Telegram has officially rolled out support for passkeys, marking a significant step toward enhanced user security and convenience across its platform. The announcement, first reported by Startup News in an article titled “Telegram Finally Adds Passkeys Support,” underscores the encrypted messaging app’s ongoing efforts to adopt emerging authentication standards in response to growing demands for improved digital security.
Passkeys are a form of passwordless authentication, developed as part of the FIDO Alliance and supported by major tech companies, including Apple, Google, and Microsoft. They leverage biometric data, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, as well as device-level PINs, to enable seamless and secure user logins. Unlike traditional passwords, passkeys are immune to common attack vectors like phishing or credential stuffing, offering a more robust layer of protection.
The implementation allows Telegram users to log in using biometric authentication on devices that support the passkey framework. This includes iOS and Android smartphones, as well as macOS and Windows platforms that have integrated passkey functionality. According to details shared in the Startup News article, users opting in to the new method can expect an experience that combines seamless access with heightened security.
The deployment reflects a broader trend within the tech industry to phase out passwords in favor of more secure, user-friendly alternatives. Telegram’s decision to adopt passkeys arrives amid heightened scrutiny on digital privacy practices and growing consumer awareness of cybersecurity threats. With more than 800 million monthly active users globally, Telegram’s adoption could influence other messaging services and digital communication platforms to accelerate similar security upgrades.
The move also places Telegram in closer alignment with other prominent tech companies that have embraced passkeys over the last year. Apple began supporting passkeys in iOS 16 and macOS Ventura, while Google and Microsoft have integrated the technology into their respective ecosystems. The swift adoption cycle reflects industry consensus around the limitations of traditional password-based login systems and the need for scalable alternatives.
Telegram has not specified whether passkey support will become the default login method in the future or remain an optional enhancement. However, the company affirmed that the feature rolled out in the latest app update and is now available for users who have compatible devices and account setups.
While the update delivers clear security benefits, the long-term effectiveness of passkeys will depend on broader user adoption and cross-platform compatibility. As tech companies continue to dismantle password-based systems, user education and interface design will be critical in ensuring a frictionless transition.
For Telegram, the passkey integration bolsters its reputation as a privacy-conscious platform committed to user security. As encrypted communication becomes an increasingly contested space, the addition of passkey authentication places Telegram in step with industry leaders aiming to redefine digital identity verification.
