Tesla has added passkey setup to version 4.61.0 of its iOS application, giving account holders a passwordless sign-in option unlocked with Face ID, Touch ID or their device passcode.
The feature is accessible through the app’s profile settings under Security & Privacy, followed by Sign In Management and Passkey. Selecting the option opens a Tesla authentication window where the user can add the credential. After setup, the account’s sign-in settings display passkey enrollment alongside its multi-factor authentication status.
The current release turns earlier preparation into a user-accessible feature. Tesla app version 4.60.0 contained strings referring to passkey eligibility and enrollment, but the option was not active in that version. The iOS 4.61.0 rollout began on September 18.
A passkey uses public-key cryptography rather than a reusable password. The service registers a public key, while the corresponding private credential remains protected by the user’s device or credential provider. A face, fingerprint or passcode check authorizes its use locally.
The FIDO Alliance describes passkeys as phishing-resistant because the credential is tied to the legitimate website or application. The local biometric check does not send a face image or fingerprint to the remote service; the service receives cryptographic evidence that the credential was used successfully.
Passkeys have also been expanding into public services. GOV.UK One Login is extending optional passkey access to more than 23 million users, following an initial trial. Its implementation similarly allows a person to use their device’s existing unlock method in place of a password and text-message code.
Local biometric checks are also used to protect credentials stored in dedicated hardware. The second-generation D’CENT wallet uses on-device fingerprint matching to control access to digital-asset keys. The fingerprint unlocks the protected function, while the cryptographic credential performs the transaction or authentication.
Users can create the passkey from the updated iOS application and confirm that it is enabled in Sign In Management. The setup flow uses the device’s existing biometric or passcode prompt rather than requiring enrollment of a new face or fingerprint with Tesla.
Sources: Not a Tesla App, Earlier Tesla App Release Details, FIDO Alliance
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By the ID Tech Editorial Team
