Facebook Adds Passkey Login for Mobile Users
In a major move toward more secure and convenient logins, Facebook has finally rolled out passkey support for its mobile app. This update places Facebook among the growing list of platforms embracing passkeys as a modern alternative to traditional passwords.
๐ Why Are Companies Switching to Passkeys?
Passwords are no longer enough to keep accounts safe โ especially with rising phishing attacks and password breaches. Thatโs why tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Apple have been shifting toward passkeys: a safer, easier way to sign in without relying on complex and often reused passwords.
Just last month, Microsoft made passkeys the default option for new accounts, while Windows 11 has supported them for some time. Google hasnโt fallen behind either, rolling out passkey features across its ecosystem.
๐ฌ Facebook Was Lagging Behind โ Until Now
Interestingly, although WhatsApp (also owned by Meta) already supports passkeys, Facebook users have had to wait much longer for the same functionality. But that changes today, as Meta officially announces passkey support for the Facebook mobile app.
๐ What Exactly Are Passkeys?
Passkeys offer a secure and user-friendly method to log in to your account โ without typing a single password. Instead, you use the same authentication method you rely on to unlock your phone, such as:
- Face recognition
- Fingerprint scan
- Device PIN
Since there’s no need to remember or store passwords, and these methods are nearly impossible to fake, your account becomes significantly more secure.
Passkeys were developed by the FIDO Alliance , a global consortium focused on passwordless authentication โ and Meta is an active member of this group.
โ Benefits of Using Passkeys
- Highly resistant to phishing
- Immune to password spray and brute-force attacks
- Easy and intuitive to use
- Stored securely and not shared across services
- Work seamlessly across compatible devices
๐ฑ How Will Passkeys Work on Facebook?
Meta announced that passkeys are now available for both Android and iOS versions of the Facebook app. Theyโll also roll out to Messenger in the coming months.
Whatโs more, users will be able to use the same passkey across both apps โ making the login experience smoother and more integrated.
Additionally, Meta plans to let users auto-fill payment info securely when using Meta Pay , all powered by the same passkey system.
โ๏ธ How to Create a Passkey for Your Facebook Account
To set up a passkey, simply go to the Account Center inside the app settings. There, you’ll find options to create and manage your passkeys.
Alternatively, you may receive a prompt the next time you log in, guiding you through the setup process.
โ ๏ธ Are Passwords Going Away Completely?
Not yet. While Meta is introducing passkeys as a new option, passwords wonโt be removed entirely from Facebook at this stage. The reason? Not all devices currently support passkeys, so passwords will remain available for those who need them.