Advisory ask for iOS

Question

Hello,

Could you please clarify why the iOS version of the Microsoft Authenticator app does not currently support passkey and Face ID capabilities, while these features appear to be available on Android? Are there any plans to bring feature parity across platforms?

Thanks

Ray

Answer 1

Hi Ray,

Thank you for Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Q&A.

The question regarding why the iOS version of the Microsoft Authenticator app currently does not support passkey and Face ID capabilities, while these features are available on Android, is understandable.

As per the latest official Microsoft documentation and updates as of October 2025:

• Passkey support on iOS: The Microsoft Authenticator app does support passkeys on iOS devices running iOS 17 or later. This includes using passkeys for same-device sign-in within browsers and native Microsoft applications, with biometric verification options like Face ID or Touch ID as part of the iOS operating system’s built-in security.
• Face ID support: Face ID can be used on iOS within the passkey sign-in flow since it leverages the OS-level biometric authentication. The absence of separate Face ID app-level settings may cause some confusion, but Face ID works through the standard iOS authentication prompts when using passkeys in Microsoft Authenticator.
• Feature Parity Status: Microsoft is actively working on feature parity between Android and iOS versions of the Authenticator app but rollouts may be phased based on platform differences and operating system requirements. Some advanced features like app-specific Face ID lock might still be progressing on iOS.
• Upcoming Updates: Recent updates to Microsoft Authenticator on iOS include improved backup and restore functionality using Apple iCloud and iCloud Keychain (removing the need for a Microsoft personal account for backup), which improves user experience and security consistency on iOS.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to regularly check the Microsoft Authenticator release notes and Microsoft Entra blog announcements.

Note:

• Ensure your iOS device is running iOS 17 or later to use passkeys and biometric sign-in features.
• Use the native Face ID or Touch ID prompts that appear during passkey authentication in the app or browser.
• Stay tuned to official Microsoft channels for announcements on further feature parity and new capabilities for iOS.

References:

• Sign in with passkeys in Authenticator for Android and iOS - Microsoft Docs
• Register passkeys in Authenticator on Android and iOS - Microsoft Docs

I hope this information is helpful. Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions. If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly Upvote it.