- What you need for a TikTok passkey
- How to set up a passkey on TikTok
- How a passkey works, simply
- Logging in on another device
- How a passkey compares
- How to delete or turn off a passkey
- Keep a backup way in
- Passkeys for creator and business accounts
- Passkey problems and quick fixes
- My verdict
- Frequently asked questions
A TikTok passkey lets you log in with Face ID, your fingerprint or your phone's PIN instead of a password. Set one up in Profile, Menu, Settings and privacy, Account, Passkey, then Set up. You need Android 9 or later with a screen lock, or iOS 16 or later with iCloud Keychain and two-factor authentication on.
Forgotten passwords are one of the most common reasons people get locked out of TikTok. A passkey removes the password from the login altogether. Your phone confirms it's you, using the same face scan, fingerprint or PIN you already use to open it. Here's what you need, how to set it up, and how to use it on a second device.
What you need for a TikTok passkey
| Device | Requirements from TikTok |
|---|---|
| Android | Version 9.0 or later, with screen lock enabled |
| iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV | iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS Ventura, tvOS 16 or later |
| Apple extras | iCloud Keychain turned on, and two-factor authentication on your Apple ID |
If you're on an older device, update the software first. If your phone has no screen lock, set one up, because the passkey relies on it.
How to set up a passkey on TikTok
- Open TikTok and tap Profile.
- Tap the Menu button at the top.
- Tap Settings and privacy, then Account.
- Tap Passkey, then Set up, and follow the instructions.
If you create the passkey through Google Password Manager, TikTok sends you back to this screen to finish. Next time you log in, you'll be prompted to use your saved passkey.
How a passkey works, simply
A passkey is a pair of keys. One is a public key linked to TikTok. The other is a private key stored securely in your iCloud Keychain, Google Password Manager or another password manager that supports passkeys, such as 1Password. When you log in, your device checks your face, fingerprint or passcode, then matches the private key to TikTok's public key.
Here's the reassuring part: TikTok says it can't access your biometric data or your private passkey data. It's only told whether the check was accepted.
Logging in on another device
Because the private key lives in your password manager, you can log in on any device signed in to the same Apple ID or Google account. On a different device, choose the other device or sign-in option on the login screen, and you'll be asked to scan a QR code with your phone. On Apple devices, you can also share the passkey with AirDrop.
How a passkey compares
| Password | Passkey | |
|---|---|---|
| What you remember | A password | Nothing extra |
| How you log in | Typing it | Face, fingerprint or device PIN |
| Phishing risk | Can be typed into a fake page | Nothing to type |
| Lost phone | Password still works | Sync to your Apple or Google account helps |
How to delete or turn off a passkey
- Delete it: remove the TikTok passkey in your device settings. You won't see the passkey option at login again unless you create a new one.
- Turn it off: switch off the passkey in iCloud Keychain or Google Password Manager. This doesn't delete it, but you can't use it to log in while it's off.
- Other password managers: if you saved it in something like 1Password, remove it from that key's settings.
Keep a backup way in
A passkey is brilliant day to day, but keep your email, phone number and password up to date too. If you ever need them, here's what to do when TikTok isn't sending a verification code. And if you're tightening security because someone else got in, check what TikTok does with inactive accounts for any old accounts you've forgotten.
Passkeys for creator and business accounts
If your TikTok matters to your business, losing access is a real problem. A passkey on your own phone makes it much harder for a scammer to log in with a stolen password. If more than one person needs access, avoid sharing a single phone; each person should use their own secure login method.
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Passkey problems and quick fixes
- No Passkey option in Account. Update TikTok. Your device may also need a newer operating system, Android 9.0 or iOS 16 at minimum.
- It won't set up on iPhone. Check that iCloud Keychain is on and that your Apple ID has two-factor authentication turned on.
- It won't set up on Android. Make sure your phone has a screen lock enabled.
- You got a new phone. If it's signed in to the same Apple ID or Google account, your passkey can come with you. If not, log in another way and create a new passkey.
- You turned it off by accident. Switch it back on in iCloud Keychain or Google Password Manager. Turning it off doesn't delete it.
Most passkey problems come down to device settings rather than TikTok itself, so it's worth checking your phone's security settings first.
My verdict
TikTok passkeys are quick to set up and make logging in safer and faster. Check your device meets the requirements, go to Settings and privacy, Account, Passkey, and tap Set up. Keep your recovery details current, and you'll rarely need your password again.
Frequently asked questions
How do I set up a passkey on TikTok?
Go to Profile, Menu, Settings and privacy, Account, Passkey, then tap Set up and follow the instructions.
What do I need for a TikTok passkey?
Android 9.0 or later with a screen lock, or iOS 16 or later with iCloud Keychain and two-factor authentication on your Apple ID.
Can TikTok see my fingerprint or face data?
No. TikTok says it can't access your biometric data and is only told whether the check was accepted.
How do I use my TikTok passkey on another device?
Choose the other device or sign-in option on the login screen and scan the QR code with your phone.
How do I remove a TikTok passkey?
Delete it in your device settings, or turn it off in iCloud Keychain or Google Password Manager.
