ExpressVPN Adds Passkeys to Android Application
The update introduces three new authentication methods to simplify and secure user logins on Android devices.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Cybersecurity
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ExpressVPN has released app version 12.85.0 for Android, introducing passkeys, email verification codes, and time-limited login tokens as sign-in options. These new methods are designed to replace reliance on traditional activation codes.
Why it matters
The implementation of passkeys and temporary tokens enhances account security and improves user convenience by streamlining the authentication process. These methods reduce the risk of unauthorized access compared to long-standing password or activation code systems.
The 12.85.0 app update adds three distinct authentication methods that align with the FIDO2/WebAuthn standard for passkey implementation. Users can now authenticate via email codes, scannable QR tokens, or device-stored passkeys.
The players
ExpressVPN
This is a global provider of virtual private network services that offers tools for privacy and data security.
The details
Users generate login tokens through the web portal to scan or paste into the application, while passkeys offer a more secure alternative to traditional passwords. Although legacy activation codes remain available, ExpressVPN is actively moving toward these modern standards.
Timeline
October 29, 2026: ExpressVPN released version 12.85.0 for Android.
End of 2026: All Android users are expected to have access to these new authentication options.
The Tech Race
The adoption of the FIDO2/WebAuthn authentication standard represents a broader industry move toward passwordless security. By integrating these protocols, the company is phasing out older activation methods to match the capabilities of modern security-focused platforms.
Users can now enjoy faster and more secure sign-ins by utilizing biometric-linked passkeys or email codes instead of managing traditional activation codes. This transition simplifies the login flow while reducing the security risks associated with shared or exposed credentials.
The takeaway
Adopting passkeys and time-limited tokens is a significant step toward securing personal data against unauthorized account access. Android users should update their application version to 12.85.0 to begin utilizing these more convenient and secure authentication methods.
What happens next
ExpressVPN plans to ensure all Android users have access to these new login options by the end of 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving standards for digital privacy, visit the Cybersecurity section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TechRadar.
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Do you trust passwordless authentication methods like passkeys to secure your personal online accounts?
