---
title: Passkey Authentication
description: Use WebAuthn passkeys as standalone passwordless authentication with biometrics, security keys, or device credentials.
sidebar:
  order: 1
---

## Passkey authentication summary

- This section covers passkeys as a standalone passwordless authentication method based on WebAuthn, not passkeys used as an MFA factor.
- Users authenticate with a compatible authenticator, using a PIN, biometrics, a security key, or a cross-device flow instead of a password.
- WebAuthn requires a secure context and an RP ID and origin that match the deployment.
- Credential generation and credential validation can be customized.

## Overview

**Passkeys** are a passwordless authentication method based on the **WebAuthn**, Web Authentication, specification.
The standard allows users to log in using biometric authentication, security keys, or device-based credentials, replacing traditional username and password combinations.

<Frame>
  <img src="/docs-assets/img/passkey.png" style={{ width: "70%" }} alt="Sign in form UI for passkeys login" />
</Frame>

## Prerequisites

Users need a compatible browser and authenticator. Depending on the authenticator, they may use a PIN, biometrics, a security key, or a cross-device flow.
WebAuthn is available only in a [secure context](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/Security/Secure_Contexts), normally HTTPS, with limited exceptions such as localhost.
Your relying party (RP) ID and origin must also match the frontend deployment; see the [customization guidance](/authentication/passkeys/customization#backend-recipe-configuration).

## Getting started

Before going into the actual quickstart guide, read through the [**Important Concepts** page](/authentication/passkeys/important-concepts).
It provides a high-level overview of the terms and concepts used in the passkeys authentication flow.

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Important Concepts" href="/authentication/passkeys/important-concepts">
Go through a quick summary of the WebAuthn specifications to get accustomed with the language used in the guides.
</Card>
  <Card title="Initial Setup" href="/authentication/passkeys/initial-setup">
Implement an authentication flow that uses passkeys to log in users.
</Card>
</CardGroup>

## Customization

To adjust the functionality to fit your use case you can explore different sections from the documentation.

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Backend Recipe Configuration" href="/authentication/passkeys/customization#backend-recipe-configuration">
Read through all the options that you can set during the initialization step.
</Card>
  <Card title="Credential Generation" href="/authentication/passkeys/customization#credential-generation">
See how you can adjust the process that generates credentials.
</Card>
  <Card title="Credential Validation" href="/authentication/passkeys/customization#credential-validation">
Discover how to customize the validation process.
</Card>
</CardGroup>