Surely on more than one occasion they have thought that it would be a good option to start using the email service gmail from Google without using the password, as long as the device used is trusted. Well, this option is no longer something you should imagine, since its use has been activated and, therefore, if you wish, you can use it.
The truth is that this new functionality, already real to date, was one of the experimental ones offered by Google for its mail client, and it is now when it has been activated so that the user believes it appropriate, with an Android terminal in between, you can access your Gmail account without having to enter the password you have in it. The fact is that just by validating the request that arrives on the phone or tablet, it is possible to check the mail that is kept on, for example, a computer.
If you want to know what you have to do to be able to activate and use the new option offered by the Mountain View company, then we leave you the steps to take so that you can come to fruition without losing an iota of security when accessing your Gmail email account.
What are access keys and why use them
Access keys (passkeys) They are a simple and secure alternative to passwords. They allow you to log in with fingerprint, facial recognition or PIN of the device, and prove that you have the device with you. Unlike passwords, They cannot be annotated or filteredbecause they only exist on your devices and the biometric data remains on the phone itself.
If you already use two-step verification, when starting with a access key se skip the second step because the system validates ownership of the device. Additionally, add a passkey. It does not eliminate other methods. authentication or recovery of your account.
What you have to do
The first thing, as is evident, is to activate the service we are talking about. And, the truth is that this is not complex at all since with accessing this link and confirm the request that is called Use your phone to log inEverything will be done. Therefore, there are no complications here. (today it supports two-step verification and access keys).
Now a screen appears where you can choose the phone With which access to the account is given, if you have more than one registered in Google and, additionally, it is necessary to establish a security method for the lock screen. It can be from a Pattern to the use of the footprint. Once this is done, you must click on Next.
This is followed by a test screen for the current Gmail email address. By clicking on test the corresponding message is received like the one seen in the image that we leave after this paragraph and, then, authorization may or may not be given. In this way, the control for unwanted access attempts are perfectly controlled. So using is highly recommended.
Requirements and compatibility
- Android 9 or later on the phone to create and use access keys.
- Supported Browser: Chrome 109 +, Edge 109+, Firefox 122 + or equivalent.
- Screen lock activated (fingerprint, PIN or pattern) on the device.
- Bluetooth Enabled if you are going to log in to another computer using your phone as a key.
- If you use a FIDO2 keyring The hardware must be compatible with passkeys.
Setting up an access key on Android
- Opens myaccount.google.com/signinoptions/passkeys.
- Toca Create access key and unlocks the device when requested.
- Repeat the process on other personal devices if you want multiple access keys.
- For an external security key, choose Use another device and follow the instructions (enter PIN or touch your sensor).
Once you've created your first passkey, when you log in to a compatible device, you'll be prompted to... will invite to create it Automatically on that device. Avoid doing it on shared devices.
Use your phone to log in to other devices
- On your computer, enter your Google user on the login page.
- Choose Use your access key or choose try another way and then the passkey option.
- Scan the unit’s QR code with the phone and authorizes with fingerprint, face or PIN.
The next time you use the same combination of computer and phone, you will receive a automatic notification to confirm access. If you don't want to create a passkey on the computer (shared device), omits the invitation.
View, manage and remove access keys
- Visit the passkeys section in your account.
- You will see the registered access keys and you will be able to remove them if you lose a device.
En Security You can disable the preference "Skip passwords whenever possible" If you prefer to enter your password first. Also check your devices with access and delete the ones you no longer use.
Troubleshooting and security
- Lost or stolen device: Log into your account from another device and remove the associated passkey.
- The passkey is not appearing: Verify that the screen lock is active and that the option Bypass password is enabled.
- After logging out on Android: You can use the passkey to log back in for a limited time; after that, another method will be requested and Android will generate a new passkey.
Remember that with passkeys, Your biometric data is not shared with Google. The system only verifies locally that you can unlock the device.
Google Workspace accounts
If your account belongs to a business or educational institution, the administrator may only allow the use of passkeys as... second factor or for sensitive actions. Check the setting. "Skip passwords whenever possible" Check your account to learn about the applicable policies.
Finish and activation
The only thing left is to press the button Activate that appears on the next screen of the wizard and, then, the passwordless access service to the Gmail account with control from the mobile terminal will be functional. That is how simple everything is. By the way, by accessing the same link provided before, it is possible to disable the functionality without problems.
Others Tutorials for the Google operating system you can find out at this section Android Help, where you will find the most interesting and widely compatible possibilities.
With all of the above, you can activate and use passwordless access in Gmail from Android. faster, Safer and with full control of your devices, combining mobile alerts with access keys for a modern, phishing-resistant login experience.