Meta has announced the introduction of passkeys for Facebook users on iOS and Android mobile devices. The move marks a shift away from traditional passwords, offering users a more secure and seamless login experience. The same feature is also expected to roll out for Messenger in the coming months.
What are Passkeys?
Passkeys are a new form of login credential developed by the FIDO Alliance — a global industry association dedicated to eliminating the world’s dependency on passwords. Instead of remembering complex combinations of letters and symbols, users can now verify their identity using the fingerprint, face scan, or PIN they already use to unlock their smartphones.
A Meta spokesperson explained:
“Passkeys are built for security and convenience. They can’t be guessed, stolen, or leaked in the same way passwords can — and they allow users to log in with just a fingerprint or face scan. It’s a powerful step forward in our commitment to protect users’ privacy and accounts.”
Improved Protection Against Online Threats
Cybersecurity experts point out that this transition is timely, especially given the increasing volume of phishing attacks and password thefts targeting social media accounts. Passkeys are inherently resistant to phishing, credential stuffing, and other attacks that exploit human error or reuse of passwords.
Importantly, Meta emphasizes that passkeys and the biometric data used to create them will never be seen, stored, or shared. They remain solely on the user’s device, ensuring privacy by design.
Beyond Just Logging In
The benefits of passkeys won’t stop at login. Meta also plans to integrate passkeys into other services, such as Meta Pay, allowing users to autofill payment information securely. In future updates, the same passkey will also be usable for Messenger login and for securing encrypted message backups.
Setting Up Is Easy
Users can create and manage their passkey through the Accounts Center in Facebook’s Settings menu, or during their next login prompt. Once set up, a passkey becomes the default login method on supported mobile devices. However, traditional methods like passwords will still be available for accessing accounts on older devices.
A user beta-testing the feature shared their experience:
“It’s like logging into your phone — super fast and smooth. No more resetting passwords or worrying about someone guessing them.”
A Step Towards the Passwordless Future
With this rollout, Meta joins a growing number of tech giants supporting passkey adoption — a movement expected to eventually redefine how people access digital services. The company’s involvement with the FIDO Alliance signals its long-term investment in building a safer, password-free future for its billions of users worldwide.
As passkeys begin rolling out to Facebook mobile users globally, experts say it could be one of the most significant user-facing security updates in years — a quiet but powerful step toward a more secure digital experience.
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