Passkeys
Should You Use a Passkey or a Password Manager?
Passkeys and password managers solve related but different problems. Passkeys can reduce phishing and password theft, while password managers still help store credentials, recovery details, and accounts that do not support passkeys.
Use both when possible
You should use passkeys where important accounts support them and still keep a password manager for accounts that require passwords, backup codes, recovery notes, and secure organization. Passkeys reduce reliance on passwords, but they do not instantly replace every login in your life.
A passkey can make phishing harder because it is designed to work with the legitimate site or app rather than being typed into a fake page. A password manager helps you avoid password reuse where passwords still exist.
For most consumers, the best setup is not passkey versus password manager. It is passkeys plus a password manager plus updated recovery settings.
What passkeys change
Passkeys are a newer sign-in method based on cryptographic credentials stored on a device or synced through an account provider. You typically approve sign-in with a device unlock, such as biometrics or a PIN.
Because there is no password to type, passkeys can reduce the risk of password phishing and reuse. NIST describes passkeys as a phishing-resistant authentication option in modern identity guidance.
However, passkeys still need recovery planning. If you lose access to devices or the account that syncs passkeys, you need a way back in.
- No password to reuse.
- Less useful to phishing pages.
- Device approval is required.
- Recovery planning still matters.
- Not every account supports passkeys.
What password managers still do
Password managers store passwords for accounts that do not support passkeys. They can also store backup codes, recovery notes, secure documents, and account inventories.
NIST recommends password managers because they help users create and store strong unique passwords. That remains valuable during the transition to passkeys.
Enable passkeys on high-value accounts first
Start with primary email, password manager, banking where supported, cloud storage, work accounts, and major platforms. Follow official provider instructions.
Do not delete other recovery methods until you understand how account recovery works.
Keep the password manager organized
Mark accounts where you enabled passkeys, store backup codes securely, and keep unique passwords for accounts that still require them.
Avoid keeping old reused passwords just because you added a passkey.
Review recovery before relying on passkeys
Make sure recovery email, recovery phone, trusted devices, backup codes, and account recovery contacts are current. Losing the only device with a passkey can create trouble if recovery is weak.
Different providers handle passkey recovery differently, so read official instructions for important accounts.
Check exposure where passwords remain
If an account still has a password, check whether the email or username appears in known exposure data and replace reused passwords. Do not enter current passwords into exposure tools.
A negative result only means no known match was found in searched sources.
Do not approve unfamiliar prompts
Whether using passkeys, MFA, or device approvals, never approve a sign-in prompt you did not start. If you receive unexpected prompts, secure the account and review sessions.
This habit matters even when the authentication method is stronger than a password.
Frequently asked questions
Do passkeys replace password managers?
Not completely. Password managers still help with accounts that use passwords, backup codes, and account organization.
Are passkeys safer than passwords?
They can be more resistant to phishing and reuse, but recovery and device security still matter.
Should I enable passkeys everywhere?
Enable them on important accounts that support them, but keep recovery methods current.
Sources
This guide is reviewed against official guidance. External pages may be updated by their respective owners.