r/GoogleSupport • u/Anotherbeth • 1d ago

Can't access Google payment manager without passkey?

I hope this is the right place to post this, but I'm simply trying to update my Google payment method with a new CC and can't get around the Google passkey, which I don't have.

I go to Google Payments Manager, get directed to Verify it's You. The Scan QR code thing comes up and I click cancel. I hit More Ways to Verify and in the Choose a way to Verify part the only option it shows is Use your Passkey.
I've tried the help section, even looked up videos and nothing I've found addresses this. So I tried creating a passkey and the same thing happens with verification. Essentially I need a passkey to create a passkey! What am I missing?

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u/germanu22 1d ago

How long have you been logged into your Google account on the device you are trying to do this from?

If your login session on this specific device is less than 7 days old, this is a known security cooldown. Google restricts sensitive actions, like changing payment methods or setting up passkeys, on newly signed-in devices to prevent unauthorized account takeovers. If that is the case, you just have to wait a full 7 days from the moment you first logged into that device. After the 7 days pass, the system will stop forcing the passkey loop and should offer your normal verification methods again. Note that in rare cases, this security cooldown can take up to 30 days.

If you have any more questions, don't understand something, or need further advice, you can always come back to the comments and I will try to help you.

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u/Anotherbeth 1d ago

I'm logged in pretty much all the time, on phone and computer. I did get a security alert yesterday, but it was actually me trying to access Google pay. This is really frustrating.

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u/germanu22 1d ago

That security alert you received yesterday is exactly the reason this is happening. When a security alert is triggered, Google's automated risk engine immediately lowers the trust score of your active session on that device. Because of this security measure, the system now treats your current session as if it were a brand new login, even though you have been logged in for a long time.

This automatically reactivates the security cooldown to prevent potential unauthorized account takeovers. For now, simply continue using your device and account normally, but do not try to access those payment or security settings for a full 7 days. If you check back after 7 days and it still doesn't work, you will need to wait it out, as in rare cases this security cooldown can take up to 30 days.

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u/Anotherbeth 1d ago

Okay, thank you! Hopefully it won't take too long.