The Answer to Why: Why Should I Start Using Passkeys?
- Aug 10
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 12
You may have started seeing a new word when signing into websites and apps: passkey.
Passkeys are designed to make signing in easier AND more secure.
Why Are We Talking About Passkeys Now?
Microsoft recently announced an important security change affecting Microsoft Entra ID accounts, which are commonly used by businesses, schools, and organizations.
Beginning September 1, 2026, Microsoft plans to make passkeys the default sign-in method for affected users. Microsoft also plans to retire its own text-message SMS and phone-call verification for these accounts beginning February 1, 2027.
Microsoft explains the change here:
To be clear, this does not mean every personal Microsoft account is suddenly losing text-message verification. This particular announcement applies to Microsoft Entra ID accounts.
But it is a good example of where technology is headed.
Companies are increasingly looking for safer ways for us to prove that we really are who we say we are — without relying so heavily on passwords and security codes sent through text messages.
So… What Is a Passkey?
Think of a passkey as a modern replacement for a password.
Instead of remembering something like:
CapeCodSummer2026!
…and then forgetting whether you changed it to:
CapeCodSummer2026!!
…a passkey allows your device to securely confirm that it’s you.
On an Apple device, that can mean using something you already use every day:
Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode.
No new complicated password to memorize.
No little piece of paper tucked under your keyboard.
And hopefully fewer visits to the dreaded “Forgot Password?” button.
Why Are Passkeys More Secure?
Traditional passwords can be guessed, reused, stolen in data breaches, or accidentally handed over to a scammer.
Texted verification codes are better than using a password alone, but they aren’t perfect either. Scammers have become very good at creating convincing messages and websites designed to trick people into sharing security codes.
Passkeys are designed to be resistant to phishing.
In simple terms, a passkey is connected to the legitimate website or app where it was created. That makes it much harder for someone to trick you into giving it to a fake website.
That’s an important reason companies like Microsoft, Apple, Google, and others are moving toward this technology.
Where Does Apple Passwords Come In?
If you have a iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you may already have Apple’s Passwords app.
Passwords can securely keep track of things like:
Your passwords
Passkeys
Verification codes
Wi-Fi passwords
Security alerts about compromised passwords
When a website or app supports passkeys, you may see an option such as Create a Passkey, Save a Passkey, or Sign in with a Passkey.
Your Apple device can then securely save that passkey so you can use Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode the next time you need to sign in.
Apple explains how to use passkeys here:
https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/use-passkeys-to-sign-in-to-websites-and-apps-iphf538ea8d0/ios
Do I Need to Start Changing All My Passwords?
No.
Passkeys are still being adopted, and not every website or app supports them.
You also don’t need to go into Apple Passwords and start trying to create passkeys for every account. The website or app has to support passkeys first.
When an account you use offers the option, that’s when you can consider making the switch.
This is less about rushing to change everything today and more about understanding what’s coming.
One Important Warning
As passkeys become more common, scammers will undoubtedly try to take advantage of the confusion.
If you receive an unexpected email or text saying something like:
“URGENT! Your password expires today! Click here to create your new passkey!”
Don’t panic, and don’t automatically click the link.
Instead, open the company’s app or go directly to its official website.
When you’re unsure, ask us for help.
The Answer to Why
Why should you start using passkeys?
Because they’re designed to give you something we’ve wanted from passwords for a very long time:
Better security with less to remember.
The change won’t happen everywhere overnight. But Microsoft’s move is another indication that passwords and texted security codes won’t always be the primary way we protect our accounts.
Learning how passkeys and Apple Passwords work now can make those changes much less intimidating when they arrive.
Need Help With Passwords or Passkeys?
Mobile Mac Doctors can help you organize Apple Passwords, understand your existing passwords, set up passkeys on supported accounts, and learn how to use Face ID, Touch ID, and other Apple security features with confidence.
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