Understanding passkeys

Last updated: October 21, 2025

What are Passkeys?

Passkeys are secure, passwordless credentials used by Dakota to protect customer accounts and streamline user authentication. They often rely on biometric data (like fingerprints or face scans) or device PINs, offering a highly secure and convenient way to authenticate without remembering complex passwords.

Passkey Benefits:

  • Enhanced Security: Passkeys use public-key cryptography, reducing the risk of phishing and password-based attacks.

  • User Convenience: As passkeys are often linked to a device or biometric identifier, users experience faster, hassle-free logins.

How Passkeys Work

Passkeys can be accessed and provided through various methods:

  • Device OS: Built-in OS authentication, such as Windows Hello or MacOS’s native manager.

  • Browser or Extensions: Browsers like Chrome or tools like 1Password offer passkey integration.

  • External Hardware: Devices such as Yubikeys can also serve as passkey providers, enabling multifactor authentication.

Authentication inputs may include:

  • Biometric Scans: Fingerprints, facial recognition, and more.

  • Device-Based Security: PINs or passwords directly tied to the device.

  • External Device Scanning: Scanning QR codes with iOS or Android devices, allowing authentication across multiple devices.

Best Practices for Using Passkeys

  1. Keep Software Updated: The latest OS and browser versions typically ensure better compatibility.

  2. Preferred Tools:

    • Chrome: Well-supported for passkey integration.

    • MacOS Native Passkey Manager: Known for seamless performance with passkeys.

    • Windows Hello: Recommended on Windows over third-party managers for compatibility.

  3. Mobile Device Authentication: For flexible access, scanning a QR code and using iOS or Android’s passkey manager is effective, though it may be less efficient for sessions needing multiple approvals.

Troubleshooting Passkey Issues

If you're experiencing problems when trying to sign up for a Dakota account using passkeys, follow these steps:

1. Check Browser and OS Compatibility

Passkeys are not supported on all devices and browsers. If you see an error message about compatibility:

  1. Ensure your browser and operating system support passkeys. If you see a message indicating lack of support, refer to our Device/OS Support Guide for a list of compatible systems.

  2. If your current setup is not supported, try using a different browser or device that is listed as compatible.

2. Be Aware of Known Issues

Some passkey manager and browser compatibility issues include:

  • Brave Browser: Limited support for some passkey integrations

  • Dashlane: Known conflicts with Windows Hello and some browser configurations

3. Resolve Conflicts

If you're using multiple passkey managers or extensions, conflicts may occur. For example, Windows Hello's native passkey manager might override a Chrome extension for 1Password. Try disabling conflicting extensions or using the recommended tools mentioned in the best practices section.

If you continue to experience issues after following these steps, please contact support@dakota.xyz for further assistance.

  1. Note the specific error message you're receiving.

  2. Record the browser and operating system you're using.

  3. Contact our support team with this information for further assistance. If you do not already have a dedicated support channel set up via Slack or Telegram you may email support@dakota.xyz