OTP vs. Magic Links vs Passkeys: Which One Should You Choose for User Verification?
Pick the wrong verification method and you lose users before they even finish signing up. OTPs, magic links, and passkeys each solve this differently, and the differences matter more than most teams assume.
Rowan Haddad
Content & SEO Manager
Summary
OTPs, magic links, and passkeys all aim to remove the friction of passwords, but each makes different tradeoffs between security, familiarity, and device support. The right choice depends on your users, your risk tolerance, and how much control you want over the authentication flow.
When a user signs up for your platform, the last thing you want is friction. Whether it's entering a code, clicking a link, or approving a prompt on their device, that first interaction sets the tone. OTPs (One-Time Passwords), Magic Links, and Passkeys are three of the most widely used approaches to passwordless authentication today, but they each come with real tradeoffs.
OTPs work across any device and remain the standard in security-sensitive industries like fintech. Magic links reduce friction further but depend on email access and active sessions. Passkeys offer the strongest phishing resistance of the three, using device-bound cryptography instead of a code or link that can be intercepted, but they require newer devices and a different implementation approach.
Which one is fastest? Which one is most secure? And most importantly, which one is right for your users? Let's break it down.
What is Passwordless Authentication?
Passwordless authentication is the umbrella term for any sign-in method that doesn't require typing a password. OTPs, magic links, and passkeys are all technically passwordless, since none of them ask a user to remember or enter a password. That said, when people search for passwordless authentication specifically, they usually mean passkeys, the newer, biometric-backed approach built on FIDO2 and WebAuthn, and the shift toward it is accelerating fast.
According to the FIDO Alliance's State of Passkeys 2026 report, there are now an estimated 5 billion passkeys in active use worldwide, 75% of consumers have enabled a passkey on at least one account, and 48% of the world's top 100 websites support them, more than double the 2022 figure. Passkeys are no longer a niche experiment. They are quickly becoming the default wherever device support allows, which is exactly the context worth keeping in mind as you weigh these three options.
What are OTPs, Magic Links & Passkeys?
User authentication comes in many forms, but OTPs, Magic Links, and Passkeys have emerged as the three most common passwordless approaches. While all three aim to simplify the login process, they function in very different ways.
1. OTP (One-Time Password)
An OTP is a temporary code sent via SMS, email, or an authenticator app. Enter the code, and you're in, simple as that. Since OTPs expire quickly and can’t be reused, they add an extra layer of security against credential theft.
You’ve probably seen them everywhere: logging into your bank account, verifying a payment, or resetting a password. That’s because OTPs are the go-to for industries like fintech, banking, and e-commerce, where security is non-negotiable.
Businesses love OTPs because they’re familiar to users and easy to integrate. No password headaches, no complex setup, just a quick code and you’re verified. But they aren’t perfect. SMS delays can leave users stuck waiting, and security risks like SIM swapping or SMS pumping mean choosing the right OTP provider is crucial.
So, are OTPs the best choice? It depends on your needs. They’re reliable but come with trade-offs.
2. Magic Links
Magic links ditch the whole password game. Instead of entering a code, users receive a unique link via email, click it, and you’re in. No memorizing, no resetting, no hassle.
They’re a favorite for SaaS platforms, subscription services, and apps where users log in occasionally rather than daily. The biggest selling point? Simplicity. Magic links remove friction and speed up onboarding, making them a dream for user experience teams.
But here’s the catch: if your email is inaccessible or the link lands in spam, you’re stuck. And for mobile-first apps, constantly switching between email and an app can feel clunky.
Magic links are great when speed isn’t the top priority, but if instant access is a must, they might not always be the best fit.
3. Passkeys
Passkeys take a fundamentally different approach from the other two. Instead of sending a code or link that has to travel across a network, a passkey uses public-private key cryptography built on the FIDO2 and WebAuthn standards. The private key is generated and stored directly on the user's device, in a hardware-isolated secure store like Apple's Secure Enclave, Android's StrongBox, or a Windows TPM, and it never leaves that device. The website only ever holds the matching public key.
When a user signs in, their device proves it holds the private key by responding to a cryptographic challenge, typically unlocked with Face ID, a fingerprint, or a device PIN. Nothing reusable ever crosses the network, and there's no shared secret for an attacker to steal, guess, or phish.
This is what makes passkeys phishing-resistant by design rather than by policy. The credential is cryptographically bound to the real website's domain, so even if a user is tricked into visiting a convincing lookalike site, their device and browser simply won't produce a valid response. Codes and links can be forwarded, screenshotted, or replayed by a determined attacker; a passkey can't be.
Passkeys come in two forms: synced passkeys, backed up through a platform's own keychain (Apple's iCloud Keychain, Google Password Manager) so they carry over automatically to a user's other devices, and device-bound hardware keys (like a YubiKey), which never sync anywhere and are typically reserved for higher-security enterprise or regulated use cases.
The tradeoff is device dependency and setup friction. Passkeys work best when a user is on a modern device with platform support already built in, and account recovery needs to be designed deliberately, since losing a device without a backup passkey or recovery method configured can lock a user out entirely.
What are the Strengths and Weaknesses of OTPs, Magic Links and Passkeys?
Choosing the right authentication method isn’t just about security, it’s about finding the right balance between usability, reliability, and cost. All three methods have their advantages and drawbacks, depending on your platform’s needs.
Why choose OTPs?
OTPs remain one of the most widely used authentication methods. But what makes them so effective?
Familiar for users: most people have encountered OTPs for banking, e-commerce, or account recovery, making the process intuitive,
Great for mobile-first businesses: since many users sign up with their phone numbers, SMS OTPs offer a seamless way to verify accounts,
Supports multi-factor authentication (MFA): OTPs add an extra security layer when combined with passwords, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
However, OTPs aren’t without their challenges:
Susceptible to SMS fraud: SIM swapping, SMS pumping, and interception attacks can compromise account security if the wrong provider is chosen.
Costly for businesses: sending OTPs via SMS incurs recurring costs, which can quickly add up for platforms with large user bases.
Delivery issues can frustrate users: delayed or failed SMS messages can prevent users from logging in, leading to drop-offs and increased support requests.
💡 If you're already using Prelude to send OTPs to your users, rest assured that our solution already meets these challenges. Thanks to our intelligent routing system and SMS pumping prevention algorithm, Prelude Verify ensures a 99% delivery rate worldwide, while keeping costs low for our customers.
OTPs offer a strong balance between security and convenience, but they require a reliable infrastructure to avoid security risks and delivery failures. It's always better to check the OTP security measures that your provider offers.
Are Magic Links the best solution for seamless authentication?
Magic links remove the hassle of passwords and provide a frictionless login experience. But are they always the best choice?
Seamless and secure: no need to remember or reset passwords, reducing user frustration and account lockouts,
Eliminates password fatigue: users simply click a link to log in, making authentication effortless,
Ideal for web-based platforms: works well for SaaS products, subscription services, and apps where users log in less frequently.
But magic links also have some limitations:
Requires email access: if a user isn’t logged into their email, retrieving the link adds unnecessary friction, especially on mobile.
Email reliability issues: magic links can be delayed, end up in spam, or get blocked, leading to a poor user experience.
Less familiar for some users: not everyone understands how magic links work, which can cause confusion and increase drop-off rates.
Security risks if email is compromised: if an attacker gains access to a user’s email, they can use magic links to take over accounts.
Magic links simplify authentication, but they rely on email accessibility and user habits. They work best for web platforms where security risks are lower and users value convenience.
Are Passkeys worth the switch?
Passkeys offer the strongest security guarantee of the three, but they come with real implementation and adoption tradeoffs worth weighing.
Phishing-resistant by design: the cryptographic binding to a specific domain means credentials simply can't be phished, replayed, or reused the way a code or link can.
No shared secret to steal: since nothing reusable travels across the network, there's nothing for an attacker to intercept even if they compromise the connection.
Fast for returning users: once set up, signing in is often just a fingerprint or Face ID prompt, faster than typing a code or switching to an email app.
But passkeys also come with real limitations:
Device and platform dependency: passkeys rely on modern device support (recent iOS, Android, or Windows versions), which can leave some users behind.
Recovery requires deliberate design: losing a device without a backup passkey or recovery method configured can lock a user out, so account recovery has to be a first-class part of the implementation, not an afterthought.
Less familiar to some users: passkeys are newer than OTPs and magic links, and some users may need a moment of onboarding to understand what's being asked of them.
More implementation effort upfront: integrating WebAuthn is a different technical lift than sending a code or a link, and cross-device syncing behavior varies by platform.
Passkeys are increasingly the recommended default for new accounts where phishing resistance matters most, but they work best as part of a broader strategy rather than a single universal replacement, especially while adoption is still catching up across older devices.
