Passkeys explained: are they better than passwords?
2 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
Passkeys let you sign in with your device’s unlock method, such as a fingerprint, face scan or PIN, instead of typing a password. They resist phishing and cannot be leaked from a company’s database in a useful form, so they are generally safer than passwords where supported.
How a passkey works
When you create a passkey, your device generates a pair of cryptographic keys. The service stores the public key, and your device keeps the private key. Signing in proves you hold the private key without ever sending it anywhere.
Why they are safer
- ✓Nothing secret is stored on the website, so a breach cannot expose usable passwords.
- ✓They are tied to the real site, which makes fake login pages ineffective.
- ✓There is nothing to remember, reuse or type.
Is your login already in a leak?
Strong habits help most when you know which accounts are already exposed. Check your email address for free.
What to watch for
Passkeys are synced through your device ecosystem or password manager, so protect that account well. Keep recovery options in place and know how to sign in on a new device. Not every service supports them yet, so passwords and 2FA still matter.
How to start
Look for ‘Create a passkey’ or ‘Sign in with a passkey’ in the security settings of services such as your email provider. Keep your password and 2FA as backups until you are comfortable.
Frequently asked questions
Do passkeys replace 2FA?+
They combine possession of your device with a biometric or PIN, so many services treat them as strong multi-factor authentication on their own.
What if I lose my phone?+
Passkeys can be recovered through your cloud or password-manager account. Set up recovery before you need it.
Are passkeys the same as biometrics?+
No. Biometrics unlock the passkey on your device. The biometric data stays on the device.
Stop guessing. Check your email in seconds.
The free Leakill check looks for your email address in known breach records and tells you whether it was exposed. If it was, an optional detailed report lists the incidents, dates, sources, the kinds of data involved and practical next steps. It is a one-off report, not a subscription.
A breach match is a warning signal, not proof that someone has access to your account today. No public database covers every breach, so a clean result lowers risk without guaranteeing safety.