In today’s digital landscape, security and convenience go hand in hand. One of the most innovative advancements in account protection is the passkey—a modern, phishing-resistant authentication method that eliminates the need for passwords and one-time codes. If you're looking to enhance your online security while simplifying your login experience, learning how to create passkeys is a crucial step.
Passkeys are now supported as a two-factor authentication (2FA) option, offering a seamless and highly secure way to access your account. By leveraging biometrics like fingerprint or facial recognition—or using a physical USB security key—you can enjoy faster, more reliable logins without compromising safety.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about creating, managing, and using passkeys effectively.
What Are Passkeys?
Passkeys are cryptographic credentials that replace traditional passwords and 2FA codes. Instead of remembering complex character strings or waiting for SMS codes, you authenticate using something you have (your device or security key) and something you are (biometrics) or know (a device PIN).
Once enabled, at least one passkey must remain linked to your account at all times. This ensures continuous protection. You can add new passkeys or reset existing ones at any time—but you cannot remove all passkeys simultaneously.
👉 Discover how passkeys make your online accounts safer with just one tap.
How to Create a Passkey: Step-by-Step Guide
Before setting up a passkey, ensure your setup meets the technical requirements.
Prerequisites for Creating a Passkey
To create a passkey, you’ll need:
- A compatible device running Windows 10 or macOS Ventura (or later), or
- A USB security key that supports the FIDO2 protocol
Additionally, use a FIDO2-compatible browser such as:
- Chrome 109+
- Safari 16+
- Edge 109+
Pro Tip: For the smoothest experience, we recommend using Chrome or Safari during setup and verification.
Step-by-Step Setup Process
- Log in to your account at okx.com
- Navigate to Profile > Security > Security Center
- Locate the Passkeys section and click Set Up
- Select Enable Passkeys and complete the required security verification
Choose one of two options to create your passkey:
- Create with this device
- Use another device or physical key
Option 1: Create with This Device
If you're using a supported desktop or laptop:
- Select This Device
- Complete the authentication prompt using your device’s biometrics (e.g., Touch ID, Windows Hello) or PIN
- Your passkey will be securely stored on the device
This method is ideal for users who primarily access their account from a single trusted machine.
Option 2: Use Another Device or Physical Key
For greater flexibility across devices, choose this option:
Using a USB Security Key
- Select USB Security Key
- Insert your FIDO2-compliant key when prompted
- Follow on-screen instructions to register it as a passkey
Using a Mobile Device
- Select A Different Device
- Scan the displayed QR code using your smartphone or tablet’s built-in camera
- Complete authentication via biometrics on your mobile device
This method allows you to use multiple devices for login without relying solely on one machine.
Verifying Your Identity with a Passkey
After enabling passkeys, you’ll use them during login attempts for secure verification.
Verify with Your Current Device
When logging in from a registered device:
- You’ll see a prompt asking you to verify via passkey
- Confirm using biometric authentication (e.g., Touch ID on Mac)
- Alternatively, select Cancel to fall back to password-based login if needed
Example: Use Touch ID on your Mac for quick verification.
Verify with Another Device
If logging in from an unrecognized device:
- Select Verify with another device
- Use your mobile phone or tablet to scan the QR code
- Approve the login request using biometrics on your secondary device
Tip: Keep your secondary device nearby during initial logins for faster access.
👉 See how easy secure login becomes with biometric verification.
Rename Your Passkey for Easy Identification
As you add more passkeys, keeping track of them becomes essential. You can rename each passkey for clarity.
To rename a passkey:
- Go to Profile > Security > Security Center > Passkeys > Manage
- Click Rename next to the relevant passkey
- Enter a custom name (e.g., “My MacBook Pro” or “Work Laptop”)
Note: Renaming only affects display within the OKX interface. To change the actual device name recognized by browsers like Chrome, go to Manage Devices > Linked Devices and update it there.
Reset or Remove a Passkey: What You Need to Know
For security reasons, modifying passkeys may trigger temporary restrictions.
Important Security Notes
- Resetting or removing a passkey may activate a 24-hour restriction on withdrawals and P2P trading
- If you reset your passkey, the restriction applies automatically
- Removing a passkey without verifying via another passkey (e.g., using 2FA instead) will also trigger the restriction
How to Reset a Passkey
You’ll only see the Reset option if you have just one active passkey, since accounts must always have at least one.
To reset:
- Go to Profile > Security > Security Center > Passkeys > Manage
- Click Reset and complete identity verification (may include facial verification via mobile app)
- Create a new passkey following the on-screen steps
This replaces your old passkey with a new cryptographic credential.
How to Remove a Passkey
You can only remove a passkey if you have two or more configured.
To remove:
- Select Remove next to the desired passkey
- Complete verification using another passkey or alternative 2FA method
- Confirm deletion
Warning: Removing passkeys reduces your account’s security layer. Always maintain at least one strong authentication method.
Also note: You can link up to 10 passkeys. To add a new one beyond that limit, remove an existing entry first.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use passkeys on mobile apps?
Yes, many platforms—including OKX—support passkeys in their mobile applications. You can use biometrics like Face ID or fingerprint scanning to authenticate seamlessly across devices.
Q: Are passkeys safer than passwords?
Absolutely. Passkeys are resistant to phishing, replay attacks, and credential stuffing because they’re tied to specific domains and rely on public-key cryptography rather than shared secrets.
Q: What happens if I lose my device with my only passkey?
If you lose access to your sole passkey device, you’ll need to go through account recovery procedures. Always ensure you have backup authentication methods enabled before relying solely on one device.
Q: Can I use multiple USB security keys?
Yes. You can register several FIDO2 security keys as separate passkeys for redundancy and convenience across different locations or devices.
Q: Do passkeys work offline?
Local device-based passkeys (e.g., Touch ID) work even without internet during login, but initial setup and some verification steps require connectivity.
Q: Is there a risk in renaming my passkey?
No—renaming only changes how it appears in your dashboard. It doesn’t affect functionality or security.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Future of Authentication
Creating and using passkeys is one of the best ways to future-proof your digital identity. With stronger security, reduced friction, and broad support across modern devices and browsers, passkeys represent the next evolution of online safety.
Whether you're using biometrics on your laptop or carrying a hardware key for maximum protection, integrating passkeys into your routine ensures peace of mind—and faster access—every time you log in.
👉 Start using passkeys today and experience truly secure, password-free authentication.
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