Overview

GitHub Passkeys provide a secure method for signing into GitHub.com without the need for a password. For those utilizing two-factor authentication (2FA), a passkey fulfills both the password and 2FA criteria, streamlining the sign-in process to just one step. 

In order to set up passkey, your GitHub 2FA must be configured first.


On This Page

Enabling the feature preview for Passkeys

Before you are able to use Passkey with GitHub you will need to enable the feature:

  1. In the upper-right corner of any page, click your profile photo, then click Feature preview
  2. To the right of "Passkeys", click Enable

Setup Passkey for YubiKey

GitHub Passkeys offer a seamless and secure sign-in experience on GitHub.com, eliminating the need for password input. 

How to Add a Passkey to Your GitHub Account:

  1. Access Settings:

    • Click your profile photo on the upper-right corner of any GitHub page and select Settings.

  2. Navigate to Authentication:

    • In the sidebar's Access section, choose Password and authentication.

  3. Initiate Passkey Setup:

    • Under "Passkeys", select Add a passkey. Authenticate if prompted using your password or another existing method.

    • Under “Configure passwordless authentication”, click Add passkey and follow your passkey provider's instructions.

  2. Confirmation:

    • After successfully registering your passkey, you'll see a confirmation page. Click Done.



Signing In Using a Passkey

  1. Visit the Login Page:
  2. Choose Passkey Sign-In:
    • Click Sign in with a passkey.

  3. Authenticate:
    • Follow the prompts from to enter your YubiKey PIN and press the medallion to use biometric access.

Troubleshooting

If you do not see the "Sign in with a passkey" option after successfully setting up your YubiKey, try using this sign-in link: https://github.com/login?passkey=true