At a Glance: OTP vs. Magic Links vs. Passkeys
OTP | Magic Links | Passkeys | |
Phishing resistance | Moderate. Vulnerable to SIM swapping and interception | Moderate. Vulnerable if the user's email is compromised | Highest. Cryptographically bound to the domain, nothing to intercept |
Device dependency | Low. Works on any phone that can receive SMS | Low. Needs access to the linked email account | Higher. Needs a modern device with platform support |
User familiarity | High. Widely used across banking and e-commerce | Medium. Common in SaaS, less familiar elsewhere | Lower. Newer to most users, though awareness is rising fast |
Implementation effort | Low to moderate. Requires reliable SMS delivery infrastructure | Low. Requires reliable email delivery infrastructure | Higher. Requires WebAuthn integration and a deliberate recovery flow |
Best fit | Mobile-first apps, high-risk actions, MFA fallback | Web-based platforms, infrequent logins | Returning users on modern devices, highest-security defaults |
Which Method is Best for You?
There’s no universal answer when it comes to user verification. The best method depends on your audience, security requirements, and the type of platform you operate. OTPs, magic links, and passkeys each have their strengths, but choosing the right one means understanding how your users interact with your service and what level of security your platform actually requires.
Key factors to consider
User base preferences: are your users more comfortable receiving a text message, clicking an email link, or using Face ID or a fingerprint?
Security needs: does your platform handle sensitive data that requires the strongest possible resistance to phishing?
Device usage: are your users primarily on mobile, where switching between apps can create friction, or on modern devices that already support passkeys natively?
User base sophistication: are your users comfortable with a newer authentication concept, or do they need something immediately familiar?
Which method works best for different use cases?
High-risk accounts (banking, fintech, healthcare,...): Passkeys offer the strongest protection against phishing and account takeover, making them the best fit where security matters most. OTP remains a strong, well-understood second factor where passkey adoption isn't yet universal across your user base.
Mobile-first apps: OTP works best for apps that use phone numbers as the primary identifier. SMS-based authentication is familiar, fast, and easy to use on mobile devices, while passkeys are an increasingly strong option as device support becomes standard.
Web-based platforms: Magic links are a great option for SaaS applications, subscription services, and platforms where users log in less frequently. However, OTPs can still be a viable choice if security is a concern. Passkeys are also a strong fit for return visitors on modern browsers.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA): OTP is often used as a second authentication factor, adding an extra layer of security beyond just a password or a magic link, or even a passkey for the highest-security use cases.
Choosing between OTPs, magic links and passkeys isn’t just a technical decision, it directly impacts your user experience, security, and business scalability. OTPs provide familiarity and strong security, making them ideal for mobile-first apps and high-risk accounts. Magic links remove password friction, offering a seamless experience for web-based platforms where convenience matters most. Passkeys offer the strongest phishing resistance available today, and are increasingly the right default wherever device support allows.
Ultimately, the best approach might not be choosing just one method but offering users the flexibility to choose between OTPs, magic links, and passkeys based on their preferences and devices. Some businesses combine all three, using passkeys where supported, OTPs for high-risk actions or as a fallback, and magic links for general logins, to optimize security and user experience together.
Ready to streamline user authentication? Try Prelude for free or contact our sales team to find the best solution for you.
FAQs
Are passkeys safer than OTPs?
Yes, in one important sense: passkeys are phishing-resistant by design, since the credential is cryptographically bound to a specific website and can't be intercepted, forwarded, or replayed the way an OTP code can. OTPs are still a strong, well-understood security layer, but they remain vulnerable to SIM swapping, SMS interception, and social engineering in ways passkeys are not.
Can I use passkeys and OTPs together?
Yes, and many businesses do. A common approach is to offer passkeys as the primary sign-in method for supported devices, while keeping OTP available as a fallback for users on older devices or as an additional verification step for high-risk actions like changing account details or making a large transaction.
Do magic links work well on mobile?
Not always. Magic links require switching from your app to an email client to retrieve the link, which can feel clunky on mobile compared to entering a code or approving a biometric prompt. They tend to work best on web-based platforms where users are already checking email in the same browsing session.
What happens if a user loses the device their passkey is stored on?
This depends on how account recovery is set up. Synced passkeys (through iCloud Keychain or Google Password Manager) typically carry over to a user's other devices automatically, but device-bound hardware keys do not. A solid passkey implementation should always include a backup recovery method, such as a secondary passkey, backup codes, or an identity verification flow, so losing a device doesn't lock a user out entirely.
