Integrating Face ID& Touch ID Authenticationin React Native

Integrating Face ID & Touch ID Authentication in React Native

Oct 09, 2025 |

9 minutes read

Integrating Face ID& Touch ID Authenticationin React Native

Biometric Authentication Integration in React Native

Biometric authentication (Face ID and Touch ID) provides a seamless and secure way for users to log in or authorize sensitive actions in your app. In React Native, you can integrate biometrics using community libraries and platform APIs.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

  • Why biometrics matter
  • Choosing the right library
  • Implementation with react-native-keychain and react-native-biometrics
  • Handling fallbacks and edge cases
  • Best practices for security

Why Use Biometrics?

  • Security: Stronger than simple passwords or PINs.
  • Convenience: Faster logins and approvals.
  • Trust: Users expect native features like Face ID/Touch ID in modern apps.

Typical use cases:

  • Unlocking the app after an idle time
  • Confirming payments
  • Accessing sensitive data (profile, wallet, documents)

Choosing a Library

Two popular options are:

  1. react-native-keychain → Handles secure storage + biometric authentication.
  2. react-native-biometrics → Focused purely on biometric prompts and keys.

For most apps, react-native-keychain is enough.

Set up with react-native-keychain

Install

npm install react-native-keychain

For iOS:

  • Enable Face ID / Touch ID in Xcode → Signing & Capabilities → Keychain Sharing.
  • Add usage description in Info.plist:

<key>NSFaceIDUsageDescription</key>

<string>We use Face ID to secure your account</string>

For Android:

  • No extra config needed, but the device must support biometrics.

Storing Credentials Securely


import * as Keychain from 'react-native-keychain';

// Save credentials with biometric access

await Keychain.setGenericPassword('username', 'password', {
  accessControl: Keychain.ACCESS_CONTROL.BIOMETRY_ANY,
  accessible: Keychain.ACCESSIBLE.WHEN_UNLOCKED,
});

Prompting Biometric Authentication


import * as Keychain from 'react-native-keychain';

async function authenticate() {
  try {
    const creds = await Keychain.getGenericPassword({
      authenticationPrompt: {
        title: 'Login with Face ID / Touch ID',
      },
    });

    if (creds) {
      console.log('Authenticated!', creds.username);
    } else {
      console.log('No credentials stored');
    }
  } catch (err) {
    console.error('Authentication failed', err);
  }
}

On iOS → Face ID / Touch ID prompt appears.On Android → Biometric prompt (fingerprint/face, depending on device).

Handling Fallbacks


Not all devices have Face ID or Touch ID. Always provide fallbacks:
const supported = await Keychain.getSupportedBiometryType();

if (supported) {
  console.log('Supported biometric:', supported);
} else {
  console.log('Fallback to PIN/Password');
}

Options:

  • PIN/password screen
  • Skip biometrics entirely if unsupported

Using react-native-biometrics

If you need cryptographic keys tied to biometrics:


npm install react-native-biometrics

import ReactNativeBiometrics from 'react-native-biometrics';
const rnBiometrics = new ReactNativeBiometrics();

rnBiometrics.simplePrompt({ promptMessage: 'Confirm with Face ID / Touch ID' })
  .then(result => {
    if (result.success) {
      console.log('Biometric authentication success');
    } else {
      console.log('User cancelled');
    }
  });

Best Practices

  • Always give users an opt-in setting for biometrics.
  • Provide a fallback method (PIN, password).
  • Show clear prompts (e.g., “Use Face ID to log in to your account”).
  • Store only tokens/keys, not raw passwords.
  • Handle lockouts (too many failed attempts → fallback to password).

Secure Your App with Biometric Authentication

The Way Forward

Integrating Face ID and Touch ID in React Native boosts both security and usability. Using libraries like react-native-keychain or react-native-biometrics, you can store credentials securely and prompt for biometric authentication with minimal code.

With proper fallbacks, clear UX, and secure storage, your app can provide users with modern, secure login experiences.

Free Consultation

    Lopa Das

    With over 13 years of experience, Lopa Das is a seasoned professional at iFlair Web Technologies Pvt Ltd, specializing in web and mobile app development. Her technical expertise spans across Laravel, PHP, CodeIgniter, CakePHP, React, Vue.js, Nuxt.js, iOS, Android, Flutter, and React Native. Known for her exceptional skills in team handling, client communication, presales, and risk analysis, Lopa ensures seamless project execution from start to finish. Her proficiency in Laravel CRM, Next.js, and mobile app development makes her a valuable asset in delivering robust, scalable solutions.



    MAP_New

    Global Footprints

    Served clients across the globe from38+ countries

    iFlair Web Technologies
    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.