You can use passkeys as a simple and secure alternative to passwords. Unlike passwords, passkeys can’t be shared, copied, written down, or accidentally given to someone else. This makes them more secure against phishing.
On this page
Google Ads passkey requirements
Supported devices
- A computer that runs at least Windows 10, macOS Ventura, ChromeOS 109, or up
- A phone that runs Android 9, iOS 16, or up
- A hardware security key that supports the FIDO2 protocol. Most security keys on the market today are FIDO2 capable.
Supported browsers
- Chrome 109 or up
- Safari 16 or up
- Edge 109 or up
- Firefox 122 or up
How to use your passkey with Google Ads
Before you begin
- The phone you use to set up your passkey is required to have a screen lock such as Face ID, Touch ID, or a PIN. This is used as part of 2-Factor verification when you use your passkey.
- Turn on Bluetooth.
- Turn on iCloud Keychain for iPhone, iPad, and macOS devices. When you set up a passkey, you’ll be prompted to turn on iCloud Keychain if you don’t have it set up already. Learn how to Set up iCloud Keychain.
- If you use Windows, turn on Windows Hello.
- Make sure your operating system and browser are up to date.
- Note that some operating systems and browsers don’t allow you to create or use passkeys while using Incognito mode.
Set up a passkey for your Google Ads account
To set up a passkey, you may need to sign in to your Google Account or verify your identity. To protect your account, do not create a passkey on a shared device. You can create multiple passkeys for your account. We recommend creating one on each device you use.
- Go to the Passkeys and security keys page in your Google Account settings. If you’re signed in to multiple Google accounts, make sure you’re accessing the settings for the correct account.
- Select Create a passkey.
- Create a passkey by following the steps provided by your device. The specific options and text may be different based on your operating system and browser.
Sign in to Google Ads with a passkey
- In the Google Ads login page, select the username field. A list of user accounts with passkeys available on the device will be displayed after selecting the username field.
- Select a passkey you’d like to use from the list.
- If you’ve previously created a passkey on the device, follow the on-screen passkey instructions provided by your operating system and browser to unlock the device and verify your identity.
Fix an issue with a passkey
Troubleshoot using passkeys across devices
If you’re performing a sensitive action on your desktop but your passkey is stored on your phone, follow this "Use Another Device" workflow:
- Start the "Use another device" process by attempting a sensitive action on your desktop. A "Confirm it’s you" prompt will appear.
- Select Use another device or A different phone/tablet. A QR code will appear on your desktop.
- Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code. Your phone will prompt you for your biometric, such as your face or fingerprint.
- Complete the biometric check on your phone and your desktop browser will automatically refresh and authorize the action.
If your passkey is on a hardware security key, when the QR code is displayed by the browser you will also be able to insert your security key. Use it to complete the verification by following the prompts on the screen. The specific options and text may be different based on your operating system and browser.
Troubleshoot using passkeys on your local device
If you can’t create a passkey on your local device, try one of the following methods:
- You can "Use another device" to scan a QR code to save a passkey to your iPhone.
- You can save a passkey to a hardware security key, then use that security key to sign in to your Ads account on any other computer.
How to remove a passkey on a lost or stolen device
- On a device you’re able to access, sign in to your Google Account.
- Select Security & sign-in.
- Under "How you sign in to Google", select Passkeys and security keys.
- Select Remove
next to the passkey you want to delete.
How to fix a passkey that doesn’t show up at sign in
If you have a passkey on your account that doesn’t show up when you sign in:
- Check if the device with the passkey has screen lock turned on.
- Go to your Google Account Security & Sign in.
- Check if you turned on "Skip password when possible".
To sign in without a passkey, select Try another way. This lets you skip the passkey option and go back to your earlier sign in choices. If you choose Try another way often, Google reflects your preferences and offers the passkey option less frequently. You can change this by repeatedly signing in with passkeys.