Which method should I choose for a high-security application?
Passkeys currently offer the strongest resistance to phishing and account takeover, making them the best default for high-security use cases where device support allows. OTP remains a reliable second factor or fallback option, particularly for users on devices that don't yet support passkeys.
When a user signs up for your platform, the last thing you want is friction. Whether it's entering a code, clicking a link, or approving a prompt on their device, that first interaction sets the tone. OTPs (One-Time Passwords), Magic Links, and Passkeys are three of the most widely used approaches to passwordless authentication today, but they each come with real tradeoffs.
OTPs work across any device and remain the standard in security-sensitive industries like fintech. Magic links reduce friction further but depend on email access and active sessions. Passkeys offer the strongest phishing resistance of the three, using device-bound cryptography instead of a code or link that can be intercepted, but they require newer devices and a different implementation approach.
Which one is fastest? Which one is most secure? And most importantly, which one is right for your users? Let's break it down.
What is Passwordless Authentication?
Passwordless authentication is the umbrella term for any sign-in method that doesn't require typing a password. OTPs, magic links, and passkeys are all technically passwordless, since none of them ask a user to remember or enter a password. That said, when people search for passwordless authentication specifically, they usually mean passkeys, the newer, biometric-backed approach built on FIDO2 and WebAuthn, and the shift toward it is accelerating fast.
According to the FIDO Alliance's State of Passkeys 2026 report, there are now an estimated 5 billion passkeys in active use worldwide, 75% of consumers have enabled a passkey on at least one account, and 48% of the world's top 100 websites support them, more than double the 2022 figure. Passkeys are no longer a niche experiment. They are quickly becoming the default wherever device support allows, which is exactly the context worth keeping in mind as you weigh these three options.
What are OTPs, Magic Links & Passkeys?
User authentication comes in many forms, but OTPs, Magic Links, and Passkeys have emerged as the three most common passwordless approaches. While all three aim to simplify the login process, they function in very different ways.
1. OTP (One-Time Password)
An OTP is a temporary code sent via SMS, email, or an authenticator app. Enter the code, and you're in, simple as that. Since OTPs expire quickly and can’t be reused, they add an extra layer of security against credential theft.
You’ve probably seen them everywhere: logging into your bank account, verifying a payment, or resetting a password. That’s because OTPs are the go-to for industries like fintech, banking, and e-commerce, where security is non-negotiable.
Businesses love OTPs because they’re familiar to users and easy to integrate. No password headaches, no complex setup, just a quick code and you’re verified. But they aren’t perfect. SMS delays can leave users stuck waiting, and security risks like SIM swapping or SMS pumping mean choosing the right OTP provider is crucial.
So, are OTPs the best choice? It depends on your needs. They’re reliable but come with trade-offs.
2. Magic Links
Magic links ditch the whole password game. Instead of entering a code, users receive a unique link via email, click it, and you’re in. No memorizing, no resetting, no hassle.
They’re a favorite for SaaS platforms, subscription services, and apps where users log in occasionally rather than daily. The biggest selling point? Simplicity. Magic links remove friction and speed up onboarding, making them a dream for user experience teams.
But here’s the catch: if your email is inaccessible or the link lands in spam, you’re stuck. And for mobile-first apps, constantly switching between email and an app can feel clunky.
Magic links are great when speed isn’t the top priority, but if instant access is a must, they might not always be the best fit.
3. Passkeys
Passkeys take a fundamentally different approach from the other two. Instead of sending a code or link that has to travel across a network, a passkey uses public-private key cryptography built on the FIDO2 and WebAuthn standards. The private key is generated and stored directly on the user's device, in a hardware-isolated secure store like Apple's Secure Enclave, Android's StrongBox, or a Windows TPM, and it never leaves that device. The website only ever holds the matching public key.
When a user signs in, their device proves it holds the private key by responding to a cryptographic challenge, typically unlocked with Face ID, a fingerprint, or a device PIN. Nothing reusable ever crosses the network, and there's no shared secret for an attacker to steal, guess, or phish.
This is what makes passkeys phishing-resistant by design rather than by policy. The credential is cryptographically bound to the real website's domain, so even if a user is tricked into visiting a convincing lookalike site, their device and browser simply won't produce a valid response. Codes and links can be forwarded, screenshotted, or replayed by a determined attacker; a passkey can't be.
