In its ongoing quest to enhance user security, Apple introduced Passkeys in iOS 16, paving the way for a secure password-less sign-in experience. With the latest iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma, Apple has taken this initiative even further by automatically generating a Passkey for your Apple ID. This Passkey simplifies the process of logging into iCloud and Apple websites, eliminating the need for manual password entries. If you’re intrigued by the idea of signing in to your Apple account without typing in a password, this quick guide is for you. Let’s dive right into how to use Passkeys in iOS 17 for effortless sign-ins.
How to Sign in with a Passkey on iOS 17
If you’re using a device equipped with iOS 17 or macOS Sonoma, Apple will automatically assign a Passkey to your Apple ID. This Passkey allows you to use your Face ID or Touch ID for quick and secure authentication when logging into Apple websites such as apple.com, iCloud.com, or appleid.apple.com. Say goodbye to the hassle of repeatedly entering your password, especially in cases where you’ve forgotten it. Here’s how you can use Passkeys to streamline your sign-ins:
Before getting started, ensure that you’ve created a Passkey on your iPhone and saved it in iCloud Keychain. If you haven’t done this yet, you can find detailed instructions in our article on creating a Passkey on your iPhone.
- On your Mac, PC, or Android device, open the Apple website where you intend to sign in, such as appleid.apple.com or iCloud.com.
- Click on the “Sign In” button and enter your Apple ID.
- Then, select “Sign in with Passkey.”
- This action will display a QR code on your screen. Use your iPhone to scan this QR code.
- Upon scanning the QR code, your iPhone will prompt you with the option to “Use Face ID to sign in.” Select “Continue.”
- After successful Face ID authentication, you’ll be seamlessly signed into your account, all without having to manually enter your Apple ID password.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are Passkeys on an iPhone?
A Passkey serves as a password replacement, offering a faster, more user-friendly, and highly secure sign-in method. Unlike traditional passwords, Passkeys rely on Face ID or Touch ID for user identification on supported websites and apps. These cryptographic entities are inherently robust, resistant to phishing attempts, and remain invisible to the user. Just like passwords, Passkeys are end-to-end encrypted, ensuring that not even Apple can access them.
2. Is Passkey support available on iOS 17?
Yes, iOS 17 provides full support for Passkeys on your iPhone. In fact, iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma have the ability to automatically generate Passkeys for your Apple ID, obviating the need for manual password entries on Apple websites. Instead, you can use your iOS 17 device’s Face ID or Touch ID for a secure and efficient login.
With this feature, Apple is making strides in improving user security and ensuring that Passkeys may very well replace traditional passwords in the future.
