Passkeys FAQs

Introduction

In this article, you will find answers to some frequently asked questions about passkeys, their usability, and integration into NordPass.
 

What is a passkey?

Passkeys are a type of authentication that allows users to securely log in to websites and applications without having to enter their passwords.

A passkey consists of two separate cryptography keys - public and private:

  • The public key is registered with the website or application. 
  • The private key is stored locally and never leaves your device.

When logging in, these keys are paired, and you are then granted access to the website.
 

  • Where can I find passkeys saved in NordPass?

    Passkeys in the NordPass applications are saved in a separate item type category:
    • For Desktop application users:


       
    • For Browser extension users:


       
  • Can I import passkeys to a password manager?
    There is no option to import or export passkeys to password managers.
     
  • How to sign up with a passkey?
    While creating an account for a website that supports passkeys, you will see an option to create a passkey or something similar to 'Log in with a security device'. Keep in mind that the sign-up flow might look different depending on the website.
     
  • Can I change my password to a passkey?
    If you already have an account with a password on a website that supports passkeys, you should see an option in your Account Settings or Security Settings to create a passkey or to add a security device.
     
  • How can I use passkeys?
    The most common use of passkeys is to authenticate yourself when logging in to your account, the same as you would with a password. Passkeys can also be used as two-factor authentication (2FA), depending on the website or application.
     
  • Can I view or share a passkey?
    Passkeys cannot be viewed; however, they can be shared like other items in your vault.
    You can learn more about the NordPass sharing feature here.
     
  • Is it possible to have multiple passkeys to the same account?
    Yes, you can have more than one passkey with the same account if the website allows it.

    If the same account has multiple passkeys, NordPass will show all of them, and you can choose which one to use.
     
  • Why can’t you change the username and website in the passkey item?
    Since a passkey for the account is linked only to the website or application where it was created, it can’t be edited.
     
  • Can I access NordPass passwordless?
    We are currently working on enabling a passwordless sign-in process for NordPass. It will be a faster and simpler process than the one now because it will require a single biometric confirmation. This means that you will be able to access your Nord Account and NordPass with a single tap of a finger. We’re also working on several passwordless authentication solutions for businesses, so stay tuned.
     
  • What to do if NordPass is blocking my security key (e.g. Yubikey)?
    Please close the NordPass passkey pop-up window to see a prompt to enter your security key's PIN.
     
  • Why am I required to enter my Master Password to create a passkey?
    Some websites require an additional verification step, which currently involves requesting your NordPass Master Password. 

    However, we provide biometric verification as an alternative to manually entering your Master Password if biometrics are enabled in the NordPass settings. 

Learn more about passkeys in our What is a Passkey blog post. 
 

Important: If you are using Google to sign in to your Nord Account or Nord Business Account: 


Please keep in mind that it is not recommended to store both the Google account password and passkey in NordPass if you use Google as an authentication service to sign into NordPass. In case you are using Google Single Sign-On (SSO), you will need to log in to your Google account first before unlocking NordPass. Due to this, you should not depend solely on NordPass for accessing your Google account.

However, there are two workarounds to use passkeys for the Google account used to log in to NordPass:

  • Google offers passkey authentication as an alternative to passwords, which means that you can use both a passkey and a password to log in to your Google account. A password can be used when signing in to NordPass, while a passkey stored in NordPass can be used to log in to your Google account in other cases.
     
  • You can create multiple passkeys for your Google account and use one that is not provided by NordPass to log in to your NordPass account. Another passkey, provided by NordPass, can be used to log in to your Google account whenever it's needed.

Was this article helpful?