How to Create a Passkey in Safari on macOS 13

Passkeys replace traditional passwords with a more secure, cryptographic sign-in method linked to your biometrics or device passcode. In macOS 13 Ventura, Safari allows you to create and save passkeys directly to your iCloud Keychain, ensuring seamless and encrypted synchronization across your Apple devices. This guide outlines the prerequisites and step-by-step instructions for generating and saving a passkey for supported websites.

Prerequisites

Before creating a passkey, ensure your Mac is properly configured:

  • iCloud Keychain: Go to System Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Passwords & Keychain, and ensure Sync this Mac is turned on.
  • Two-Factor Authentication: Your Apple ID must have two-factor authentication enabled.
  • Touch ID or Password: Set up Touch ID on your Mac or ensure your Mac user account has a login password configured.

Steps to Create a Passkey in Safari

  1. Open Safari: Launch Safari on your Mac running macOS 13.
  2. Visit a Supported Website: Navigate to a website or service that supports passkeys (such as Google, Apple, eBay, or PayPal).
  3. Go to Account Security:
    • If you already have an account, sign in normally and navigate to your account settings, typically found under Security, Login Options, or Passkeys.
    • If you are creating a new account, enter your username and proceed to the credential creation step.
  4. Prompt the Passkey Creation: Click the option to create, add, or set up a passkey (e.g., Create a passkey or Add Passkey).
  5. Confirm the Prompt: A native macOS prompt will appear from the top of the browser asking: "Do you want to save a passkey for [website]?" Click Continue.
  6. Authenticate: Place your finger on the Touch ID sensor when prompted, or enter your Mac user login password.

Once authenticated, your passkey is created and safely stored in your iCloud Keychain.

Managing Your Passkeys

To view or manage saved passkeys on macOS 13:

  1. Open System Settings on your Mac.
  2. Scroll down the sidebar and select Passwords.
  3. Authenticate using Touch ID or your Mac user password.
  4. Locate the specific website entry. Accounts using passkeys will display a note indicating that a passkey is saved for that credential.