In today’s digital landscape, security is paramount—especially when managing sensitive accounts like cryptocurrency wallets or financial platforms. One of the most advanced and secure methods now available is passkey authentication. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about creating, using, and managing passkeys within a supported app environment, with a focus on seamless integration and top-tier protection.
Passkeys are revolutionizing the way we log in by replacing traditional passwords with cryptographic key pairs that are both more secure and easier to use. Backed by FIDO2 standards, they eliminate phishing risks and simplify two-factor authentication (2FA) without compromising safety.
👉 Discover how passkeys make logging in faster and safer—no passwords needed.
What Are Passkeys?
Passkeys are a modern, passwordless authentication method that uses public-key cryptography to verify your identity. Unlike passwords or SMS-based 2FA codes, passkeys can’t be guessed, stolen, or intercepted. They’re stored securely on your device and authenticated using biometrics—like fingerprint or facial recognition—or a physical security key.
When supported by an app or service, passkeys serve as a two-factor authentication (2FA) method, allowing you to sign in without entering a password or verification code. This makes them not only more convenient but also significantly more secure than traditional login methods.
Once enabled, at least one passkey must remain linked to your account at all times for security reasons. You can add new ones or reset existing ones before removing outdated or unused keys.
How to Create a Passkey
The exact process for setting up a passkey may vary slightly depending on your platform or device, but the core steps remain consistent across services that support FIDO2 standards.
Prerequisites
Before creating a passkey, ensure you meet at least one of the following requirements:
- A mobile device running iOS 16.0 or later or Android 7.0 or later
- A FIDO2-compatible USB security key (such as YubiKey or other certified hardware tokens)
These devices allow secure storage and authentication of your cryptographic credentials.
Step-by-Step Setup
Follow these instructions to create a passkey within the app:
- Open the OKX app and tap the Menu icon in the top-left corner.
- Navigate to Profile & Settings > Security > Security Center.
- Tap on Passkeys.
- Select Enable and complete the required security verification (such as 2FA or biometric check).
Choose:
Continue – to create a passkey using your current device
- Complete the prompt with your device’s biometric authentication (face scan, fingerprint) or PIN
Other Options – to set up a passkey on a different device
- Select iPhone, iPad, or Android device
- Use the secondary device to scan the displayed QR code and confirm authentication
Or choose Security Key (iOS only)
- Insert your physical FIDO2 key and follow on-screen prompts
Once completed, your passkey will be active and ready for use during future logins.
👉 Start using passkeys today for instant, secure access—no more forgotten passwords.
Using Your Passkey for Authentication
After enabling passkey login, you’ll be prompted to use it whenever you sign in. Here's how it works in different scenarios.
Logging In With Your Current Device
If you're using the same device where the passkey is stored:
- Open the app and proceed to log in.
- You’ll be prompted to authenticate using your passkey.
- Confirm with your fingerprint, face ID, or device PIN.
This process is fast, secure, and completely password-free.
Logging In From Another Device
Want to access your account from a new phone or computer? You can still use your passkey remotely:
- On the login screen, select Other Sign-In Options.
- Choose iPhone, iPad, or Android Device.
- Tap Continue to generate a QR code.
- Use your registered device to scan the code and approve the login request.
This method ensures you maintain control over account access while leveraging cross-device compatibility.
Renaming Your Passkey for Easy Identification
As you add multiple passkeys—perhaps one for your phone, another for a tablet, and a third tied to a hardware key—it helps to give each a custom name.
To rename a passkey:
- Go to Menu > Profile & Settings > Security > Security Center > Passkeys
- Tap the edit icon next to the passkey you want to rename
- Enter a descriptive label (e.g., “My iPhone 15” or “Work Laptop Key”)
- Save the changes
Clear naming helps avoid confusion and improves account management over time.
Resetting or Removing Passkeys
For security reasons, certain actions involving passkeys come with temporary restrictions.
A 24-hour limitation on withdrawals and P2P trading may apply when resetting or removing a passkey:
- Applies automatically if you reset your only passkey
- Triggered if you remove a passkey without replacing it with another 2FA method (like facial verification or authenticator app)
This cooldown period protects your assets in case of unauthorized changes.
How to Reset a Passkey
You’ll see the Reset option if only one passkey is linked to your account—because at least one must always be active.
Steps:
- Go to Menu > Profile & Settings > Security > Security Center > Passkeys
- Select the passkey and tap the reset icon
- Complete verification
- If additional review is needed, processing may take up to 24 hours—you’ll receive a notification upon completion
Resetting replaces your current cryptographic key with a new one, maintaining continuous protection.
How to Delete a Passkey
You can only delete a passkey if you have more than one active key linked to your account.
Steps:
- From the Passkeys menu, select the key you wish to remove
- Tap the delete icon
- Confirm with verification (biometrics or 2FA)
⚠️ Note: Removing passkeys reduces redundancy in your security setup. Always assess risk before deletion and ensure alternative 2FA methods are in place.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use passkeys on multiple devices?
Yes. You can register multiple passkeys across different devices—such as your smartphone, laptop, and hardware security key—for flexibility and backup access.
Q: What happens if I lose my passkey device?
If you lose a device with a registered passkey, immediately remove it via another authenticated device or 2FA method. As long as at least one other passkey or 2FA option remains active, you can maintain access.
Q: Are passkeys safer than SMS-based 2FA?
Absolutely. Passkeys are immune to phishing, SIM-swapping, and interception—common vulnerabilities of SMS codes. They offer stronger cryptographic protection than most traditional 2FA methods.
Q: Do I need internet access to use a passkey?
Local authentication (e.g., fingerprint) works offline, but initial setup and cross-device sign-ins require an internet connection to sync credentials securely.
Q: Can I switch back to passwords after enabling passkeys?
While some services allow fallback options, the trend is moving toward full passwordless experiences. It's best to treat passkeys as your primary and most secure authentication method.
Q: Is my biometric data stored on the server?
No. Biometric information never leaves your personal device. Passkeys rely on local verification—the server only receives confirmation of successful authentication.
🔑 Ready to upgrade your digital security?
👉 Switch to passkey login now and experience true passwordless protection.