PlayStation Passkeys: A Faster, More Secure Way to Sign In

PlayStation passkeys let players sign in to their account for PlayStation Network without entering a password. Instead, they use the same method used to unlock a mobile device or computer, such as a fingerprint, face scan, or PIN. Built on FIDO standards, passkeys are resistant to phishing and provide a faster, more secure way to access PlayStation experiences.

A player’s account connects them to games, media, friends, competitive play, personalized experiences and earned trophies. Protecting that identity while making it easy to access is an important part of creating a safe and seamless PlayStation experience.

In recognizing how valuable that identity is for each individual, we‘ve consistently improved the ways that players can enrich that identity to ensure that PlayStation continues to be the ‘Best Place to Play.’

At the same time, we have also continuously introduced enhanced ways to protect and safeguard those player identities, including customer-facing security features like 2-step verification, as well as layers of protective systems and services that silently work behind the scenes.

Why Did PlayStation Introduce Passkeys?

With each new feature introduction, we are increasingly mindful of the balance we must consider between ease of use, quickly accessing games and entertainment experiences, and minimizing potential friction that can result from additional security measures.

Historically, a challenge for Sony Interactive and the tech & gaming industry as a whole, is that the use of passwords have been a limitation both in how well an identity can be protected and how quickly and easily someone can access experiences if a password is forgotten, compromised, or simply just difficult to enter on a given device.

Security features should protect players without making it harder to access the games and entertainment experiences they enjoy. At Sony Interactive Entertainment, we consider both security and convenience when developing new ways for players to sign in.

Traditional passwords can be forgotten, compromised or difficult to enter on certain devices, limiting both account security and ease of access.

To address these challenges, Sony Interactive Entertainment introduced passkeys globally in February 2024 as an alternative to passwords. Passkeys give our community a more convenient and secure way to sign in and access PlayStation experiences.

What is a PlayStation Passkey?

Passkeys are digital credentials that are automatically generated using cryptography. This modern alternative to passwords gives users the ability to log in to platforms and devices with a unique passkey for each online service. It allows you to access your account without a password. Instead, you sign in through your mobile device or computer using the same convenient device screen unlocking method, like a fingerprint, face scan, or PIN. 

Strong and phishing-resistant, passkeys adhere to Fast Identity Online (FIDO) standards which were established by the FIDO Alliance, an alliance of which Sony Group is proudly a part of. The FIDO Alliance is a global authentication standards organization that strives to reduce the world’s reliance on passwords by promoting the development, use of, and compliance with cutting-edge standards for authentication across an inclusive library of devices and platforms.

This standard is supported by major platforms and devices from leading tech companies. As part of the FIDO Alliance, we’ve worked with members of these major companies and institutions to design a truly improved sign-in experience.

You can get started using passkeys now by setting it up on your account. As an additional benefit, if you use other Sony services with the same account, passkeys will work with those services as well.

You can find more information at http://playstation.com/passkey. 

How Do Passkeys Support Safer Play?

Technology continues to evolve, and the ways we protect players must evolve with it. Passkeys are one example of how Sony Interactive Entertainment is strengthening account security while making it easier to access PlayStation experiences.

Our broader approach to online safety supports safe, secure and welcoming experiences for our diverse player community. By reducing reliance on passwords, passkeys help safeguard player accounts while keeping sign-in seamless—so players can spend less time worrying and more time gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions