Security

Passkey adoption in 2025: where are we now?

September 30, 2025

Passkey adoption in 2025: where are we now?

As we enter 2025, the adoption of passkeys—public-key-based authentication that replaces traditional passwords—has reached a critical mass. However, the journey to mainstream adoption is still fraught with challenges. This post explores the current state of passkey adoption, focusing on browser support, platform authenticator coverage, user adoption rates, and the remaining barriers to widespread use.

Browser support: the foundation of passkey adoption

Passkey adoption is heavily dependent on browser support. As of early 2025, the major browsers—Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge—have made significant strides in implementing passkey support. However, the level of support varies across platforms and versions.

  • Chrome: Supports passkey login via the WebAuthn API, but requires users to enable the feature in their settings.
  • Firefox: Has full support for passkey login, including the ability to store and retrieve keys from the browser's local storage.
  • Safari: Has limited support for passkey login, primarily due to Apple's focus on privacy and security.
  • Edge: Has full support for passkey login, including the ability to store and retrieve keys from the browser's local storage.

Key insight: While browser support is a critical factor, it is not the only one. The lack of consistent support across platforms can lead to fragmented user experiences.

Platform authenticator coverage: the next frontier

Platform authenticators—such as the PlatformAuthenticator in the WebAuthn API—are becoming increasingly important in the passkey ecosystem. These authenticators allow users to authenticate using their device's built-in security features, such as biometrics or hardware-based keys.

However, the coverage of platform authenticators is still limited. For example, while Chrome and Firefox support platform authenticators, Safari and Edge do not. This lack of coverage can lead to a fragmented user experience and reduced adoption rates.

User adoption rates: the real-world test

Despite the progress in browser and platform support, user adoption rates remain a key challenge. As of early 2025, the global adoption of passkeys is estimated to be around 15-20%. This is a significant increase from the previous year, but still far from mainstream.

One of the main reasons for the slow adoption is the lack of clear guidance and support for users. Many users are still unfamiliar with the concept of passkeys and how to use them. This lack of awareness can lead to confusion and reduced adoption rates.

Warning: The lack of clear guidance and support for users can lead to confusion and reduced adoption rates. It is essential to provide users with clear instructions and support to ensure successful adoption.

What's still blocking passkeys from going mainstream?

Despite the progress, there are still several barriers that are preventing passkeys from going mainstream. These include:

  • Lack of standardization: The lack of a unified standard for passkey implementation is leading to fragmentation and reduced adoption rates.
  • Security concerns: While passkeys are more secure than traditional passwords, there are still concerns about their long-term viability and security.
  • Privacy concerns: