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How can we provide fallback options for users who encounter issues with passkeys?

Vincent Delitz

Vincent

Created: January 8, 2025

Updated: January 9, 2025

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How Can We Provide Fallback Options for Users Who Encounter Issues with Passkeys?#

Fallback options are essential to ensure users can access their accounts even if they face challenges with passkey authentication. Here’s how to provide effective fallback solutions:

passkeys fallback options

1. Implement Alternative Authentication Methods#

  • Password-Based Login: Retain traditional password login as a fallback for users without access to their passkeys.
  • One-Time Passwords (OTPs): Enable OTPs via email or SMS as a secure, temporary alternative for authentication.

2. Support Cross-Device Authentication#

  • Device Recovery Options: Allow users to recover access through other registered devices if their primary device is unavailable.
  • Cloud-Synced Passkeys: Encourage users to enable cloud syncing for passkeys, ensuring they remain accessible across devices.

3. Educate Users on Backup Methods#

Educate users on adding multiple passkeys (e.g., on their smartphone and laptop) to avoid being locked out.

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4. Dynamic Authentication Flows#

  • Fallback Detection: Automatically detect when a passkey is unavailable and suggest alternative authentication methods.
  • Custom Prompts: Provide clear and intuitive prompts guiding users to fallback options when passkey authentication fails.

5. Integrate Customer Support#

  • Support Assistance: Ensure support teams can help users reset passkeys or guide them through fallback options.
  • Role-Based Access Control: Restrict sensitive fallback actions to authorized personnel to maintain security.

By offering diverse and secure fallback options, you can ensure users always have a way to access their accounts while maintaining trust and usability.

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