--- url: 'https://www.corbado.com/blog/x-twitter-passkeys' title: 'X (Previously Known as Twitter) introduces Passkeys' description: 'X, previously Twitter, introduces passkeys for iOS & iPadOS in the US. Learn about the rationale & strategies behind this move.' lang: 'en' author: 'Vincent Delitz' date: '2023-09-01T00:00:00.000Z' lastModified: '2026-03-25T10:42:40.187Z' keywords: 'Twitter' category: 'Passkeys Reviews' --- # X (Previously Known as Twitter) introduces Passkeys ## Key Facts - X rolled out passkeys for US iPhone and iPad users in late January 2024, following its controversial removal of **SMS-based 2FA** after Elon Musk's acquisition of the platform. - The **staged rollout** targets iOS and iPadOS first, mirroring PayPal's strategy of prioritizing mobile users for the initial phase of passkey deployment. - Passkeys eliminate **SMS authentication transactional costs**, directly addressing the financial rationale behind X's earlier decision to remove SMS 2FA for most users. - X encourages passkeys as the **primary login method** for seamless experience and stronger security, though adoption remains optional rather than mandatory for now. ## 1. Why does X introduce Passkeys? Post its acquisition by Elon Musk, Twitter underwent significant transformation, including a rebranding to "X." Also, the controversial decision to withdraw [2FA](https://www.corbado.com/blog/passkeys-vs-2fa-security) via SMS, a move speculated to be a cost-saving measure, took place recently. However, the decision was met with considerable backlash, with concerns about diminished security and the potential for increased account breaches. Passkeys present a solution to these challenges. They eliminate the substantial transactioal costs associated with [SMS-based authentication](https://www.corbado.com/faq/sms-based-authentication-explained). Moreover, they offer a more user-centric approach. Additionally, considering the majority of X's user base predominantly interacts through mobile platforms such as [iOS](https://www.corbado.com/blog/webauthn-errors) and [Android](https://www.corbado.com/blog/how-to-enable-passkeys-android), these devices emerge as the perfect candidates for the initial phase of a comprehensive passkeys rollout. Recent trends, like [PayPal's](https://www.corbado.com/blog/paypal-passkeys) strategy of primarily offering passkeys to mobile users, underline this thought process. Implementing passkeys can also vastly improve the cross-device experience, particularly when integrated with synchronized passkeys from cloud accounts like [Google Password Manager](https://www.corbado.com/blog/how-to-use-google-password-manager), Apple [iCloud Keychain](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/icloud-keychain), and contemporary password managers like [1Password](https://www.corbado.com/blog/1password-passkeys-best-practices-analysis) and [Dashlane](https://www.corbado.com/blog/dashlane-passkeys). Now, in late January 2024, X has started to roll out passkeys for US customers for iPhones and iPads. It's unclear when more regions or platforms like [Android](https://www.corbado.com/blog/how-to-enable-passkeys-android) will gain support. Moreover, some users figured out that the entire US user base has already access to passkey indicating a staged rollout even within the US [iOS](https://www.corbado.com/blog/webauthn-errors) and iPadOS user base. X encourages users to use passkeys as the primary login method due to seamless login experience and the advanced security that they bring. However, it's not mandatory to use a passkey (yet). The [passkeys FAQ page](https://help.twitter.com/en/managing-your-account/how-to-use-passkey) provides more details and will be kept up-to-date by X. ## 2. Passkeys on X: What's Next? Though there's no official announcement regarding the further rollout of Xs passkey feature, the platform is expected to roll out passkeys to [Android](https://www.corbado.com/blog/how-to-enable-passkeys-android) users and other global regions soon. The rapid adoption of passkeys by other tech behemoths, such as GitHub, Google, [OnlyFans](https://www.corbado.com/blog/onlyfans-passkeys) and [TikTok](https://www.corbado.com/blog/tiktok-passkeys), only strengthens this prediction. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Why did X introduce passkeys instead of restoring SMS two-factor authentication? X removed SMS 2FA as a cost-saving measure after Elon Musk's acquisition, drawing significant backlash over reduced account security. Passkeys address both concerns simultaneously: they eliminate the transactional costs of SMS-based authentication while delivering stronger, more user-friendly security than SMS codes. ### Which platforms and regions currently support passkeys on X? As of late January 2024, X supports passkeys for US customers on iPhones and iPads, with a staged rollout even within that group meaning not all US iOS users received access at the same time. Expansion to Android users and other global regions is anticipated but has not been officially announced by X. ### Do I have to switch to a passkey on X or is it still optional? Using a passkey on X is currently optional. X encourages passkeys as the preferred login method due to their seamless experience and advanced security, and maintains a dedicated passkeys FAQ page that is kept up to date with the latest guidance.