Passkeys come in two forms: synced passkeys, backed up through a platform's own keychain (Apple's iCloud Keychain, Google Password Manager) so they carry over automatically to a user's other devices, and device-bound hardware keys (like a YubiKey), which never sync anywhere and are typically reserved for higher-security enterprise or regulated use cases.
The tradeoff is device dependency and setup friction. Passkeys work best when a user is on a modern device with platform support already built in, and account recovery needs to be designed deliberately, since losing a device without a backup passkey or recovery method configured can lock a user out entirely.
What are the Strengths and Weaknesses of OTPs, Magic Links and Passkeys?
Choosing the right authentication method isn’t just about security, it’s about finding the right balance between usability, reliability, and cost. All three methods have their advantages and drawbacks, depending on your platform’s needs.
Why choose OTPs?
OTPs remain one of the most widely used authentication methods. But what makes them so effective?
Familiar for users: most people have encountered OTPs for banking, e-commerce, or account recovery, making the process intuitive,
Great for mobile-first businesses: since many users sign up with their phone numbers, SMS OTPs offer a seamless way to verify accounts,
Supports multi-factor authentication (MFA): OTPs add an extra security layer when combined with passwords, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
However, OTPs aren’t without their challenges:
Susceptible to SMS fraud: SIM swapping, SMS pumping, and interception attacks can compromise account security if the wrong provider is chosen.
Costly for businesses: sending OTPs via SMS incurs recurring costs, which can quickly add up for platforms with large user bases.
Delivery issues can frustrate users: delayed or failed SMS messages can prevent users from logging in, leading to drop-offs and increased support requests.
💡 If you're already using Prelude to send OTPs to your users, rest assured that our solution already meets these challenges. Thanks to our intelligent routing system and SMS pumping prevention algorithm, Prelude Verify ensures a 99% delivery rate worldwide, while keeping costs low for our customers.
OTPs offer a strong balance between security and convenience, but they require a reliable infrastructure to avoid security risks and delivery failures. It's always better to check the OTP security measures that your provider offers.
Are Magic Links the best solution for seamless authentication?
Magic links remove the hassle of passwords and provide a frictionless login experience. But are they always the best choice?
Seamless and secure: no need to remember or reset passwords, reducing user frustration and account lockouts,
Eliminates password fatigue: users simply click a link to log in, making authentication effortless,
Ideal for web-based platforms: works well for SaaS products, subscription services, and apps where users log in less frequently.
But magic links also have some limitations:
Requires email access: if a user isn’t logged into their email, retrieving the link adds unnecessary friction, especially on mobile.
Email reliability issues: magic links can be delayed, end up in spam, or get blocked, leading to a poor user experience.
Less familiar for some users: not everyone understands how magic links work, which can cause confusion and increase drop-off rates.
Security risks if email is compromised: if an attacker gains access to a user’s email, they can use magic links to take over accounts.
Magic links simplify authentication, but they rely on email accessibility and user habits. They work best for web platforms where security risks are lower and users value convenience.
Are Passkeys worth the switch?
Passkeys offer the strongest security guarantee of the three, but they come with real implementation and adoption tradeoffs worth weighing.
Phishing-resistant by design: the cryptographic binding to a specific domain means credentials simply can't be phished, replayed, or reused the way a code or link can.
No shared secret to steal: since nothing reusable travels across the network, there's nothing for an attacker to intercept even if they compromise the connection.
Fast for returning users: once set up, signing in is often just a fingerprint or Face ID prompt, faster than typing a code or switching to an email app.
But passkeys also come with real limitations:
Device and platform dependency: passkeys rely on modern device support (recent iOS, Android, or Windows versions), which can leave some users behind.
Recovery requires deliberate design: losing a device without a backup passkey or recovery method configured can lock a user out, so account recovery has to be a first-class part of the implementation, not an afterthought.
Less familiar to some users: passkeys are newer than OTPs and magic links, and some users may need a moment of onboarding to understand what's being asked of them.
More implementation effort upfront: integrating WebAuthn is a different technical lift than sending a code or a link, and cross-device syncing behavior varies by platform.
Passkeys are increasingly the recommended default for new accounts where phishing resistance matters most, but they work best as part of a broader strategy rather than a single universal replacement, especially while adoption is still catching up across older devices.
