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How do I set up a passkey – Apple iPhone / iPad / Mac?

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In this article, you will learn how to set up a passkey for somnio on your Apple iPhone, iPad, or Mac and which requirements must be met.

With a passkey, you can log in to somnio securely and conveniently – without a password. Instead, you use functions of your Apple device such as fingerprint, facial recognition, or a device password. For this to work, certain requirements must be met on your device.

What are passkeys?
Passkeys are a modern and particularly secure login method. They replace traditional passwords and instead use something that only belongs to you – for example Face ID, Touch ID, or a trusted device. Passkeys are faster, easier to use, and significantly better protected against unauthorized access. You can find more information about passkeys in the article "What is a passkey?".

To use passkeys in somnio, your Apple device must support passkeys and be set up accordingly.

Is your Apple device ready for passkeys?

  1. iPhone or iPad
    If you are using an iPhone or iPad, your device should support Face ID or Touch ID. Here is how to check:
  • Open the settings.
  • Search for Face ID & Code or Touch ID & Code.
  • If one of these options is available, your device supports passkeys. Make sure the function is activated. If not, follow your device’s instructions to set it up.

If you cannot find any of these options, your device unfortunately does not support passkeys.

  1. MacBook or iMac
    On a MacBook or iMac, you can use passkeys if your device supports Touch ID or macOS Monterey (version 12) or newer is installed. Here is how to check:
  • Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner.
  • Select "About this Mac".
  • Check the displayed macOS version.

If the version number is 12 or higher, your MacBook or iMac supports passkeys – even without Touch ID, for example via a device password or a trusted device. If the version is lower, you should update your macOS.

Is your software up to date?
To set up a passkey, you need current software versions. Therefore, please check before setup whether updates are available.

  • On iPhone or iPad: Settings → General→ Software update
  • On MacBook or Mac: System settings → Software update

By updating, you ensure that your device supports the latest security features for passkeys.

My device does not have fingerprint or facial recognition – what now?
You can also use passkeys without biometric features. The following alternatives are available:

  1. Use of a trusted device
    If a device is 'trusted', it simply means that the device already recognizes you and you can confirm actions without entering a password. This can be, for example, your smartphone. Here is how it works:
  • Open the app or website that supports passkeys.
  • Select Set up passkey.
  • Follow the instructions to link your smartphone.
  • Then confirm the login via a notification on the trusted device.
  1. Login with device password or PIN
    If no biometric features are available, you can also log in with a device password or PIN when using a passkey.
  • Mac without Touch ID: If macOS Monterey or newer is installed, a device password or PIN will be requested when using a passkey.

With these alternatives, you can use passkeys securely even without fingerprint or facial recognition.

Any questions?
If you have questions about the somnio app – both regarding content and technical issues – you can contact our support team at any time. You can reach us by email at support@somn.io or directly via the support feature in the app. We respond within 24 hours, seven days a week.