Meta is giving Facebook users on iPhone and Android a new way to log in without using passwords. Passkeys are now rolling out on mobile, letting people access their accounts using their fingerprint, face scan, or device PIN. The goal is to make logging in easier while also cutting down on online threats. Later this year, Messenger will also support the same passkey.
Passkeys are part of a growing push to replace passwords altogether. Instead of typing a password that could be stolen or guessed, passkeys rely on your phone to prove who you are. The technology behind it comes from the FIDO Alliance, a group that includes Meta and other tech companies working to improve online security.
So why does this matter? First off, passkeys are designed to fight scams. They are far less vulnerable to phishing attempts and fake login pages. Since the passkey never leaves your device and is not stored by Facebook, it can’t be stolen by hackers in the usual ways. That’s a huge improvement over passwords and those one-time codes sent by text.
Another perk is speed. Once your passkey is set up, logging in becomes nearly instant. No more fumbling to remember a complicated password. Just unlock your phone like you normally do and you are in.
Passkeys will also play a bigger role across the Meta ecosystem. You will be able to use them with Meta Pay to autofill payment details more securely. Down the road, you will even use them to protect encrypted message backups in Messenger.
Setting up a passkey is pretty easy. You will find the option in the Accounts Center under Facebook’s Settings. You might also be asked to create one the next time you log in. If your device does not support passkeys yet, don’t worry. You can still sign in the old way with your password.
Meta is not forcing anyone to switch right away but the message is clear. Passwords are on the way out and passkeys could be what comes nex
