Passkeys in Action: Using Google & Apple Passkeys Seamlessly Across Devices
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With security and convenience in mind, I recently tested the new passkey login flow on a Google Account — and what I found was promising for anyone who wants device-independent, passwordless sign-ins. Here’s a quick guide to what worked, how it looked, and why passkeys are the future of authentication.
✅ What I Set Up:
I created two passkeys for my Google account:
A Google Password Manager passkey, stored in Chrome (syncs via my Google account).
An iCloud Keychain passkey, stored via Safari/Apple’s system.
This way, I can log in using:
Touch ID on my Mac
My iPhone or iPad (via iCloud Keychain)
Any Android or Windows device that supports QR passkey login
📸 Here’s What It Looks Like:
1.Cross-device Login With QR Code
When I go to sign in, Chrome shows a passkey QR code I can scan with a phone or tablet that has the corresponding passkey.
Even if someone else sees this QR code (like on a livestream or screenshot), they can’t log in — because the private key tied to the passkey stays securely on my device. The public key simply verifies it.
2.Multiple Passkey Options on One Device
Because I created both a Google and an Apple passkey for the same account, Chrome on macOS gives me this flexible prompt:
I can choose the Google Password Manager passkey
Or use the iCloud Keychain version
Or switch to a QR login or security key from another device
3.Biometric Authentication
Once I select my passkey, Chrome asks for Touch ID to verify it’s me. No password typing — just a tap.
4.Fallback Options: Use Another Device
If I don’t have the passkey on this device, I can click “Use a phone, tablet or security key”, and scan the QR from a trusted device nearby.
🎯 Why This Is a Game Changer:
Cross-platform: Works across Apple, Android, Windows, and Chrome OS devices.
Secure: Passkeys use public/private key cryptography. Your private key never leaves your device.
Phishing-resistant: Only the real website can use the passkey.
Convenient: No typing. Just face/finger scan.
🧪 Final Thought:
By storing a Google passkey and an Apple passkey, and enabling QR code sign-ins, I’ve made my account accessible and secure from anywhere — without using a password. This setup is perfect for tech-savvy users or clients with multiple devices from different ecosystems (Windows PC, Samsung phone, iPad, etc.).
Want help setting up passkeys for your clients or your own devices? Let me know — I can walk you through the most streamlined cross-platform setup.