Google: PIN protection for password manager and passkey sync now official
Google officially introduces the cross-platform passkey sync function. In addition, the password manager now has PIN protection.
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Google's new passkey synchronization function was recently announced. Now the company is officially introducing the function. There is now also PIN protection for the Google Password Manager.
Passkeys could previously be stored in the Google Password Manager (GPM) on Android smartphones. They are protected there with a fingerprint, facial recognition or screen lock. It was then possible to log in to various services by unlocking them using the selected method. The passkeys could also be used on other devices by sharing them on the smartphone. Google has now officially introduced passkey synchronization.
Cross-device passkey use
Unlike recently, it is now possible to save passkeys from almost all operating systems in Google Password Manager, namely Android, ChromeOS (still beta), Linux, macOS and Windows. iOS support will follow at a later date, Google explains. If the passkeys have been saved, Google will synchronize them across devices: "Logging in will be as easy as scanning your fingerprint".
A new protection mechanism called Google Password Manager PIN ensures security and is a prerequisite for passkey sync. The mechanism ensures that the passkeys are end-to-end encrypted and cannot be accessed by anyone – not even by Google. If a new device is to be able to use the passkeys, either the Google Password Manager PIN or the code, fingerprint or successful facial recognition is required to unlock the screen of the Android device. These recovery factors allow secure access to stored passkeys and synchronization of new ones across computers and Android devices, Google is convinced.
Google is also introducing the passkey sync function again today as part of the revised security check. It is generally available from today.
Google had already provided information about the improved security check in a blog post at the beginning of the week –, but without reference to the new PIN protection for the password manager. Cross-platform passkey synchronization was leaked around two weeks ago, but without further details and with limited functionality. Google has now officially upgraded it.
(dmk)