Passkey vs. Password: Why You Should Know the Difference
By Nate Munic | The Friendly IT Guy
Published in Northampton Living | October 2025
There’s a chill in the air, the leaves are changing color, and summer is officially over. The kids are back in school, and our homes have quieted down from the usual raucous barbecues and family gatherings. October epitomizes a season of change. It may be a good opportunity to reflect on other changes in your life, including to your technology. The big tech companies love to keep us on our toes with updates to menus, user interfaces, and new technologies that often feel like added complications.
I am often asked about password management. More and more people are now being asked if they want to set up a passkey, which, despite the similar name, is very different from a password. Without some prerequisite knowledge of other security features on your computer, it can be difficult to know what a passkey is, whether it’s secure, and whether you should set one up.
What is a passkey, and how is it different from a password?
A passkey is stored on your device and tied to your device’s primary user account, such as your Apple ID, Google account, Samsung account, or Microsoft account. When you log in to websites like Amazon, Facebook, or Google, you’ll get a simple prompt asking for the same PIN, Face ID, or Touch ID that you use to unlock your device. This works on all current devices, including Windows 10 and 11, macOS Ventura 13 or later, iOS 16 or later, and Android 14 or later, though some earlier models may support it using Chrome as your web browser. Some less common or low-cost models of Android phones may not support passkeys, regardless of operating system updates.
Once a passkey is set up for a site, logging in becomes a breeze. Instead of trying to remember a password, pulling up your password manager, or finding where you wrote something down, you’ll simply enter a familiar code, scan your face, or use your fingerprint – and you’re in. Fast. Secure. Convenient. It’s a technology that’s been long overdue.
Can I still use passkeys if I don’t use a password manager?
Yes. Because passkeys use the technology that’s already on your device, even if you aren’t consciously using it, you will still be able to take advantage of the convenience of a passkey without learning a new technology or software. You will be prompted during setup and when trying to use it to log in to your online account.
What should I know about passkeys if I’m considering a password manager?
Not all digital password managers support passkeys. This can sometimes lead to passwords and passkeys being managed differently. While not inherently bad, some people may prefer to use a password manager that supports passkeys. We recommend 1Password, which has native support for passkeys and is also a top-rated password manager for security, ease of use, consistency, and functionality. We specifically sought a partnership with them because of this and are proud to offer 1Password as a managed service to our clients.
Should I switch if my password manager doesn’t support passkeys?
Nate Munic
Residential and Business Tech
The Friendly IT Guy
413 200 8114
nate@thefriendlyitguy.com
thefriendlyitguy.com
Not necessarily. If your device is capable of supporting passkeys, then you don’t need to make a change, especially if the idea of using a different program feels daunting. However, it may be worthwhile for the sake of convenience and having everything in one place. Ultimately, this is a personal choice.
So the next time you’re asked, “Do you want to set up a passkey?” for an online account, you can confidently say, “Yes, I do!” and enjoy more secure, more convenient access.
If you have questions or would like help making your accounts more secure and convenient, reach out to us at 413-354-3966 or info@FriendlyIT.tech.
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