what you need to know
- Google Password Manager on Pixel phones is stepping up its efforts to let users upgrade their online accounts to keys.
- In a recent update, Google improved the Pixel password manager so that it can identify accounts that are compatible with the key and prompt users to upgrade their security.
- Google provides you with a guide to upgrading your account to a key, so you can now log in with your face, fingerprint, or a reliable PIN/pattern/password.
Google Password Manager on Pixel now lets you upgrade your online accounts to keys, and the search giant is working with various brands that support key upgrades.
In a recent December feature rollout, Google updated the password manager on Pixel phones to identify accounts that can use the key and recommend quick security upgrades. This feature will be coming to other devices soon.
To expand key support to everyone, Google has partnered with several companies that not only support keys but also make it easy for users to set them up by landing on the right page, according to a blog post.
Companies participating in this key expansion include Adobe, Best Buy, DocuSign, eBay, Kayak, Money Forward, Nintendo, PayPal, Uber and Yahoo! Japan. TikTok is also preparing to join the ranks soon.
If you navigate to Google Password Manager on your Pixel, you’ll see a card that says “Simplify Sign In” between the password checkup tool and the list of credentials.
Google provides guidance on how to upgrade certain accounts to keys, eliminating the hassle of creating or remembering complex passwords. From now on, you can log in simply using your device’s existing security method (face, fingerprint, or PIN/pattern/password).
Google has rolled out the key upgrade experience to all Pixel smartphones, starting with Pixel 5a and newer and Pixel tablets. Google’s Pixel Launcher also now has a password manager shortcut, making it easy for those who don’t want to navigate the Settings menu or add another icon to their home screen.
The purpose of Master Key is to eliminate old usernames and passwords that have been plaguing the internet. The key relies on the method you use to unlock your phone or password manager for authentication.
Google’s latest move is a strong signal that it is serious about increasing key adoption.