How to Enable Biometric or Passwordless Login in Drupal

As security threats grow and user expectations evolve, the traditional username-and-password combo is losing relevance. Users want speed, convenience, and security all at once. That’s why biometric and passwordless login methods are rapidly gaining traction.

If your site runs on Drupal, the good news is: you can implement passwordless or biometric authentication using existing modules, modern protocols, and third-party integrations. In this blog, we’ll show you how to enable this next-gen authentication setup even if you're not running a custom enterprise stack.

Why Go Passwordless?

Traditional passwords are:

• Easy to forget

• Often reused across multiple sites

• Prone to phishing and brute-force attacks

Passwordless logins offer major advantages:

• Better user experience

• Faster access for repeat visitors

• Reduced attack vectors

• Seamless integration with mobile devices

Popular methods include biometrics (like Face ID, fingerprint), magic links, one-time passwords (OTP), and social logins.

Passwordless Login Options in Drupal

Drupal doesn't ship with passwordless login out-of-the-box, but it can support it through several powerful contributed modules and integrations.

1. Biometric Login with WebAuthn (FIDO2)

WebAuthn is a modern W3C standard that allows users to authenticate using biometrics, security keys (like YubiKey), or device-based methods.

Steps to set it up:

• Install the Passwordless Login module or WebAuthn module

• Require HTTPS on your Drupal site

• Register biometric devices (Touch ID, Windows Hello, Face ID) via browser

• Use the WebAuthn API to trigger login without a password

Note: Browser support is critical here — Chrome, Safari, and Edge all support WebAuthn.

2. Magic Link Login

This method sends a one-time login link to the user’s email.

• Install the Magic Link module

• Configure login link lifetime and email template

• Add a simple "Send me a login link" form on your login page

Perfect for low-friction access to dashboards, portals, or internal tools — no password needed.

3. One-Time Password (OTP) via SMS or Email

• Use the TFA or Login One Time modules

• Integrate SMS gateways like Twilio or use email

• Combine with Two-Factor Authentication for layered security

This is great for secure client portals or admin logins without complex setups.

4. Social Logins (Google, Apple, Microsoft)

Let users authenticate using their existing accounts, often already protected by biometrics.

• Use the Social Auth module suite

• Configure providers like Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Apple

• Automatically create Drupal users on first login or map to existing roles

This method also supports OAuth-based passwordless access.

Implementation Tips

• Always use HTTPS - passwordless methods require secure protocols

• Test on all major browsers and devices (especially for biometrics)

• Clearly explain login options on your frontend UI

• Allow fallback login methods (admin override or recovery email)

• Log all authentication attempts for auditing and analytics

Bonus: Combine Methods for Flexibility

Offer users a choice of login methods:

• First-time users get a magic link

• Returning users authenticate with Face ID or fingerprint

• Admins use OTP with 2FA fallback

• Enterprise users login via Microsoft SSO

Drupal’s modular nature makes it easy to support multiple flows at once.

Use Cases That Benefit from Passwordless Login

• Healthcare portals: Fast and secure access for doctors and patients

• Membership sites: Improved UX for returning users

• eCommerce: Reduce friction at checkout or account access

• Enterprise intranets: Secure, SSO-compatible login flows

• Educational platforms: Easier student and parent logins on mobile

Drupalify Can Help You Go Passwordless

At Drupalify, we specialize in implementing secure and modern authentication flows in Drupal.

Whether you want to enable biometric login, magic links, or full SSO integration we’ve done it all.

🔐 WebAuthn and biometric setup
🔄 OAuth and social logins
🧩 Passwordless flows with fallback
🚀 Scalable, secure, and user-friendly authentication

👉 Explore Our Drupal Services
📅 Book a Free Consultation

Final Thoughts

Biometric and passwordless login options are no longer futuristic they’re becoming standard. With Drupal’s powerful ecosystem, you can offer frictionless, secure access across devices, platforms, and user types.

Make life easier for your users, and make your platform safer in the process no passwords required.