Skip to main content
A
Anonymous
September 12, 2024
Question

Face ID on iPhone to unlock 1Password on macOS

  • September 12, 2024
  • 3 replies
  • 177 views

I've recently purchased M2 MacStudio(s), replacing Intel Macbook Pros.
Overall a GREAT decision for my design agency.
However, I had not accounted for the sheer convenience of the touch ID on the keyboard of the MBP paired with 1PW. I'm considering a YubiKey solution, (semi-expensive) or the WAY overpriced Apple Magic Keyboard (not great for many reasons)
Meantime: are there any plans on the 1PW dev roadmap that might include using the iPhone to unlock 1PW on the MacStudio?
I know this is possible at the OS level using 3rd party utility app Unlox, which allows the iPhone/Face ID to unlock the MacStudio at the login level.
I did uncover this thread from 2018 for a feature request but its aging like a fine but forgotten fine wine:
https://1password.community/discussion/86451/request-feature-use-touch-id-face-id-on-iphone-to-unlock-1password-on-macos
Any updates - or upvotes - for this are appreciated.

1Password Version: 8.10.44
Extension Version: Not Provided
OS Version: Mac OS 14.6.1
Browser: Not Provided

3 replies

1P_Dave
1P_Dave
1Password Employee
September 13, 2024

Hello @TalboMax! 👋

Thanks for reaching out. The challenge here is to deliver the secret that decrypts your data in a safe and secure manner. 1Password is able to offer Touch ID and Apple Watch unlock on the Mac because Apple has made APIs and the Secure Enclave available to third-party apps which 1Password is able to leverage to deliver convenience features without compromising security: About the security of using Touch ID or Apple Watch to unlock 1Password for Mac

Apple's Magic Keyboard with Touch ID would be the best solution here, it would provide you with the same functionality that you're already used to with your Macbook Pro. However I know that it isn't always possible to purchase these keyboards, especially for multiple users.

At the moment, the closest functionality available to unlock 1Password for Mac using Face ID on your iPhone would be by using a passkey to unlock 1Password for Mac. When unlocking 1Password with a passkey, you can choose to scan a QR code displayed in 1Password on your Mac using the camera app on your iPhone and then use Face ID to authenticate the login. Passkey unlock is currently available in beta: Unlock 1Password with a passkey (beta)

-Dave

ref: PB-42336320

A
Anonymous
September 13, 2024

Dave, thanks for your thorough response.

1P_Dave
1P_Dave
1Password Employee
September 13, 2024

I'm happy to help. In the meantime, I've also shared your request for such a feature with the team internally. 🙂

-Dave

Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement

©2026 1Password. All rights reserved.
4711 Yonge St, 10th Floor, Toronto Ontario, M2N 6K8, Canada