Meta has begun introducing passkey support on Facebook for both iOS and Android devices, offering users a more secure, password-free login method. Passkeys allow individuals to sign in using biometric authentication—like fingerprints or facial recognition—or their device’s PIN.
“Passkeys will soon be available on iOS and Android mobile devices for Facebook, and we will begin rolling out passkeys to Messenger in the coming months,” Meta confirmed in an official announcement.
Unlike traditional passwords, passkeys use your phone’s built-in security tools and store authentication credentials locally on the device, making them more resistant to phishing attacks and other cybersecurity threats.
Passkeys significantly reduce the risk of hacking or data theft. Since your biometric data or PIN never leaves the device, even Meta cannot access it. This localized system ensures that phishing attempts, such as fake login pages, have no data to extract.
Unlike SMS codes, which can be intercepted or reused, each passkey is uniquely tied to your device and account, making unauthorized access virtually impossible.
Beyond login security, passkeys will soon allow users to autofill payment information with Meta Pay, log in to Messenger, and protect chat backups. These features aim to streamline the user experience while enhancing data privacy.
How to Enable Passkeys on Facebook
- Open the Facebook app on your mobile device.
- Navigate to Settings > Accounts Centre.
- Select the Passkey option and follow the prompts.
- Use your device’s fingerprint, face recognition, or PIN to complete setup.
Meta Playing Catch-Up in Passkey Adoption
While Meta’s rollout of passkeys marks a step forward, it also underscores the company’s relatively late adoption of a now-standard security feature. Tech leaders such as Google, Microsoft, PayPal, and Amazon have supported passkeys for some time—Google launched passkey support back in 2022. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and eBay have also been ahead of the curve.
Meta added passkey support to WhatsApp in 2023. With Facebook and Messenger now joining in, Instagram remains the notable exception, with no official word on when passkeys might be introduced.
This delayed integration raises questions about Meta’s overall commitment to enhancing user security across its vast ecosystem.
