How to transition existing, password-based users to passkeys

Efficiently managing the login process for existing users is crucial for any successful online platform. Corbado offers a streamlined login flow that introduces passwordless, passkey-first logins to these existing users to facilitate passkey transition. Users enter their email address, and Corbado's product intelligence checks if the user already exists. Users with passwords can use passwords to log in or make use of passwordless email magic links. After any of these logins, user can opt-in to create a passkey. Once created, passkeys become the preferred login method. This optimization enhances security and user experience, boosting satisfaction and trust.

Passkeys as innovative login method enhance security while eliminating the need for users to remember complex passwords. However, 99% of all systems today already have users who log in with passwords and implementing passkeys in these systems has been extremely complex so far. At Corbado, we've addressed this challenge: to ensure a seamless experience for already registered users, we have developed a login flow that not only simplifies the process but also introduces an approach that we call passkey-first logins. The detection logic is included out-of-the-box in the our web component and does not need to be customized.

Overview of process

1. Prerequisites#

For the following process to work and be displayed, you must set up webhooks.

2. Simplified Login Process for Existing Users#

When it comes to existing users accessing your platform, simplifying the login procedure is of utmost importance. With Corbados solution, users are only required to enter their email address and click the "Continue" button. It is explicitly checked whether the email address already exists in the customer's backend. Additionally, Corbado checks which login methods exist for the user and which are technically possible.

3. Login with Password or Email Magic Link#

For users who previously had a password and not yet a passkey, an option to log in with the password or via email magic link will be presented. Of course, if the user logs in with a password, it will be checked if it is correct. Moreover, a passwordless login option (like email magic links) can significantly enhance convenience, as this method eliminates the need for users to remember complex passwords, reducing the risk of forgotten passwords and thus login abundance rates. With a click on the email magic link, users can securely access their accounts, enhancing their overall login experience.

4. Enhancing Security with Passkeys#

After successfully logging in using either a password or an email magic link, Corbados web component checks whether the user's device supports passkeys. If compatible, users are asked if they want to create a passkey. By introducing passkeys, your website / app can provide an additional layer of security, mitigating the risks associated with password-based authentication methods, while tremendously simplifying the login experience.

5. Passkeys as the Preferred Login Method#

Once a passkey has been created, it becomes the preferred method for user login (passkey-first authentication). Going forward, users will primarily use their passkeys, relegating passwords and email magic links to secondary fallback options. This shift to passkey-based login simplifies the login process and places an emphasis on security. Users can enjoy a seamless login experience, knowing that their accounts are protected by an advanced authentication mechanism. New users no longer create a password at all but register passwordless with a passkey or EML.

6. To sum it up:#

So far, it has been extremely complex to implement passkeys in systems with existing password-using users. Corbado can now help you smoothly convert users to passkeys to leverage their benefits: By optimizing the login process for existing users through the integration of webhooks, the implementation of passwordless login options, and the adoption of passkeys, your platform can offer an elevated level of account security while providing a user-friendly experience. Simplifying the login flow, eliminating the need for passwords, and prioritizing passkeys empower users to securely access their accounts with ease. Prioritizing these strategies will not only enhance user satisfaction but also bolster their trust in the security measures of your platform.

Passkeys are the most efficient and effective authentication method available. If you want to offer passkeys to your existing users today, try Corbado's solution for free. With our passkeys-as-a-service offering, we address challenges that arise with the implementation, such as integrating passkeys into existing systems.

Frequently Asked Questions#

How do I transition existing password-based users to passkeys without disrupting their current login experience?#

The recommended approach is a gradual opt-in flow: after a user authenticates with their existing password or email magic link, the system checks device compatibility and prompts passkey creation. Once a passkey is created, it becomes the primary login method while passwords and magic links remain as fallbacks, ensuring no disruption for users who have not yet enrolled.

Why are webhooks required to implement a passkey transition flow for existing users?#

Webhooks are a prerequisite because they allow the authentication system to check whether a specific email address already exists in your backend and which login methods are currently available for that user. Without this check, the system cannot determine whether to present password, email magic link or passkey enrollment options to a returning user.

What role do email magic links play in a passkey migration strategy?#

Email magic links serve as a passwordless fallback for users who have not yet created a passkey, reducing login abandonment rates caused by forgotten passwords. They bridge the gap during the transition period, letting users access their accounts without a password before they adopt passkeys as their primary method.

Do new users still need to create a password once passkeys are enabled on a platform?#

No. Once passkeys are enabled, new users register passwordlessly using a passkey or email magic link and do not create a password at all. The transition strategy outlined by Corbado therefore applies specifically to legacy users who registered before passkeys were available on the platform.