When you sign up for our early access program, you can create a passwordless Dashlane account protected by a security key instead of a Master Password. Accounts protected with a security key are highly resistant to phishing attacks.
Currently, you can only use passwordless login with security keys in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge on a computer. You can use any security key that meets the FIDO2 standards.
Find FIDO2-certified products in the FIDO Alliance database
Important: Accounts created as part of the early access program are for testing purposes only. We recommend using your primary Dashlane account to store and manage your data.
Set up an account protected by a FIDO2 security key
After you set up passwordless login with security keys, we’d love to get feedback on your experience.
Sign up to give feedback
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Install the Dashlane Smart Extension in your Chrome or Edge computer browser if you haven't already.
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Right-click the Dashlane D extension icon and select Options or Extension Options, depending on your browser. If you don't see the extension icon, select the extensions menu, shown as a puzzle piece.
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On the extension options page, select Early access: Passwordless login with security keys (FIDO2). If you don't see this option, make sure your extension is up to date.
Update the Dashlane Smart Extension
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Make sure you're logged out of any existing Dashlane accounts.
- Make sure you've inserted your security key into your device.
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Select the Dashlane D extension icon in your browser toolbar to open the extension pop-up. Then select Create an account.
If you were previously logged in to an existing Dashlane account, you'll need to select your login email to see the Create an account option.
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An account creation screen will open in your browser. To start creating your test account, enter an email address that's never been associated with another Dashlane account. Then select Next.
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On the next screen, select Use a security key. This option creates a passwordless account protected by a security key.
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You'll see a pop-up from your device asking you to enter your security key PIN to verify your identity. Depending on your key, you might be asked to use biometrics instead. For new security keys, you'll be asked to set up a PIN. After entering or setting up your PIN, you'll be asked to touch the key.
Follow the instructions in the pop-up.
Example of a security key pop-up on a Mac computer:
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Select Create account with security key.
- You'll see the same pop-up from your device a second time, asking you to enter your security key PIN and touch the key or use biometrics. After following the instructions in the pop-up to confirm your account setup, you'll be taken directly to the Dashlane app.
Log in to Dashlane with your security key
- Select the Dashlane D extension icon in your browser toolbar to open the extension pop-up.
- Enter or select the email address for your test account.
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A login page opens in your browser. Insert your security key and select Continue.
- Follow the instructions from your device to log in with your security key. You'll be asked to enter your security key PIN or to use biometrics to verify your identity. You'll also be asked to touch the key.
Common questions about passwordless login with security keys
What makes passwordless login with security keys so secure?
While all passwordless login methods are more secure than passwords, security keys offer the highest level of protection for these reasons:
- They're separate from your device: Other login methods involve storing secrets in the cloud or locally on your phone or computer. When you use a security key, your credentials are stored on the key and can't be accessed if your device or cloud account is compromised.
- They can't be accessed remotely: You have to physically touch the key to log in, which makes remote attacks—like phishing or malware—much harder to pull off.
- They’re protected by a PIN or biometrics: Even if someone gets physical access to your security key, they need your PIN or fingerprint to use it.
- They’re phishing-resistant: Security keys that are based on FIDO standards verify the actual website you’re logging in to. If a hacker tries to trick you with a fake login page, the key simply won’t work.
Can I use a security key as a second step in 2-factor authentication (2FA) in Dashlane?
We don't use security keys as a form of secondary authentication in 2FA like other password managers. Dashlane is the first major password manager to offer FIDO2 security keys as the primary way to access your vault, delivering phishing-proof security in a single step. Security keys provide the protection of two factors in one:
- Something you have—the physical security key
- Something you know—the PIN used to unlock the key
This combination delivers strong, phishing-resistant authentication in a single step. Instead of adding a second factor to a password, your security key replaces the password entirely while still ensuring multiple layers of protection.
If you're using a security key to log in to Dashlane, you’re already benefiting from 2-factor protection, just in a simpler, more secure way.
I'm having trouble setting up or using passwordless login with security keys. What do I do?
Passwordless login with security keys is currently in the early access phase, and we're still working to improve the feature. If you have any problems, we'd love to hear from you. Tell us about the problem and include details like the computer and browser you were using, the brand of your security key, and the error message you received.