Google simplifies the use of 2fa hardware keys for accounts on iOS

Securing Google accounts with a hardware key for two-factor authentication just got easier in iOS. Google is adding native support for hardware keys, eliminating the need for the Smart Lock app.

Google is extending support for the W3C WebAuthn implementation with Google Accounts on iOS 13.3 or later. This works for both personal and business accounts. Users can therefore secure their account with a hardware key without the need for the Smart Lock app. The use of that additional app is now required for users who want to deploy hardware two-factor authentication on iOS.

It is possible to use hardware keys based on nfc or usb. Google’s own Titan Security Keys are NFC-enabled, and users can unlock their Google accounts on iOS with them by holding the key to the back of an iPhone when prompted for a password. USB hardware keys like YubiKey’s work on iPhones with a Lightning to USB adapter. USB-C keys can be directly connected to new iPad Pro models.

Titan hardware keys from Google