---
url: 'https://www.corbado.com/faq/is-face-id-passkey'
title: 'Is Face ID a Passkey?'
description: 'Is Face ID a passkey? Learn how Face ID can be used for passkey authentication, enhancing security and user experience in digital applications.'
lang: 'en'
keywords: 'face id'
---

# Is Face ID a Passkey?

## Is Face ID a Passkey?

No, Face ID and passkeys are different things. However, Face ID can be used within a
passkey ceremony. In general, a passkey is a secure and convenient way to log into apps or
websites, utilizing [biometric authentication](https://www.corbado.com/blog/passkeys-biometric-authentication)
methods like Face ID or Touch ID. When a user opts to use Face ID as local authentication
method in passkey ceremonies, the device securely stores a cryptographic key pair. This
key pair is unique to each account and only accessible by the device. During
authentication, Face ID verifies the user’s identity by matching their facial features,
which triggers the passkey to log in without needing a traditional password.

> - **Face ID can be used as local authentcation within a passkey ceremony.**
> - Passkeys use biometric data like facial recognition to authenticate users.
> - Face ID enhances security by eliminating the need for passwords.
> - Passkeys ensure that sensitive authentication biometric data never leaves the device.

---

### How Face ID Works Within Passkey Ceremonies

Face ID, a facial recognition system developed by Apple, is designed to provide secure
authentication for various digital services. When used as a passkey:

- **Cryptographic Key Pair:** Upon registering for a service, the device creates a
  cryptographic key pair. The public key is shared with the service provider, while the
  private key remains securely stored on the device.

- **Biometric Authentication:** When you attempt to log in, Face ID verifies your identity
  by scanning your face. If the match is successful, the device uses the stored private
  key to sign in securely, without transmitting the actual biometric data or the private
  key to the server.

- **Enhanced Security:** Because the private key never leaves the device, the risk of
  password theft or [phishing](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/phishing) is significantly reduced. This method
  provides a higher level of security compared to traditional password-based
  authentication.

### Benefits of Using Face ID Within Passkey Ceremonies

- **User Experience:** Face ID provides a seamless and user-friendly login experience.
  Users no longer need to remember or manage complex passwords, reducing the friction
  during the authentication process.

- **Security:** The combination of local
  [biometric authentication](https://www.corbado.com/blog/passkeys-biometric-authentication) and passkeys makes
  unauthorized access extremely difficult. Since the private key is stored on the device
  and never transmitted, it minimizes the risk of interception or hacking.

- **Compliance:** Many organizations are moving towards
  [passwordless authentication](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/passwordless-authentication) solutions to comply
  with stricter data protection regulations. Face ID as local authentication in passkey
  ceremonies aligns with these requirements by offering a secure, passwordless login
  method.

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