Don't want to enable 2-step authentication on your Apple ID?
Good news: you can still use passkeys on your iPhone but not through Apple’s system.
Instead, you’ll need to use a Google Account and Google Password Manager through the Chrome app on iOS.
Here’s how it works.
Why Apple Normally Requires 2FA
Apple's iCloud Keychain is the default way iPhones store passkeys. But iCloud Keychain only works if 2FA is turned on for your Apple ID. No 2FA? No iCloud passkey support.
But Google offers an alternative.
What You Can Use Instead
If you don’t want to enable Apple’s 2FA, you can still create and store passkeys using:
Google Password Manager
Chrome browser on iOS
A Google Account with sync turned on
This setup does not require iCloud or Apple’s 2FA.
How to Set It Up
Follow these steps:
1. Download and open Google Chrome from the App Store
(You’ll need this even if you use Safari.)
2. Sign in to your Google Account
Make sure sync is enabled.
3. Turn on Google Password Manager
Go to:
Settings > Google > Password Manager
Or visit passwords.google.com to check your saved passkeys.
4. Enable “Save passkeys” in Chrome
Open Chrome
Go to Settings > Password Manager > Passkeys
Turn on “Offer to save passkeys”
Create Your walllet
When you open walllet and begin setup:
Select use another method.
Chrome will offer to save a passkey
Use your device’s biometric unlock (Face ID or Touch ID) to confirm
The passkey will be stored in Google Password Manager, not iCloud
You’ve now created a passkey without needing 2FA on your Apple ID.
Keep This in Mind
Your Google Account is now responsible for securing your passkey
Make sure it’s protected with a strong password and recovery methods
Sync should stay on for backup and device transfer
If you delete Chrome or sign out of Google, you may lose access to your passkey.
Final Word
If you don’t want to use Apple’s two-factor authentication, you still have a choice.
Use Chrome to create your passkey and secure your walllet no Apple 2FA required.
Just make sure your Google account is protected. Your passkey is like a digital vault key and only you can unlock it.
