As digital security standards continue to advance, Amazon has embraced passkeys, offering an innovative solution for safer and more efficient account access. In this guide, we break down the steps for enabling passkeys on Amazon, outline their advantages, and share best practices for managing this new authentication tool. Whether you're a seasoned tech user or just exploring passwordless options, this guide will let you strengthen your Amazon account's security.
Understanding Passkeys: What They Are and Why Amazon Uses Them
Passkeys are a new authentication method designed to replace traditional passwords. Unlike passwords that can be easily forgotten, stolen, or guessed, passkeys use cryptographic technology to provide a more secure login process. When you create a passkey, your device generates a unique pair of cryptographic keys:
- A public key stored on Amazon's servers
- A private key securely stored on your device
Amazon has adopted passkeys to offer users enhanced security and a more streamlined login experience. Passkeys are resistant to phishing attacks and eliminate the need for users to remember complex passwords. By implementing this technology, Amazon is taking a significant step towards a more secure, passwordless future for online shopping.
Passkeys offer several advantages over traditional passwords for Amazon account security:
- Enhanced security: Passkeys are resistant to phishing and cannot be guessed or stolen like passwords.
- Convenience: No need to remember complex passwords or change them regularly.
- Faster login: Passkeys allow for quick authentication using biometrics or device PINs.
- Cross-device compatibility: Passkeys can be synced across multiple devices, offering seamless access.
- Reduced risk of data breaches: Since passkeys are device-specific, large-scale password leaks become less of a concern.
Prerequisites for Setting Up Passkeys on Amazon
Before you can set up passkeys on your Amazon account, ensure you meet the following requirements:
- Updated device operating system: For Apple devices, you need iOS 16 or macOS Ventura or later. Android users require at least Android 9.
- Compatible web browser: Ensure you're using the latest version of Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
- Amazon account in good standing: Your account should be active and not facing any security issues.
- Device authentication method: Your device must have a secure unlock method like a PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition.
- Updated Amazon app (for mobile setup): If using the mobile app, make sure it's the latest version from your device's app store.
Step-by-Step Guide to Enabling Passkeys on Your Amazon Account
We have already described the general algorithm for setting up passkeys across web services in our article about Passkeys. Since the configuration process for specific platoforms may differ, here are some simple steps you should follow to set up passkeys on your Amazon account:
Step 1. Sign in to your Amazon account using your current password. Navigate to the "Account" page and click on "Login & Security" in the menu.
Step 2. Scroll down to find the "Passkeys" section and click on "Set Up" next to the Passkey option. Then follow the on-screen instructions to create your passkey. This typically involves using your device's biometric authentication (like Face ID or fingerprint) or entering your device PIN.
Step 3. Confirm the setup by following any additional prompts. Once completed, you'll see a confirmation message indicating that your passkey has been successfully set up.
You can easily add passkeys from all the devices you regularly use to access your Amazon account. While the sign-in method might vary—for example, using a hardware security key, a fingerprint scan, a screen pattern on your smartphone, or a PIN code on your Windows PC — the process for setting up the passkey remains consistent across devices. This ensures a seamless and secure login experience, regardless of the type of device you use.
Using Passkeys to Sign In to Amazon
Now that you've set up your passkey, here's how to use it to sign in to your Amazon account:
Step 1. When signing in, enter the email address or phone number associated with your Amazon account.
Step 2: Instead of entering your password, look for the "Sign in with a passkey" option and click on it. Your device will prompt you to authenticate using your biometrics or PIN, depending on your device's settings.
Step 3. If you have two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled, you'll be prompted to enter the one-time password (OTP) as an additional security layer. Once authenticated, you'll be logged into your Amazon account.
Managing Your Amazon Passkeys: Tips and Best Practices
To ensure the security and effectiveness of your Amazon passkeys, it's important to follow best practices that will maximize their protection and usability. Passkeys offer a secure and passwordless way to access your account, but just like any technology, they require proper setup and management to function optimally.
✔ Set up passkeys on multiple trusted devices
This will ensure you can always access your account from all of your personal devices. If you lose a device with a passkey, remove it from your Amazon account settings and replace it with your new device.
✔ Enhanced Security with Two-Step Verification
If you've enabled two-step verification, using a passkey doesn't mean skipping additional security layers. After signing in with your passkey, you'll still need to verify a one-time code if two-step verification on your Amazon account is active.
✔ Sharing Passkeys with your closest ones
If you share your Amazon account with others, they can also set up their own passkeys for personal use. If they prefer not to create their own passkey, they can sign in using a passkey from another device. As long as your phone is nearby, it will connect via Bluetooth to their device, and you’ll receive a prompt to approve their sign-in directly from your phone.
✔ Privacy Matters: Keeping Biometric Data Safe
Some users might worry about privacy when it comes to biometrics, but rest assured: passkey technology never sends biometric data to Amazon’s servers. Everything stays securely on your device, and passkey protocols ensure no data is used across different sites, preventing any unwanted tracking.
Troubleshooting Common Passkey Issues on Amazon
If you encounter issues with your Amazon passkeys, try these troubleshooting steps:
1. "No passkeys available" error: Ensure you're using a compatible device and browser. Try logging out and back in, or clear your browser cache.
2. Passkey not working: Verify that your device's biometric authentication or PIN is working correctly. If issues persist, try removing and re-adding the passkey.
3. Can't find the passkey option: Make sure you're using the latest version of the Amazon app or a supported browser. The feature might be rolling out gradually, so check back later if it's not available.
4. Passkey not syncing across devices: Ensure all devices are signed in to the same iCloud or Google account and have keychain sync enabled.
5. Unable to create a passkey: Check your internet connection and ensure your Amazon account is in good standing. If problems persist, contact Amazon customer support.
The Future of Passkeys on Amazon and E-commerce Security
Amazon's adoption of passkeys signals a significant shift in e-commerce security. As more users embrace this technology, we can expect to see:
- Wider adoption across other e-commerce platforms, creating a more secure online shopping ecosystem.
- Integration with emerging technologies like blockchain for even more secure and decentralized authentication.
- Enhanced user experiences with faster, more seamless checkout processes.
- Reduced instances of account takeovers and fraud in online retail.
- Potential for passkeys to become a standard for identity verification across various online services.
Transitioning to passwordless authentication is also becoming a top priority for businesses aiming to improve security and streamline workforce access. By replacing traditional passwords with passkeys, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of phishing, brute force attacks, and identity theft. This enhanced security is paired with usability improvements, as employees no longer have to manage complex passwords or repeatedly reset them. Additionally, passkey-based authentication reduces the time spent on identification processes, enabling faster, more efficient workforce operations.
Hideez Identity Cloud offers a comprehensive solution for workforce identity management, allowing businesses to implement passkey logins across hundreds of web services. The platform is free for up to 50 users, making it an accessible option for companies ready to embrace a passwordless future. Ready to enhance your corporate security? Book a demo and register to get started today!