How do fallbacks influence user trust in passkeys?

Effective fallback management plays a critical role in building user trust and ensuring long-term retention and usage of passkeys. Poorly managed fallback scenarios can frustrate users, diminishing their confidence in the overall authentication system and potentially causing them to abandon passkeys entirely.

• Reliability and Predictability: Users expect consistent login experiences. Well-designed fallback strategies ensure smooth recovery when passkeys aren't accessible, significantly reducing user anxiety or frustration.
• Transparent Communication: Clearly explaining fallback processes helps users understand why passkeys occasionally might not work (e.g., new device or browser), reinforcing trust through transparency.
• Security Assurance: Securely designed fallbacks, such as alternative MFA methods or carefully verified email-based logins, reassure users that their accounts remain protected even during fallback scenarios.

• Graceful Fallbacks: Seamless transitions from failed passkey authentication to alternative methods (e.g., SMS OTP, email links, secondary MFA apps) maintain user satisfaction and reinforce positive associations with passkey usage.
• Proactive Guidance: Strategically placed prompts encourage users to re-enable or set up additional passkeys, turning fallback events into opportunities for further adoption and retention.
• Minimizing Friction: Reducing friction in fallback scenarios ensures users return confidently to passkey-based logins rather than permanently reverting to older, less secure methods.

• Clearly differentiate between "no passkey found" and genuine authentication failures to reduce confusion.
• Offer intuitive fallback options while highlighting the convenience and security of passkeys.
• Regularly remind users of passkey benefits following fallback events, nudging them back toward preferred usage.

Good fallback management directly supports passkey retention by enhancing trust, reliability, and ease-of-use, turning inevitable authentication disruptions into positive, user-friendly experiences.