Understanding Passkeys and Why You Might Want to Change Them
A passkey is a security method that replaces traditional passwords on many accounts. Instead of typing a password, passkeys use your device's built-in security features—like your fingerprint, face recognition, or a PIN—to confirm your identity. This technology is becoming standard on email accounts, social media platforms, banking services, and other online accounts.
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Passkeys work differently than passwords. When you set up a passkey, your device creates two linked codes: a public code that the website stores, and a private code that stays only on your device. When you log in, your device verifies who you are using biometric data or a PIN, then uses that private code to confirm your identity to the website. The actual fingerprint or face data never leaves your device.
You might want to change your passkey for several reasons. If you get a new phone or computer, you'll need to set up a new passkey on that device. You may also want to change a passkey if you're concerned about your device's security, if you lose a device, or if you simply want to update your login method. Some people change passkeys regularly as part of their security routine, similar to how they used to change passwords.
Unlike passwords, passkeys are harder to steal through phishing attacks or data breaches because the actual biometric data or PIN never gets sent to websites. However, you still need to keep your devices secure and know how to manage your passkeys across different devices.
Practical Takeaway: Before changing a passkey, identify which accounts have them and understand that the process varies by company. Check your account settings under "Security," "Login methods," or "Authentication options" to see which accounts use passkeys.
Changing Passkeys on Google Accounts
Google accounts can use passkeys on Gmail, Google Drive, Google Photos, and other Google services. To change your Google passkey, start by going to your Google Account settings at myaccount.google.com. Look for the "Security" section on the left side of the page. You'll need to be logged in already, and Google may ask you to confirm your identity before letting you change security settings.
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Once in the Security section, look for "Passkeys" or "Password and sign-in method" depending on your account. Google shows all your registered passkeys with information about each device. You'll see details like the device name (for example, "iPhone 14" or "Samsung Galaxy S22"), the type of passkey (fingerprint, face recognition, or screen lock), and when you registered it.
To replace a passkey, you typically need to remove the old one first, then add a new one. To remove a passkey, click on the device you want to remove and look for a "Delete" or "Remove" option. Google will ask you to confirm this action. After removing the old passkey, you can add a new one by clicking "Create passkey" or "Add passkey." Your device will guide you through registering a new passkey using your fingerprint, face, or PIN.
If you're switching to a new phone, remove the passkey from your old device before switching, then set up a new passkey on your new device. If you can't access your old device, you may need to use your backup codes or recovery methods to regain access to your account while you set up the new passkey. Google stores backup codes in your Security section—make note of these in case you need them.
Practical Takeaway: Keep a record of which devices have passkeys for your Google Account. If you plan to replace a device, remove its passkey from your Google Account settings before the device becomes unavailable.
Changing Passkeys on Apple Accounts
If you use an Apple ID for iCloud, iCloud Mail, Apple Music, or other Apple services, you can manage passkeys through your Apple Account settings. On an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, go to Settings (or System Settings on a Mac), tap or click your name at the top, then select "Password and Security." This section shows your current passkeys and where they're registered.
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Apple allows you to have passkeys on multiple devices—for example, one on your iPhone and another on your Mac. Each device stores its own passkey for your Apple ID. You can see exactly which devices have passkeys and when they were added. To change a passkey on a specific device, you can remove it and set up a new one.
To remove an Apple passkey, find the device in your Password and Security settings and tap "Remove Passkey" or the delete option. Apple will ask for confirmation. After removing the old passkey, you can create a new one. The process typically involves confirming your identity (using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode), and then your device will register a new passkey with your Apple Account.
Apple's passkey system is designed to work across multiple Apple devices through iCloud. If you have an iPhone, iPad, and Mac, you might set up passkeys on all of them so you can use any device to sign in. If you get a new Apple device, you'll need to set up a fresh passkey on it. You can keep the passkey on your old device active until you're certain the new device's passkey is working properly.
Practical Takeaway: Write down which Apple devices have passkeys registered to your account. This helps you remember where you can sign in and what to do if one device becomes unavailable.
Changing Passkeys on Microsoft and Windows Accounts
Microsoft accounts use passkeys for Outlook email, OneDrive, Microsoft 365, and other Microsoft services. You can manage your passkeys by visiting account.microsoft.com and going to "Security." Look for "Advanced security options" or "Passkey settings." Microsoft shows you each device where a passkey is registered, along with details about when it was added and what type of passkey it is.
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On Windows 11 computers, passkeys can use Windows Hello, which recognizes your face or fingerprint. On older Windows versions or other devices, passkeys use a PIN or another security method. To change your Microsoft passkey, go to your security settings and find the registered devices. Select the device where you want to change the passkey and look for options to remove or update it.
Microsoft allows you to have multiple passkeys across different devices. If you use Windows at work and a different device at home, you can register a passkey on each. To change a passkey on one device, you don't need to change the others. However, if a device is lost or stolen, you should remove its passkey from your account right away to prevent unauthorized access.
When you get a new Windows computer or device, you'll set up a new passkey during the login setup process. Microsoft walks you through registering your biometric data or PIN. If you want to use the same passkey across multiple Windows devices, you can explore Microsoft's cloud-based passkey options, though this varies depending on your version of Windows and Microsoft account type.
Practical Takeaway: If you use both Windows and other devices, manage each passkey separately in your account settings. Keep track of which device has which passkey to avoid confusion when signing in.
Changing Passkeys on Social Media and Banking Accounts
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are rolling out passkey options. Banking apps from major institutions like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo also support passkeys. The process for changing passkeys on these accounts varies by company, but the general approach is similar to Google and Microsoft.
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To find your passkey settings on social media accounts, log in and look for "Settings and Privacy" or "Settings," then find "Security" or "Login and Password." Look for options like "Passkeys," "Sign-in methods," or "Authentication." Most platforms show you which devices have passkeys and allow you to remove old ones and add new ones.
For banking accounts, passkey management is usually in the "Security Settings" section of your app or online banking portal. Banks take security seriously, so they may require you to verify your identity through additional steps before letting you change passkeys. You might need to answer security questions, enter a temporary code sent to your phone, or use your existing login method to confirm who you are.
When changing passkeys on financial accounts, plan ahead. Make sure your new passkey is working on your new device before removing the old one from your