
-
Look for an option such as “Passkeys” or “Create a passkey”.
-
Follow the instructions to register your device or credential manager.
-
Use your fingerprint, face recognition or device PIN when prompted to sign in.
-
Check that you have a secure recovery method in case you lose access to your device.
It is also important to keep your phone and computer updated and protect the accounts used to synchronise your passkeys.
Will Passkeys Completely Replace Passwords?
Not immediately. Although adoption is growing, many websites still rely on passwords, and some continue to use them as a backup. Moving passkeys between different platforms and recovering access after losing a device can also present challenges. <Cite refs={["turn521547news13","turn521547search7"]}/>
For now, the most practical approach is to use passkeys wherever they are supported while maintaining strong account recovery protections.
The passwordless future is no longer just an idea. As more websites and apps adopt passkeys, signing in could become both easier and more secure. The real test will be whether technology companies can make the experience reliable across devices without compromising user privacy or control.
