How Do Passkeys Work? A Beginner's Guide

Are you ready? Tech giants like Apple, Google, and Microsoft are on a mission to make passkeys the new standard for frictionless authentication. 

To lead the way, Microsoft made passkeys the default for ALL new accounts starting May 2025.  

But here’s the reality: Most people are still signing in with passwords, and switching isn’t as seamless as it sounds. Even with Microsoft’s new system, you’ll still need the Microsoft authenticator app to complete the transition away from passwords. 

So, while passkeys are being hailed as the gold standard in digital security, you may be wondering: Are passkeys really safer than passwords?  

Today, we answer that question and if you’re curious about trying passkeys, we show you exactly how to do it without risking your sanity or security. 

What is a passkey? 

Think about the last time you attended a conference, concert, or music festival. Did you purchase an all-access pass? If so, you likely enjoyed unlimited access to all areas with a quick scan of your badge or wristband.      

Take, for example, an all-access pass to a concert. It typically includes perks like early entry, premium seating, exclusive memorabilia, access to private lounges, and meet-and-greet opportunities with the performers.  

In contrast, passkeys grant secure access to digital accounts.  

So, both all-access passes and passkeys serve as “keys” for entry - but with an important difference: all-access passes grant physical entry, while passkeys enable digital access. 

How are passkeys different from passwords? 

Did you know that passkeys are the digital heir to skeleton keys? Also known as master keys, they were once used to open multiple locks with a single key. This made it easier for people to access many areas without juggling several keys. 

Today, passkeys are an authentication credential based on FIDO standards. 

So, instead of relying on something you know (password), passkeys use something you have (your device) and something you are (biometrics like your fingerprint or face) to grant access to your accounts. 

Ultimately, passkeys provide phishing resistant authentication and follow Secure by Design CISA principles. 

Are passkeys safer than passwords? 

The latest statistics paint a clear picture: Consumer sentiment is shifting regarding passwords. 

• 74% of consumers have heard of passkeys and are aware of their benefits.  

• Among those familiar with passkeys, 54% find them more convenient, and 53% believe they offer greater security. 

But are passkeys safer than passwords?  If you’re skeptical – especially if you’ve spent years using passwords – you aren’t alone. Here's what you need to know in plain language: 

• Passkeys are impossible to guess or steal: Unlike passwords, passkeys use public key cryptography. When you choose passkeys as a login method, your device generates a pair of keys.  The private key is stored on your device, while the public key is sent to the website or platform you’re using – and stored on its server. When you log in, the website sends a challenge to your device. In response, you’re prompted to “unlock” your private key using your device’s unlock mechanism (usually biometrics). Once unlocked, your private key “answers” the challenge. This allows you to prove your identity without typing in any passwords. 

• Passkeys are phishing resistant: Passkeys are designed so that even if a scammer tricks you into visiting a phishing site, your passkey won’t work there. There aren’t any credentials to type or give away, so common phishing scams won’t work against passkeys. 

• No more forgotten passwords: Let's face it. The average person juggles more than 100 passwords, and it’s simply too overwhelming to remember all of them. Passkeys are stored securely on your device and use biometrics (your face or fingerprint) to unlock, so you don’t have to remember any passwords. More importantly, passkeys eliminate password reuse, the risky practice of using a handful of “core” or easy-to-remember passwords everywhere.  

Are passkeys phishing resistant? 

Phishing remains the #1 cause of cyber-attacks worldwide. 

According to the FIDO Alliance 2025 World Passkey Day report, passkeys provide a frictionless, phishing-resistant login experience, which is a key reason security experts recommend their adoption. 

So how do passkeys protect users from phishing scams? 

As mentioned, passkeys are “locked” or tied to the website or platform you registered with. Therefore, your passkey won’t “unlock” on a phishing site. And since your passkey never leaves your device, it can’t be copied and reused elsewhere. 

But that begs the question, “What if I lose my device?” 

Ultimately, your passkey is stored only on your device – this is called a “device-bound passkey.” To ensure continued access to your accounts, your best bet is to leverage Google, Apple iCloud, or a Secure by Design password manager with syncing capabilities.  

So, if you lose your phone but still have access to your laptop or tablet, you can use those to access your accounts. 

LastPass: Your secret weapon for accessing your passkeys anywhere, anytime, and on any device of your choosing 

If you’re ready to try passkeys, LastPass lets you store all your passkeys in one, secure encrypted vault. 

This means no more worrying about passwords, lost devices, or password resets. Whether you’re on your phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop, your passkeys are always just a click or two away. 

LastPass is private by design and built for your security and peace of mind.  

This means your information is protected by military-grade AES-256 encryption, so if the unexpected happens, your accounts stay safe from attackers.  

With LastPass, you don’t have to be a tech expert to stay safe online. We handle the security, while you enjoy the convenience you deserve. Try LastPass Premium for 30 days free and see the difference it makes (no credit card or commitment required).