How to manage passkeys on Android

Wait… what are passkeys, again?

For those who don’t know, passkeys are a new authentication method designed specifically to allow users to log in to their online accounts securely—but without the need for passwords. The goal is to leverage technological innovation to improve both cybersecurity and user convenience. How does it work?

Each passkey uses a pair of cryptographic keys: one public key stored on the app or website’s server, and one private key that stays on your device. When you log in, the server sends a request with the public key to your device, which then responds with the private key. If both keys match, you’re granted access.

Since the private key is safely stored on your device and never leaves it, the risk of unauthorized access is much lower. That’s also because passkeys, unlike passwords, can’t be cracked, guessed, or easily stolen. And the cherry on top is that, with passkeys, you don’t have to remember or type in anything—you can just quickly and safely access your accounts.

Passkey requirements for Android

At this point, it’s worth noting that not all Android versions or devices fully support passkeys. So, if you’re thinking about going passwordless, you should keep that in mind, especially if you plan to use a third-party passkey provider like NordPass. Here’s a quick breakdown of which Android versions support passkeys—and how far that support goes.

As for the other software and hardware requirements for running passkeys on Android, the good news is that most modern Android devices already meet them. This means that if you purchased your device in late 2023 (when Android 14 was launched) or later, it most likely has full support for third-party passkeys.

Still want more details? Here are the key technical requirements your Android device must meet to use passkeys:

• Your device must have a trusted execution environment (TEE) or secure element (SE) component for storing cryptographic keys.

• Biometric authentication or a screen lock must be enabled.

• The Google Play Services app needs to be up to date.

• You must have an internet connection to sync passkeys across devices.

How to create and save a passkey on your Android device

The process of setting up, creating, and storing passkeys on your Android device can be a bit different depending on a few factors—like which version of Android you have, the passkey provider you’re using (such as Google’s native option or a third-party service like NordPass), and the websites or services you want to use passkeys for. That said, creating passkeys usually involves the following steps:

1. Enable the lock screen on your Android device (if you haven’t already).

2. Go to a website or app that supports passkey logins.

3. Choose to sign up with a passkey option. (If you already have an account, go to the account settings and find the passkey login option.)

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a passkey.

5. Confirm and save the passkey using your device’s built-in biometrics.

Once confirmed, your new passkey will be stored in your default passkey provider—if you have Android 14 or later, you can choose that to be either Google Password Manager or a third-party solution like NordPass.

How to log in with a passkey on Android

Logging in with a passkey to a website or app is super easy—way easier than using a password. Here’s how it goes:

1. Go to the website or open the app where you’ve saved your passkey.

2. Select the option to log in with a passkey (it’ll usually say something like “Use passkey” or “Sign in with passkey”).

3. Authenticate by following the on-screen prompts (like using your device’s fingerprint scanner or Face ID).

That’s it! If the two cryptographic keys match, you’ll get instant access to your online account or app.

Using passkeys on Android with NordPass

While NordPass is best known as a password manager, it’s also fully equipped to support passkey technology across all major platforms and browsers—and it was one of the first to do so! This is because we believe passwordless authentication is the way forward, and we want you to experience it with top-tier security and ease.

Getting started with passkeys in NordPass is really simple. Just install the NordPass app on your device and set it as your primary passkey manager in your device’s “Passwords and Accounts” settings. Once that’s done, NordPass will prompt you every time you want to create or log in with a passkey, guiding you through the process.

Managing your passkeys in NordPass is also a breeze—they’re stored securely in your vault under a dedicated item category. There, you can easily see when each passkey was created, share them with trusted people without compromising your security, and even add secure notes to help you keep track of important details for any service or account.

For a step-by-step guide on using passkeys with NordPass, check out our Help Center article, where we cover everything from passkey setup to login.