How to Create a Passkey on Telegram（2025）

Table of Contents

• What Is a Passkey and Why Does Telegram Need One

• How Passkeys Differ From SMS Verification

• Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Passkey on Telegram

• Enabling Two-Factor Authentication Without SMS

• Security Benefits of Using Passkeys

• Setting Up Recovery Methods for Your Passkey

• Choose a Better Telegram Client for Enhanced Security

• Troubleshooting Common Passkey Issues

Passkeys are becoming the modern way to secure your accounts without depending on text messages. If you use Telegram, setting up a passkey gives you a stronger login method that removes the need for SMS verification codes. This 2025 guide shows you exactly how to create a passkey on Telegram to protect your account from unauthorized access while maintaining easy login across your devices.

What Is a Passkey and Why Does Telegram Need One

A passkey is a digital security method that replaces traditional passwords and text message codes. Instead of waiting for an SMS to arrive, a passkey uses encryption technology stored on your device to verify your identity. Your device generates a unique code that only works when you try to log in from a recognized location or device. FIDO2 standards support this technology, making it an industry-approved security method.

Telegram supports passkeys because they offer better protection against common threats. Text messages can be intercepted by attackers using SIM card hijacking or phone number spoofing. A passkey prevents these attacks because it exists only on your device and cannot be stolen through your phone number.

How Passkeys Differ From SMS Verification

SMS verification works by sending a temporary code to your phone number. You must receive this code and type it into the app before gaining access. This system has vulnerabilities because attackers can redirect your messages or steal your phone number through social engineering.

Passkeys function differently. Instead of receiving a code, your device stores encrypted authentication data. When you log in, your device automatically confirms your identity without sending anything over the internet. This happens through biometric verification like your fingerprint or facial recognition, or through a device PIN.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Passkey on Telegram

Opening Your Telegram Settings

Start by launching the official Telegram application on your device. Navigate to the Settings menu, typically found in the bottom right corner of the app. Look for the option labeled "Privacy and Security" or "Account." This section contains all your login and verification options.

Accessing Two-Step Verification Settings

Within your privacy settings, find "Two-Step Verification" or "Password." Telegram calls this feature by different names depending on your app version. Select this option to begin the passkey setup process. You may need to confirm your current login method before proceeding.

Creating Your Passkey

The app will prompt you to create a new authentication method. Instead of selecting SMS code, choose the passkey or biometric option. Your device will ask you to use your fingerprint, face recognition, or device PIN to create the passkey. Complete this step by following your device's instructions for biometric enrollment.

Confirming Your Passkey

After creating your passkey, Telegram will ask you to confirm it works. You may need to log out and log back in to test the new authentication method. Complete a test login using your passkey to ensure everything functions properly before relying on it exclusively.

Enabling Two-Factor Authentication Without SMS

Two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an additional security layer beyond your passkey. Even though passkeys already offer strong protection, adding 2FA creates redundant security. Open your Telegram settings and locate "Two-Step Verification." Enable this feature and set a strong backup password.

Your backup password serves as recovery if you lose access to your passkey device. Create a password containing uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols. Avoid using personal information like birthdates or names. Make this password different from any other passwords you use on other services.

Security Benefits of Using Passkeys

Passkeys eliminate several security risks present in SMS-based systems. NIST cybersecurity guidelines recommend moving away from text message authentication because it remains vulnerable despite widespread use. When you use a passkey instead, attackers cannot intercept your login credentials through phone network vulnerabilities.

Your passkey also resists phishing attacks more effectively than passwords. Even if you accidentally visit a fake Telegram login page, the page cannot capture your passkey because it requires biometric confirmation on your actual device. This fundamental difference makes passkeys far more resistant to social engineering.

Additionally, passkeys provide automatic cross-device synchronization on newer phones. If your Telegram account is tied to your Apple or Google account, your passkey syncs across all your devices. This means you can access your account from a new phone without needing a recovery code.

Setting Up Recovery Methods for Your Passkey

Adding a Recovery Email Address

Even though your passkey provides strong security, you should still add recovery methods. Within your Telegram account settings, find the option to add a recovery email address. Select an email account you access regularly and that has strong security. Telegram uses this email to help you regain access if you lose your device.

Enable two-factor authentication on your recovery email account as well. This prevents attackers from using your email to reset your Telegram account. Make your recovery email password different from your Telegram backup password.

Creating a Recovery Code

Telegram may offer a one-time recovery code during passkey setup. Write this code down on paper and store it in a secure location separate from your phone. Never screenshot or email this code to yourself, as digital copies can be hacked. This code serves as your last resort if you lose both your device and access to your recovery email.

Backing Up Your Recovery Information

Document your account recovery process in a secure location. Store this information in a password manager like 1Password or Dashlane rather than writing it down multiple times. These services encrypt your sensitive information and provide redundancy across their secure servers.

Choose a Better Telegram Client for Enhanced Security

While the official Telegram app supports passkeys, several third-party clients offer additional security features and customization options. Turrit serves as a premium alternative that maintains full compatibility with your Telegram account while adding enhanced privacy controls.

Enhanced Security Features in Third-Party Clients

Turrit includes advanced security options that complement your passkey setup. The client offers keyword blocking to filter suspicious messages and a privacy detection tool that assesses your account's security score. These features work alongside your passkey to create multiple layers of protection.

Turrit supports logging into up to 10 different Telegram accounts simultaneously. If you manage multiple accounts for different purposes, you can switch between them without logging out repeatedly. This feature maintains security by avoiding the need to reuse passwords across accounts.

Why Third-Party Clients Matter for Privacy

Third-party Telegram clients like Turrit often provide better privacy detection capabilities. The Turrit privacy detection feature scans your current account settings and identifies potential security gaps. You can enhance your privacy with one click instead of navigating through multiple settings screens.

The Turrit client also lets you customize your experience with adjustable navigation layouts and app icons. These customization features make security management more intuitive and help you maintain consistent security practices across all your devices.

Download Turrit to experience enhanced Telegram security features alongside your passkey setup. The client maintains all passkey functionality while adding privacy detection, keyword blocking, and multi-account support for comprehensive account protection.

Troubleshooting Common Passkey Issues

Passkey Not Working After Device Update

Sometimes operating system updates affect passkey functionality. If your passkey stops working after updating your device, open Telegram and navigate to your Two-Step Verification settings. Delete the passkey and recreate it following the setup steps outlined above. Your backup password remains active during this process.

Losing Access to Your Passkey Device

If you lose or damage the device where you created your passkey, use your recovery email address to regain access. Telegram will send a verification link to your recovery email. Click this link and verify your identity to reset your passkey on a new device.

Recovery Email Not Receiving Verification Messages

Check your recovery email's spam folder first. Telegram emails sometimes get filtered as spam by email providers. If you cannot find the message, verify that you added the correct email address to your Telegram account. Use your recovery code if you have one stored securely.

Backup Password Forgotten

If you forget your backup password, you cannot reset it without access to your recovery email or recovery code. Access your recovery email account and look for an option to confirm a new password. Once you verify your email, Telegram allows you to create a new backup password.

Always test your recovery methods before you need them. Log out and log back in using your passkey every month to confirm the system works. Try accessing your recovery email settings at least once to ensure you remember how to navigate there. This practice prevents surprises if you ever need to use your backup methods.