At a Glance: OTP vs. Magic Links vs. Passkeys
OTP | Magic Links | Passkeys | |
Phishing resistance | Moderate. Vulnerable to SIM swapping and interception | Moderate. Vulnerable if the user's email is compromised | Highest. Cryptographically bound to the domain, nothing to intercept |
Device dependency | Low. Works on any phone that can receive SMS | Low. Needs access to the linked email account | Higher. Needs a modern device with platform support |
User familiarity | High. Widely used across banking and e-commerce | Medium. Common in SaaS, less familiar elsewhere | Lower. Newer to most users, though awareness is rising fast |
Implementation effort | Low to moderate. Requires reliable SMS delivery infrastructure | Low. Requires reliable email delivery infrastructure | Higher. Requires WebAuthn integration and a deliberate recovery flow |
Best fit | Mobile-first apps, high-risk actions, MFA fallback | Web-based platforms, infrequent logins | Returning users on modern devices, highest-security defaults |
Which Method is Best for You?
There’s no universal answer when it comes to user verification. The best method depends on your audience, security requirements, and the type of platform you operate. OTPs, magic links, and passkeys each have their strengths, but choosing the right one means understanding how your users interact with your service and what level of security your platform actually requires.
Key factors to consider
User base preferences: are your users more comfortable receiving a text message, clicking an email link, or using Face ID or a fingerprint?
Security needs: does your platform handle sensitive data that requires the strongest possible resistance to phishing?
Device usage: are your users primarily on mobile, where switching between apps can create friction, or on modern devices that already support passkeys natively?
User base sophistication: are your users comfortable with a newer authentication concept, or do they need something immediately familiar?
Which method works best for different use cases?
High-risk accounts (banking, fintech, healthcare,...): Passkeys offer the strongest protection against phishing and account takeover, making them the best fit where security matters most. OTP remains a strong, well-understood second factor where passkey adoption isn't yet universal across your user base.
Mobile-first apps: OTP works best for apps that use phone numbers as the primary identifier. SMS-based authentication is familiar, fast, and easy to use on mobile devices, while passkeys are an increasingly strong option as device support becomes standard.
Web-based platforms: Magic links are a great option for SaaS applications, subscription services, and platforms where users log in less frequently. However, OTPs can still be a viable choice if security is a concern. Passkeys are also a strong fit for return visitors on modern browsers.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA): OTP is often used as a second authentication factor, adding an extra layer of security beyond just a password or a magic link, or even a passkey for the highest-security use cases.
Choosing between OTPs, magic links and passkeys isn’t just a technical decision, it directly impacts your user experience, security, and business scalability. OTPs provide familiarity and strong security, making them ideal for mobile-first apps and high-risk accounts. Magic links remove password friction, offering a seamless experience for web-based platforms where convenience matters most. Passkeys offer the strongest phishing resistance available today, and are increasingly the right default wherever device support allows.
Ultimately, the best approach might not be choosing just one method but offering users the flexibility to choose between OTPs, magic links, and passkeys based on their preferences and devices. Some businesses combine all three, using passkeys where supported, OTPs for high-risk actions or as a fallback, and magic links for general logins, to optimize security and user experience together.
Ready to streamline user authentication? Try Prelude for free or contact our sales team to find the best solution for you.
FAQs
Are passkeys safer than OTPs?
Yes, in one important sense: passkeys are phishing-resistant by design, since the credential is cryptographically bound to a specific website and can't be intercepted, forwarded, or replayed the way an OTP code can. OTPs are still a strong, well-understood security layer, but they remain vulnerable to SIM swapping, SMS interception, and social engineering in ways passkeys are not.
Can I use passkeys and OTPs together?
Yes, and many businesses do. A common approach is to offer passkeys as the primary sign-in method for supported devices, while keeping OTP available as a fallback for users on older devices or as an additional verification step for high-risk actions like changing account details or making a large transaction.
Do magic links work well on mobile?
Not always. Magic links require switching from your app to an email client to retrieve the link, which can feel clunky on mobile compared to entering a code or approving a biometric prompt. They tend to work best on web-based platforms where users are already checking email in the same browsing session.
What happens if a user loses the device their passkey is stored on?
This depends on how account recovery is set up. Synced passkeys (through iCloud Keychain or Google Password Manager) typically carry over to a user's other devices automatically, but device-bound hardware keys do not. A solid passkey implementation should always include a backup recovery method, such as a secondary passkey, backup codes, or an identity verification flow, so losing a device doesn't lock a user out entirely.
Which method should I choose for a high-security application?
Passkeys currently offer the strongest resistance to phishing and account takeover, making them the best default for high-security use cases where device support allows. OTP remains a reliable second factor or fallback option, particularly for users on devices that don't yet support passkeys.
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