Use your phone's built-in security key

Important: Google passkey support has replaced built-in security keys. Passkeys provide the same level of security as built-in security keys. Built-in Android security keys were automatically upgraded to passkeys. Learn more about passkeys.

In April 2024, or soon after, built-in iPhone security keys that use the Google Smart Lock app will be removed from Google Accounts. When this happens, you will not be able to use your built-in iPhone security key to sign in. To make sure you can continue to sign in, take at least one of the following actions:

Tips:

  • If you previously helped enable an iPhone's built-in security key for your child's Google Account, you can help them set up a passkey in their Google Account settings on their iPhone.
  • If you’re a Google Workspace administrator, you can refer to instructions sent to your email on June 5, 2023. Learn how to enable passkeys for Workspace accounts.
  • If you’re enrolled in the Advanced Protection Program, you must create a passkey on your iPhone or add a hardware security key to your account. If you choose not to take either of these steps, you can unenroll from Advanced Protection.

You can set up your phone’s built-in security key to safely sign in on devices running current versions of Chrome OS, iOS, macOS, and Windows. This helps protect your account from hackers, even if they’ve stolen info like your password.

When there's an attempt to sign in to your account, Google can check whether there's a Bluetooth signal between that device and your phone’s built-in security key. This Bluetooth check assures Google that you and your phone are physically present and that the sign-in attempt isn’t coming from someone else in a different location.

Set up your phone’s built-in security key

To set up your built-in security key, you need an Android phone running Android 7.0+. Learn how to check and update your Android version.

If your phone is eligible, Google will automatically use your phone’s built-in security key for additional protection when you sign in to new devices.

Important: You can only have one built-in security key on your account. If you have more than one eligible phone, you’ll need to choose one. You can switch to a different eligible phone at any time.
  1. Turn on 2-Step Verification and choose a second verification step.
    • If you already use 2-Step Verification, go to the next step.
  2. On your Android phone, go to myaccount.google.com/security.
  3. Under "How you sign in to Google," select Passkeys and security keys. You might need to sign in.
  4. At the bottom left, tap Add security key.
  5. Select your Android phone and then Add. You should find a confirmation that your phone was added as a security key.

Use your phone's built-in key to sign in to new devices

  1. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on for both devices.
  2. Sign in on the new device:
  3. Check your Android phone for a notification.
  4. Double-tap the "Are you trying to sign in?" notification.
  5. Follow the instructions to confirm it’s you signing in.

Send feedback about your phone's built-in security key

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Fix problems

If you’re having trouble using your phone's built-in security key, try the tips below.
Bring your devices closer together
For your Android phone's built-in security key to work, it needs to be close to the device you’re trying to sign in on. Try putting your Android phone and the device you're trying to sign in on side by side.
Turn on Bluetooth on both devices
To avoid repeated errors when setting up your Android phone's built-in security key, make sure Bluetooth is turned on in the settings for:
Turn on Location Services on your Android phone
For Bluetooth to work properly, turn on location settings for your Android phone. After you sign in, you can turn off location settings.
Check the device requirements
To sign in on a computer using your Android phone's built-in security key, you need: To sign in on an iPhone or iPad using your Android phone's built-in security key, you need:
You receive a prompt but weren’t trying to sign in
An unauthorized user may have tried to access your account. You may want to change your password.
Why does my Windows 10 device say Bluetooth is not turned on?

When you try to sign in with your phone’s built-in security key, you may receive the message “Turn on Bluetooth to allow pairing." The notification may display even if you turned on Bluetooth on both your phone and Windows 10 device.

To allow your phone's built-in security key to connect to your Windows 10 device:

  1. Open Windows 10: Settings and then Privacy and then Radios. 
  2. Under "Allow apps to control device radios", turn on.
Sign in without a security key
Important: This is not applicable if you are enrolled in Advanced Protection.
  1. Sign in to your Google Account with your username and password.
  2. Select Cancel and then Try another way.
  3. Choose the verification method you’ll use to sign in.
  4. To finish signing in, follow the instructions on your screen.

Get even stronger protection

For anyone at higher risk of targeted attacks, such as IT admins, business leaders, journalists, or political campaign teams, we recommend you enroll in Advanced Protection. This program provides the highest level of protection for your Google Account at no charge.

Need more help?

Try these next steps:

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