Meta introduces passkeys for Facebook: What it is, how it works, and more

Meta passkeys

Meta is rolling out passkeys for Facebook users on iOS and Android, marking a significant step toward password-free authentication. The new login method, which uses biometric data or a device PIN, promises a faster and more secure way to access your Facebook account — and soon, Messenger as well, said the company in a blog post.

Passkeys are digital credentials that replace traditional passwords with the same fingerprint, face scan, or PIN you use to unlock your phone. Developed by the FIDO Alliance, passkeys are designed to eliminate password-based vulnerabilities such as phishing, credential theft, and password reuse. Meta, a member of the FIDO Alliance, says passkeys offer stronger protection compared to SMS codes or passwords, which can be guessed or intercepted.

“Passkeys can’t be stolen or phished the way passwords can,” Meta explained. “They’re stored only on your device and are never visible to us.”

Users will be able to set up their Facebook passkey via the Accounts Center in the Settings menu, or they may be prompted to do so during login. Once activated, the passkey becomes the default login option for Facebook on that mobile device, while other authentication methods — including passwords — will still be available as a backup.

The same passkey will eventually work for Messenger, with Meta confirming a phased rollout over the coming months. Beyond logging in, users will also be able to use passkeys to autofill payment information in Meta Pay and protect encrypted message backups.

Meta is pitching passkeys as not just more secure, but more convenient — requiring no memorization and streamlining the user experience across its platforms.

Other tech giants have already introduced passkeys. For instance, Amazon has passkey support for its app whereas Google has also introduced passkeys for Gmail on mobile.