In a major shift toward safer, simpler logins, Meta is rolling out passkeys for Facebook mobile users, allowing sign-ins through Face ID, fingerprint, or device PIN instead of traditional passwords.
The move aligns Meta—parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger—with tech giants like Google and Apple in embracing passwordless authentication. Passkeys are expected to arrive on Messenger in the coming months.
Meta says passkeys are more secure than passwords, protecting users against phishing and data breaches by using public key cryptography. A public key is stored on Meta’s servers, while a private key remains securely on the user’s device. Logins are verified without transmitting any sensitive information.
“No typing, no guessing, no sticky notes on your monitor,” said Dave Lewis, Global Advisory CISO for Ontario-based 1Password. “Just a secure password-free login that hackers can’t phish, guess, or steal.”
How to Set Up a Facebook Passkey on Mobile
- Tap your profile photo icon in the bottom right.
- Scroll to Settings > select Accounts Center.
- Tap See more in Accounts Center.
- Go to Password and Security > tap Passkey.
- Select Create Passkey and follow the on-screen prompts.
Currently, passkeys are supported only on iOS and Android devices. Desktop users must still log in with their username and password.
With Meta joining FIDO Alliance supporters like Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft, password-free logins are expected to expand across platforms in the near future.