---
url: 'https://www.corbado.com/glossary/user-presence'
title: 'User Presence'
description: 'Discover the role of User Presence in WebAuthn, ensuring physical user interaction with authenticators during authentication processes.'
lang: 'en'
keywords: 'user-presence'
---

# User Presence

## What is User Presence?

[User Presence](https://www.corbado.com/blog/webauthn-user-verification) in WebAuthn is a fundamental component,
distinct from [User Verification](https://www.corbado.com/blog/webauthn-user-verification), focusing on
establishing that a user is physically engaging with the authentication process. This
basic yet crucial feature includes:

- **Simple Interaction:** Typically involves the user touching the
  [authenticator](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/authenticator), without the need for entering a PIN or
  biometric data.
- **Functionality:** Aims to confirm that the user is physically present, rather than
  verifying their specific identity.
- **Security Implication:** Indicates user engagement in the authentication process, but
  does not uniquely identify the user, unlike
  [User Verification](https://www.corbado.com/blog/webauthn-user-verification).

**For more details, we recommend taking a look at our recent blog post about WebAuthn User
Verification & User Presence for Passkeys.**

## Key Takeaways

> - [User presence](https://www.corbado.com/blog/webauthn-user-verification) is a basic requirement in WebAuthn for
>   demonstrating physical engagement of the user in the authentication process.
> - It is distinct from [User Verification](https://www.corbado.com/blog/webauthn-user-verification), as it does
>   not authenticate individual identity.
> - Enhances the authentication process by ensuring that a user is physically interacting
>   with the [authenticator](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/authenticator).

---

[User Presence](https://www.corbado.com/blog/webauthn-user-verification) in WebAuthn plays a pivotal role in
establishing the engagement of a user during an authentication ceremony. While it does not
ascertain the identity of the user, its requirement for physical interaction serves as a
primary check in the authentication flow.

### Detailed Insights

- **Process and Modalities:** Involves basic gestures like touching the
  [authenticator](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/authenticator), which is generally mandatory for
  authentication.
- **Comparison with User Verification:** Unlike User Verification, User Presence does not
  involve authorization gestures like biometrics or PINs. It is a simpler, yet essential,
  test of physical user engagement.
- **Implementation in Authentication Flow:** User Presence can be combined with User
  Verification for stronger security, particularly in passwordless or multi-factor
  authentication scenarios.

---

## User Presence FAQs

### What is the primary function of User Presence in WebAuthn?

User Presence ensures that the user is physically present and interacting with the
authenticator during the authentication process.

### How does User Presence differ from User Verification in WebAuthn?

User Presence confirms physical interaction with the authenticator, while User
Verification authenticates the user's identity through methods like PINs or biometrics.

### In what scenarios is User Presence particularly important in WebAuthn?

User Presence is crucial in second-factor authentication
([2FA](https://www.corbado.com/blog/passkeys-vs-2fa-security)) scenarios to ensure the user's physical
interaction with the authenticator, complementing other security measures.