---
url: 'https://www.corbado.com/faq/how-many-passkeys-can-yubikey-hold'
title: 'How Many Passkeys Can a YubiKey Hold?'
description: 'Learn how many passkeys a YubiKey can hold, including details on YubiKey storage capabilities, WebAuthn, and optimal usage for secure passkey management.'
lang: 'en'
keywords: 'how many passkeys on yubikey'
---

# How Many Passkeys Can a YubiKey Hold?

## How Many Passkeys Can a YubiKey Hold?

A [YubiKey](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/yubikey) 5 Series with firmware 5.7+ can hold up to 100 discoverable
credentials (AKA hardware-bound passkeys). Other [YubiKey](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/yubikey) models and
configurations might store fewer passkeys (many older models supported around 25 resident
credentials). These passkeys are used for secure
[passwordless authentication](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/passwordless-authentication) via WebAuthn.

> - The latest generation of [YubiKeys](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/yubikey) (models with firmware 5.7+) can
>   store up to 100 passkeys (discoverable credentials).
> - Storage capacity depends on the [YubiKey](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/yubikey) model and configuration.
> - Proper management of YubiKey passkeys ensures optimal security.

---

### Understanding YubiKey Passkey Storage

[YubiKeys](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/yubikey) are
[hardware security keys](https://www.corbado.com/blog/best-fido2-hardware-security-keys) used to authenticate
users securely via protocols like WebAuthn. They are increasingly popular as part of a
move towards [passwordless authentication](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/passwordless-authentication),
providing a secure, [phishing](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/phishing)-resistant alternative to traditional
passwords.

#### Discoverable Credentials (Passkeys)

Discoverable credentials (previously resident keys), commonly referred to as passkeys, are
stored directly on the YubiKey. These credentials are vital for passwordless
authentication, allowing the user to authenticate without needing to input a password.
Instead, they use the stored passkey in conjunction with their YubiKey.

- **Storage Capacity:** YubiKey models with firmware 5.7+ can store up to 100 discoverable
  credentials. This limit is largely due to the [YubiKey's](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/yubikey) internal
  memory and security architecture, which prioritizes security over storage capacity. Once
  the limit is reached, you cannot store additional passkeys without deleting existing
  ones.

- **YubiKey Models:** The storage capacity can vary depending on the YubiKey model and the
  firmware it runs. Many older models and firmware versions documented support for around
  25 resident/discoverable credentials; FIPS and other specialized variants may have
  different limits.

- **Usage Considerations:** For most users, 100 passkeys are more than sufficient, as they
  typically correspond to 100 different services or accounts. However, if a user manages
  more than 100 accounts requiring passkey authentication, they may need to use multiple
  [YubiKeys](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/yubikey) or selectively choose which accounts to secure with a
  passkey. We expect the need for larger YubiKeys to grow pretty quick once more and more
  services roll out passkeys.

### Best Practices for Managing Passkeys on YubiKeys

Proper management of your passkeys on YubiKeys ensures that you maximize the device's
utility while maintaining security:

- **Device lifecycle:** YubiKey firmware is not user-upgradable; firmware is set at
  manufacturing. If you need features that require newer firmware, obtain a YubiKey
  manufactured with that firmware or a newer model.
- **Multiple YubiKeys:** Consider using multiple YubiKeys if you manage a large number of
  accounts requiring passkeys. This approach provides redundancy and additional storage
  capacity.

---