In today’s digital landscape, security and convenience go hand in hand. Passkeys—powered by the Fast Identity Online (FIDO) standard—are revolutionizing how users authenticate online. Platforms like OKX now support FIDO passkeys for two-factor authentication (2FA), offering a passwordless, code-free login experience while delivering top-tier account protection.
This guide dives deep into what passkeys are, how they work, and how to set them up on your OKX account using supported devices and methods.
Understanding Passkeys: The Future of Secure Authentication
Passkeys eliminate the need for traditional passwords and one-time verification codes. Instead, they use public-key cryptography and biometric or device-based authentication—such as fingerprint, facial recognition, or PINs—to verify identity securely.
Unlike passwords that can be phished or stolen, passkeys are cryptographically secure and bound to your device or account, making them immune to most common cyberattacks.
👉 Discover how passkeys make logging in faster and safer with advanced security technology.
Preparing to Set Up Your Passkey
Before creating a passkey for your OKX account, ensure your device meets the following requirements:
- Mobile devices running iOS 16.0 or later, or Android 7.0 and above
- USB security keys that support the FIDO2 protocol (also known as U2F keys). These physical devices plug into a USB port and act as a tamper-resistant second factor when used alongside smartphones or computers.
Using a FIDO2-compliant device ensures compatibility and maximum security during setup and authentication.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a Passkey on OKX
Step 1: Complete Identity Verification
To begin setting up your passkey:
- Tap the main menu icon and navigate to Profile & Settings.
- Go to Security Settings > Passkeys > Enable.
You'll need to verify your identity first. This includes:
- Entering an SMS verification code
- Confirming via email
- Completing biometric authentication (face or fingerprint)
This multi-step verification ensures only authorized users can enable high-security features like passkeys.
Step 2: Create Your Passkey
Once identity is confirmed, choose one of the three available methods to create your passkey.
Option 1: Use Your Current Device as a Passkey
This is the simplest method if you're using a trusted personal device.
- Tap Continue
- Authenticate using your device’s biometrics (Touch ID, Face ID) or screen lock (PIN/pattern/password)
Your device will generate a secure cryptographic key pair—private key stays locally, public key is stored by OKX.
Option 2: Set Up on Another Mobile Device or Tablet
Ideal for users who want to register multiple trusted devices.
- Select Other Options > iPhone, iPad, or Android Device
- Use a second device to scan the QR code displayed on your screen
- Follow the prompts on the secondary device to complete authorization
Note:
- On iOS, if you're signed in with the same Apple ID across devices, previously created passkeys can sync automatically via iCloud Keychain.
- On Android, passkey functionality relies on Google services. You must have access to Google Play Services and a Google account to use and sync passkeys.
Option 3: Use a Physical USB Security Key (iOS Only)
For maximum security, especially for high-value accounts:
- Choose Other Options > Security Key
- Insert your FIDO2-compliant USB security key into your device
- Follow on-screen instructions to register the key
This hardware-based method offers phishing resistance and works even if your phone is compromised.
Step 3: View Details and Start Logging In
After successful creation, you can view all registered passkeys under the Passkeys section in your security settings.
Next time you log in—or perform sensitive actions like deposits, withdrawals, or C2C transactions—you’ll be prompted to authenticate using your passkey instead of entering passwords or codes.
This results in faster, smoother access while maintaining enterprise-grade security.
Using Your Passkey for Authentication
Passkeys can be used across various secure workflows within OKX. Here's how they work in practice.
Option A: Authenticate Using Your Current Device
- Navigate to a protected area (e.g., login page, withdrawal confirmation).
- You’ll see a prompt asking you to verify via passkey.
- Use biometrics (fingerprint, face scan) or device PIN to confirm.
For example:
- On an iPhone, simply use Face ID.
- On a Mac with Touch ID, authenticate seamlessly without typing anything.
You can also return to the main login screen and select “Use Passkey” if prompted otherwise.
Option B: Authenticate Using Another Device
If you're logging in from a new or untrusted device:
- Trigger the passkey login process.
- Select Use another device.
- Choose Scan QR code with another phone or tablet.
- Use your registered secondary device to scan the code and approve the request.
This method maintains security while enabling flexibility across devices.
Tip: For best performance and compatibility, use Chrome or Safari browsers when authenticating with passkeys. User experience may vary slightly across other browsers due to differing levels of FIDO2 support.
Renaming Your Passkey for Easy Identification
As you add more devices or security keys, it helps to give them descriptive names.
To rename a passkey:
- Go to Main Menu > Profile > Security Settings > Passkeys
- Select the key you want to rename
- Edit its label (e.g., “My iPhone 15”, “Work Laptop Key”)
Note: This name change only affects how the key appears in your OKX dashboard. To rename the actual device (like your phone or laptop), update it through your operating system settings:
- On Chrome: Go to
chrome://settings/devices> Manage devices- On iOS: Settings > [Your Name] > Devices
Troubleshooting: When Passkeys Stop Working
There are specific scenarios where your existing passkey may become invalid:
- Changing phones: If you switch to a new mobile device not previously registered, old passkeys won’t transfer automatically unless synced via cloud (iCloud for Apple, Google Account for Android).
- Switching Apple ID on iOS: Using a different Apple ID breaks continuity—passkeys tied to the previous account become inaccessible.
- System updates required: Some newer features require updated OS versions. For full functionality on iOS, ensure your device runs iOS 18 or later.
In such cases, you’ll need to reset your passkey through the security settings and re-register using one of the supported methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are passkeys safer than traditional 2FA apps or SMS codes?
A: Yes. Passkeys use end-to-end encryption and are resistant to phishing, man-in-the-middle attacks, and SIM-swapping—common risks with SMS-based 2FA.
Q: Can I use passkeys on desktop browsers?
A: Absolutely. If you’re using Chrome or Safari on Windows, macOS, or Linux, you can authenticate using synced mobile devices or USB security keys.
Q: What happens if I lose my phone with the only passkey?
A: Always maintain at least one backup method—either a second registered device or a physical USB key. Without any recovery option, you may lose access to your account.
Q: Do I still need passwords after setting up passkeys?
A: While many actions become passwordless, your primary account password remains active as a fallback for certain operations like full account recovery.
Q: Is there a limit to how many passkeys I can register?
A: OKX allows multiple passkeys for convenience and redundancy. We recommend registering 2–3 trusted devices or keys for optimal balance between security and accessibility.
Q: Can I disable passkeys once enabled?
A: Yes. You can remove individual or all passkeys via Security Settings > Passkeys at any time.
By adopting passkeys, you're not just simplifying login—you're future-proofing your digital identity against evolving threats. With OKX leading the way in secure authentication innovation, now is the perfect time to make the switch.