Sync Passkeys Across Devices with Google Password Manager

Google Password Manager can store your passkeys and sync them across your Android phone, Chromebook, Windows PC, and iPhone. This guide walks you through turning on sync, saving a passkey, and using it on another device. You’ll need a Google account and to be signed in on each device.

What You’ll Need

• A Google account (free).
• Devices running a current version of Chrome, Android, iOS, or Windows.
• Screen lock enabled on each device (PIN, password, or biometric).
• Bluetooth and internet connection for cross-device authentication.

Step-by-Step

1. Turn on sync in Chrome. Open Chrome on your computer or Android phone. Click your profile icon (top right) and select “Passwords and autofill” → “Google Password Manager.” If you see a prompt to “Turn on sync,” click it and sign in with your Google account. On Android, go to Settings → Google → “Autofill with Google” and make sure it’s enabled.
2. Enable passkey sync on Android. On your Android phone, go to Settings → Google → “All services” → “Password Manager.” Tap the gear icon and select “Offer passkeys on this device.” Ensure the toggle is on. This allows your phone to store and offer passkeys.
3. Save a passkey when you create one. When a website or app offers to create a passkey, choose “Use a passkey from another device” or “Save to Google Password Manager” if prompted. Follow the on-screen instructions to authenticate with your fingerprint, face, or PIN. The passkey is now saved to your Google account.
4. Use the passkey on another device. On a new device, go to the website’s login page and select “Sign in with a passkey.” Choose “Use a phone or tablet” or “Use another device.” A QR code appears. Scan it with your Android phone (or iPhone if you have the Google app). Approve the login on your phone.
5. For Windows or Mac, use the “Google Password Manager” extension. Install the official Chrome extension if you use a non-Chrome browser. Sign in with your Google account. When a site asks for a passkey, click the extension icon and select the passkey you want to use.
6. For iPhone or iPad, use the Google app. Install the Google app from the App Store. In the app, tap your profile picture → “Password Manager.” Sign in. When you need a passkey on your iPhone, choose “Use a passkey from another device” and scan the QR code with the Google app.
7. Check your synced passkeys. Open Google Password Manager on any device. Under “Passkeys,” you’ll see all saved passkeys. If one is missing, verify that you’re signed in with the same Google account on all devices and that sync is active.

Common Mistakes

• Using different Google accounts. Passkeys only sync to the account you saved them with. Double-check that you’re signed in with the same account everywhere.
• Not enabling passkey sync on Android. If you skip step 2, your phone won’t offer to save passkeys, even if Chrome sync is on.
• Turning off sync in Chrome. If you see “Sync is off,” passkeys won’t sync. Go to Chrome settings and turn on sync.
• Choosing the wrong option during login. When a site asks for a passkey, pick “Use another device” or “Use a phone” – not “Use this device” if you’re on a new computer without your passkey.
• Ignoring Bluetooth prompts. Cross-device passkey verification often uses Bluetooth to confirm proximity. If Bluetooth is off, the process may fail.

Tips

• Keep your Google account recovery options updated. If you lose a device, you can still access your passkeys by signing in with your password and two-factor authentication.
• Use a strong device PIN or biometric lock. Anyone with physical access to your unlocked phone can approve passkey requests.
• Periodically review your passkeys in Google Password Manager and remove ones you no longer use.
• If you use a password manager app like 1Password or Bitwarden, you can still use Google Password Manager for passkeys – just make sure you don’t have conflicting autofill services.
• For the smoothest experience, update Chrome and the Google app to the latest versions.

Troubleshooting

• Passkey doesn’t appear on another device. Check that you’re signed in with the same Google account. Also, wait a few minutes – sync can occasionally be delayed. Force-close and reopen Chrome or the Google app.
• QR code doesn’t scan. Ensure your phone’s camera is clean and the screen brightness is high. If you’re using the Google app, make sure it’s up to date.
• “No passkeys found” error. This usually means the passkey wasn’t saved to Google Password Manager. Go to the site, create a new passkey, and choose “Save to Google Password Manager.”
• Cross-device authentication fails on Windows. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices and that you’re within a few meters of each other. Also, check that the Google Password Manager extension is installed and signed in.
• Passkey sync is disabled on Android. Go to Settings → Google → Password Manager → gear icon and turn on “Offer passkeys on this device.” If it’s already on, toggle it off and on again.
• Can’t sign in to Google on a new device. Use your password and two-step verification. Once signed in, your passkeys will sync automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do passkeys sync to iPhones?

Yes, but you need the Google app installed. Passkeys saved to Google Password Manager can be used on iPhones by scanning a QR code with the Google app.

Can I use passkeys without an internet connection?

No. Google Password Manager requires an internet connection to sync and retrieve your passkeys. You can’t use them offline.

Are passkeys more secure than passwords?

Generally, yes. Passkeys are resistant to phishing and are unique per site. They use cryptography instead of something you memorize.

What if I lose my phone?

You can still access your passkeys by signing in to Google on another device with your password and two-step verification. Your passkeys are stored in your Google account, not just on the phone.

Can I export passkeys from Google Password Manager?

Currently, Google doesn’t offer a direct export for passkeys. You can only view them in the manager.

Do passkeys work with third-party password managers?

Yes, but you’ll need to save passkeys to that manager instead of Google. Google Password Manager is just one option.

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