# **Chrome for iOS Expands Syncing Beyond iCloud: A Significant Advancement for Passkeys**
Google has introduced a substantial update to Chrome for iOS, enabling it to sync passkeys beyond Apple’s iCloud. This adjustment removes a long-time constraint that previously confined users to particular ecosystems for managing their credentials. Now, Chrome on all platforms—including iOS—utilizes **Google Password Manager (GPM)** to allow smooth passkey synchronization across devices.
## **Challenges with Passkey Syncing**
Passkeys serve as a contemporary substitute for conventional passwords, providing improved security and convenience. However, a notable limitation has been their **storage tied to specific platforms**. In the past, when utilizing Chrome on an iPhone, passkeys were kept exclusively in the **iCloud Keychain**. Conversely, passkeys generated on Chrome for Windows, Android, or macOS were stored within the user’s **Google account**. This setup meant that a passkey created on an iPhone would not sync with Chrome on a Windows PC, and vice versa.
This absence of cross-platform compatibility caused frustration among users who frequently moved between devices. Additionally, it rendered passkeys less feasible for those dependent on multiple ecosystems.
## **Google Password Manager: An Integrated Solution**
With the most recent update, Chrome now employs **Google Password Manager (GPM)** across all platforms, guaranteeing seamless passkey synchronization. GPM is inherently integrated into Chrome and permits users to access their passkeys on any device where they are signed in to their Google account.
### **Main Advantages of the Update**
1. **Cross-Platform Synchronization** – Passkeys created in Chrome for iOS will now sync with Chrome on Windows, macOS, and Android.
2. **Integration with Standalone Apps** – GPM can automatically fill in passkeys in iOS applications like **Kayak, eBay, and LinkedIn**.
3. **End-to-End Encryption** – Passkeys stored in GPM are encrypted according to the **FIDO Alliance standards**, ensuring their security.
4. **User Flexibility** – iOS users can now select whether to sync passkeys through **Google Password Manager or iCloud**.
## **How to Activate Google Password Manager on iOS**
To begin utilizing GPM for passkeys on iOS, follow these steps:
1. Open **Settings** on your iPhone.
2. Go to **General > Autofill & Passwords**.
3. Enable **Chrome** as an autofill provider.
4. The next time you create or utilize a passkey, Chrome will ask whether to sync it with **Google Password Manager**.
For those who already possess a **Google Pixel**, they can use their device unlock code to access passkeys. Others will receive a prompt to establish a **Google Password Manager PIN**.
## **Managing Passkeys and Future Enhancements**
While this update greatly enhances passkey usability, some limitations still exist:
– **No Bulk Migration** – Users currently cannot transfer passkeys en masse between different password managers.
– **Limited Support for Third-Party Applications** – Although apps like **1Password and Dashlane** already provide similar syncing capabilities, wider adoption is still needed.
The **FIDO Alliance** has recognized these challenges and is actively seeking solutions to facilitate easier movement of passkeys among various platforms.
## **Concluding Remarks**
Google’s initiative to consolidate passkey syncing across platforms marks a **significant advancement** in streamlining passwordless authentication. This update eliminates a major obstacle for users who depend on multiple devices and ecosystems. Although challenges such as the lack of bulk passkey transfers persist, this development makes passkeys a more practical option compared to traditional passwords.
For those who often transition between iOS, Android, and Windows, **Google Password Manager now provides a cohesive and secure method to handle passkeys**. As the industry continues to evolve passkey technology, we can anticipate even greater adaptability and interoperability in the future.
