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How to manage passkeys on Apple devices

Lukas Grigas
Cybersecurity Content Writer
Apple passkeys

Apple's entrance into the world of passkeys began with iOS 16, which marked the introduction of this technology within the ecosystem. By the time iOS 17 rolled out, Apple had seamlessly woven passkey support for Apple ID and started allowing third-party apps such as NordPass to manage passkeys on mobile devices.

Now Apple users no longer need to remember their Apple ID password and can access and use passkeys outside the ecosystem, on any device, at any time.

This progression isn't just about technological milestones. It paints a picture of a future where our digital interactions are both more secure and more intuitive.

Today we’ll unpack the nuances of the passkey technology and explore and showcase how easy it is to enable, store, and manage passkeys on the NordPass iOS app.

How passkeys work

Before we get into the ins and outs of passkeys, let’s start with passwords. Passwords, while familiar, come with a set of challenges, issues, and potential risks. Weak or reused passwords have been behind more than 80% of security breaches in the past few years. Passkey technology, however, offers a much more secure and hand alternative to traditional passwords.

At the heart of this technology is a dual-key mechanism. When you opt for a service that supports passkey authentication, two cryptographic keys work in tandem: a public key, which is stored on the service's server, and a private key, kept securely on your device. The beauty of this pairing is its dependency — one key is ineffective without the other.

The authentication process is multi-layered. During login, the server sends a request to your device, which responds with the corresponding passkey. Your identity is then verified at the device level, often through extra layers of authenticity such as biometrics like Face ID or Touch ID. Access is granted only when both keys match and biometric verification succeeds.

This approach offers enhanced security on multiple fronts. Passkeys are resilient to phishing and eliminates the issues of password reuse or forgetfulness. Yes, with passkeys you don’t need to remember or type out crazy strings of characters. The added layer of biometric verification ensures that even if your device is compromised, your data remains out of reach. Passkeys are here and they are taking over for good reason.

How to enable passkeys on iOS devices

With the introduction of iOS 17, Apple has made it even more convenient for users to embrace the security of passkeys. Integrating this feature into your daily routine is simple, especially with the help of NordPass. Keep in mind that support for passkey management on NordPass is available only for devices running iOS17 and iPad OS17 or later.

Here's a step-by-step guide to enabling passkeys of your iOS device:

  1. Download and install NordPass on your iOS devices.

  2. Go to the “Settings” on your device.

  3. Scroll down and select “Passwords.”

  4. Authenticate your identity as prompted.

  5. Now, tap on “Password options.”

  6. Browse and select “NordPass.” A checkmark will appear, indicating it's enabled.

  7. Finalize the process by unlocking the NordPass vault.

That’s it, you’ve enabled passkey-based authentication on your iOS device.

How to save and use passkeys with NordPass on iPhone

Harnessing the power of passkeys through NordPass on your iPhone is a step towards a more secure and smooth online experience. This feature simplifies the login process, ensuring both convenience and protection. Here's how you can make the most of it.

Saving a passkey in NordPass:

  • Navigate through websites or apps as you typically do.

  • Be attentive to sites or apps offering passwordless login options.

  • When presented with an option to use a passkey or integrate one into an account, choose it.

  • A NordPass prompt will emerge, guiding you to save the passkey.

  • Follow the provided steps to ensure it's securely stored.

Logging in with a stored passkey:

  • Access the website or app where you've saved the passkey.

  • Select the passwordless login feature.

  • NordPass will prompt you to use the stored passkey.

  • Adhere to the on-screen guidelines to authenticate and access your account seamlessly.

By joining the passkey revolution, you position yourself at the center of the seamless and secure online life. Try it today!

How to manage passkeys in NordPass

Navigating the online world can be a daunting experience. However, with the introduction of passkeys, the process has become not only more secure but also more user-friendly and instant. Let's delve into how you can manage passkeys using NordPass.

What can you do with a passkey in NordPass?

  • View passkey creation date. NordPass allows you to see when a particular passkey was created. This feature provides an added layer of transparency, ensuring you always know the age of your digital keys.

  • Share passkeys safely. With NordPass, sharing passkeys is quick and intuitive. Whether it's for business or personal use, you can securely share your passkeys with trusted individuals without compromising security.

  • Add secure notes. Alongside your passkeys, NordPass provides the option to add secure notes. This feature is especially useful for adding extra information or reminders related to a particular service or account.

Why choose NordPass for passkey management?

NordPass isn't just another password manager. It's a comprehensive digital life manager for those on the go. With the introduction of passkeys, NordPass further pushes the envelope of what a password manager can be.

All NordPass users can now store and manage passkeys, ensuring they can access apps and websites securely. NordPass also syncs your passkeys across all devices and operating systems. Unlike many other password managers, NordPass offers seamless sharing of passkeys, making it a top choice for those who prioritize both security and convenience.

Furthermore, NordPass is actively working towards a passwordless future. We support passkey storage but are also in the process of introducing passwordless access to the NordPass app. This means you will soon be able to access your Nord Account and NordPass with just a tap, thanks to biometrics.

In a rapidly evolving online world, it's crucial to stay ahead of the curve. With NordPass, you are not only equipped with the latest in security technology but are also prepared for the inevitable shift towards a passwordless future.

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