Facebook Finally Gets Passkey Support on Mobile: What That Means for You

For a while now, apps like Google, Microsoft, and even WhatsApp have offered passkey logins. Surprisingly, Facebook didn’t—until now. Meta has finally rolled out passkey support for the Facebook mobile app, and it changes how you log in, especially if you’re tired of typing passwords or dealing with two-factor codes.

Passkeys are now live for Facebook on both iOS and Android. If you use Face ID, Touch ID, or a device PIN to unlock your phone, you already have everything you need to use a passkey.

What Is a Passkey and How Does It Work?

A passkey is a modern replacement for your password and 2FA codes. Normally, you have to remember a password and then use a 2FA code to keep the account safe, which makes logging in a hassle. A passkey replaces all of that with your biometrics.

When logging in, simply use your device’s biometrics, such as Face ID, Touch ID, or a PIN, to authenticate. No more typing long passwords or copying SMS codes. Logging in becomes as simple as unlocking your phone.

• Passkeys can’t be guessed, stolen, or phished.
• They stay on your device and are never uploaded.
• They use a technology standard called WebAuthn, backed by the FIDO Alliance (Meta is a member).

Why Passkeys Make Facebook Login More Secure and Convenient

Let’s be honest—passwords are a pain. They’re hard to remember, easy to mess up, and even easier to steal. Passkeys fix all of that. They tie your login to your actual phone. That means someone across the world can’t just trick you with a fake link and steal your password—they’d need your phone in their hand to even try.

Plus, your browser or app will only trigger a passkey login if it’s the real Facebook domain. So phishing pages won’t even get that far.

Which Devices Support Facebook Passkeys?

Right now, passkey support is limited to mobile devices, and here’s how it plays out:

• Facebook App on Android and iOS: Passkeys are rolling out, so if you’re using the app on your phone, you’ll soon be able to log in with just your fingerprint, face, or PIN. No password needed.
• Messenger App: Support isn’t live yet, but Meta has confirmed it’s coming soon. Once enabled, you won’t need to create a separate passkey—Messenger will use the same one you set up for Facebook.
• Desktop Browsers: These still rely on your password or other traditional login methods. Passkeys don’t work on desktops yet, so you’ll have to wait a bit longer for a full passwordless experience across all devices.

How to Set Up Facebook Passkey Login on Your Phone

Setting up a passkey is extremely easy and takes only a minute.

1. Open the Facebook app on your phone.
2. Open the Menu tab.
3. Select the Settings & privacy option and then tap Settings.
4. Under Account Center, tap See more in Account Center
5. Tap Password and Security > Passkey.
6. Tap the Create Passkey and follow on-device instructions.

You might also see a prompt to create a passkey the next time you log in.

To use passkeys, make sure you’re running the latest version of the Facebook app on your mobile device. While Meta hasn’t officially mentioned a specific version number, these features usually roll out through app updates in phases. So, if you don’t see the passkey option in your settings, make sure to update your Facebook app from the App Store or Google Play Store.

Most modern smartphones come equipped with biometric features, such as fingerprint scanners, face recognition, or secure PIN locks, which are necessary for using passkeys. However, if your phone is older or lacks these features and doesn’t support passkeys, don’t worry—you can still log in using your password and two-factor authentication or security keys, just like before.

What Else Can You Do with a Facebook Passkey?

Passkeys aren’t just for logging in. Meta is building more features around them to make your online life both simpler and more secure.

• Meta Pay: When shopping online through Facebook, you can use your passkey to securely autofill your payment information, eliminating the need for manual card entry.
• Encrypted Backups on Messenger: Once Messenger gets passkey support, it’ll also extend to protecting your end-to-end encrypted message backups. This adds an extra layer of privacy, making sure only you can access your backup data.

Why Facebook Passkeys Are a Game-Changer for Mobile Security

This update finally brings Facebook in line with other major platforms that already support passkeys. It’s safer, faster, and easier. If you hate remembering passwords or dealing with phishing risks, this is the upgrade you’ve been waiting for.

Additionally, with Messenger and Meta Pay also joining the party, it’s clear that Meta is making a significant investment in passkeys.

Give it a try next time you log in—you might never want to type your Facebook password again.

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