About Meta passkeys
Passkey availability can vary by app, device, and browser. Some users may be required to create a passkey if enrolled in Advanced Protection. Do not create a passkey on a public or shared device.
Meta Passkeys can be created and used on Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and Meta AI on iPhone, Android, and on a computer. Meta Passkeys may not be available for everyone at this time.
Passkeys are an easy and secure alternative to passwords that let you sign in or re-verify with your fingerprint, face scan, or device screen lock.
Reasons to use passkeys
- They're simpler and more convenient than passwords and use your device lock to log in.
- They help keep your account safe. Unlike passwords, passkeys can't be stolen, shared, guessed, or reused - they're stored securely on your device to help keep your account safe against attackers.
- If you choose to use a fingerprint or face scan, your biometric data is stored on your device and is never shared with Meta.
Who is required to have a passkey
If your account is enrolled in Advanced Protection, you're required to create a passkey. Advanced Protection helps defend accounts that may be at higher risk of phishing attacks. These include but aren’t limited to:
- Accounts with access to advertising or business tools.
- Accounts connected to pages or profiles with a large number of followers or wide reach.
- Accounts connected to businesses that advertise with Meta, for example, page admin accounts or accounts added to a Business Portfolio.
- Creators and businesses subscribed to Meta Verified.
- Civic actors like politicians and journalists.
If you're required to create a passkey and don't, you will be locked out of your account until you create one.
How to create a passkey
You can create a passkey on iPhone, Android, or a computer across Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, Threads, Horizon, and Meta AI. Don't create a passkey on a shared or public device.
You may be prompted to create a passkey when signing in, or you can set one up manually:
- Navigate to your settings in the app you're using.
- Tap or click Meta Account Settings.
- Tap or click Login and security.
- Tap or click Passkey, then tap or click Create passkey.
Note: We may automatically upgrade existing credentials to passkeys when you sign in using password autofill. To turn this off, toggle off Allow Automatic Passkey Upgrades in your device password settings. Upgrading credentials this way doesn't change how you log in - it just stores a passkey for faster access the next time.
How to use a passkey
Your passkey uses the same fingerprint, face scan, or screen lock that you use to unlock your device. To use your passkey, click Use Passkey when prompted on the app login screen or select your passkey from your autofill dropdown menu.
There are two types of passkeys:
- Synced passkeys: Available on any device where you're signed into a cloud service like iCloud Keychain or Google Password Manager.
- Device-bound passkeys: Only accessible on the device they were created on and cannot leave it.
If you're logging in on a new device, like a guest computer, you may see a QR code. Scan it with your phone to sign in securely, even without a passkey on that device. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on for both devices.
How to manage a passkey
Each passkey you create shows the associated email address or phone number, where the passkey is stored, and the date the passkey was created. You can create up to 5 passkeys per Meta Account.
Remove a passkey
Removing a passkey is permanent. If your account requires a passkey for Advanced Protection, removing your passkey may cause you to lose access to your account until you create a new passkey.
- Navigate to your settings in the app you're using.
- Tap or click Meta Account Settings.
- Tap or click Login and security.
- Tap or click Passkey, then tap Remove next to the passkey you would like to remove.
You may need to re-enter your password or enter in a one-time passcode.
Note:
- When you remove a passkey from your Meta Account, you may also need to delete it from your device or password manager separately. Check your device settings for instructions.
- If your account doesn't require a passkey, you'll return to using other sign in methods like passwords.
Troubleshooting a passkey
Passkeys aren’t perfect, and sometimes, you may encounter issues or challenges creating, using, or managing your Meta passkey.
Update your App: Ensure you’re using the latest version of our apps.
Check passkey requirements: To set up a passkey on your device, make sure you have an eligible device, are on the latest operating system and browser version, and meet other device requirements:
- iPhone (iOS): iPhone 8+, iOS version 16+, iCloud and two-factor authentication (2FA) turned on.
- Android: Android 9+ with device lock enabled.
- Computers: Windows 10 or later, or macOS Ventura or later.
- Supported browsers: Chrome 109 or later, Safari 16 or later, Edge 109 or later.
Creation and usage checklist:
- Turn on your device screen lock.
- To use a passkey on a phone to sign in to a computer, turn on Bluetooth.
- For iPhone, iPad, and other Apple devices, turn on iCloud Keychain. Learn how to set up iCloud Keychain
- You may be unable to create or use passkeys while in Incognito mode.
WhatsApp passkeys cannot be used to log in to other Meta apps. Meta Passkeys cannot be used to log in to WhatsApp.