Face ID or Touch ID - which is better? Is Face ID's infrared radiation harmful? What do you think about Face ID?

iPhone X users around the world have reported that the Face ID scanner is not working after a system update. Error messages appeared after the iOS 11.2 update. According to Apple, the error rate of the proprietary biometric sensor is 1:1000000. However, iPhone X users often complained about problems with the system. In this article, we list five major problems with Face ID and how to solve them.

Part 1. Common Problems with iPhone X Face ID

1. Face ID iPhone X failed to set up

You cannot access Apple settings ID on iPhone X and get stuck in the recognizing interface. Double click will take you to the previous page.

2. iPhone X won't unlock

Face ID, which was first adopted by the iPhone X, seems to have a lot of recognition issues, just like what happened with Touch ID a few years ago. People are reporting that iPhone X's Face ID can't recognize their face after they set up Face ID.

3. iPhone X Face ID doesn't work

Face ID is the most attractive iPhone function X, which allows you to unlock your iPhone without entering a passcode, use Apple pay and buy at App Store, iTunes Store and iBooks, etc. However, some users claim that Face ID cannot unlock apps and the iPhone X is completely unresponsive when it encounters the owner's face.

4. iPhone X can't unlock if you wear contact lenses

Face ID cannot identify your face when you wear contact lenses. So it just keeps scanning but can't unlock.

5. iPhone X Face ID error

A user complains on Twitter that his iPhone X is unlocked after he showed it to his wife. However, the person said that he can unlock his friend's iPhone X since they look similar to each other.

Part 2. Methods to fix iPhone X Face ID problems

1. First you need to check

The TrueDepth camera is not covered by anything.
Your face, including eyes, nose, mouth, is directly facing the TrueDepth Camera without any block.
Keep 10-20 inches between iPhone X and your face for clear recognition.
Don't use Face ID under the backlight when you're outside in bright sunlight.

2. Take off glasses

According to Apple, Face ID is designed to work with many glasses. However, if you wear glasses that block certain types of light, the infrared camera may have difficulty recognizing your face. To avoid this, remove sunglasses or contact lenses

3. Update the latest iOS system

If you are sure that physical conditions installed correctly but your problem is not solved, you need to check if it is running latest system iOS on iPhone X. As we know, Face ID is first introduced on iPhone X, it will inevitably have some problems. Updating your operating system to the latest version is the easiest tip to fix some unexpected errors. You'd better back up your iPhone X to avoid data loss during the update. Then go to Settings > General > Software Update to download and install latest version OS.

4. Check Face ID settings on iPhone X

Another tip that you may want to ignore is that you need to check if Face ID Unlock is enabled. Go to Settings > Face ID & Password. If you want to use Face ID to unlock, turn on iPhone option Unlock.


5. Reset Face ID

If you find that iPhone X is not working and you cannot use it for anything like unlocking, shopping, etc. You can try resetting your Face ID. It will delete all existing face data and set up new identifier faces. Go to Settings > Face ID & Password > Reset Face ID.

6. Force restart iPhone X

Force reboot always useful when you encounter various iOS such as iPhone stuck on Apple logo/black screen/DFU mode/blue screen. You can try this method when iPhone X is stuck in Face ID scanning.

Step 1: Quickly press and immediately release the Volume Up button.
Step 2: Quickly press and immediately release the Volume Down button.
Step 3: Press and hold side button(Sleep/Wake) until the Apple logo appears.


Especially if your iPhone X is experiencing some system damage

7. Reset all settings

If iPhone X Face ID failed to recognize your face even though you set a new Face ID, another method you can try is to reset all settings. It will reset iPhone X to its default settings without losing data. The Reset All Settings option works for many iPhone problems such as error Wi-Fi shutdown, Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings

8. Fix iOS system to fix Face ID problems

iPhone X Face ID problems may be caused by system failures. The methods above don't always work well. You can use the effective Tenorshare ReiBoot tool to restore your operating system without losing data. It works great if Face ID does not recognize your face.

Step 1: Click the Fix button Operating System- Solve all iOS Freezes in the main window to enter system recovery.

Face ID is a form of biometric authentication. Instead of a password, security key or Touch-ID for protection (from unwanted viewing of your data), biometrics are your unique identificator(Unique fingerprint or facial image). Fingerprint recognition is also biometric. So how to set up Face ID on iPhone X?

Open the table of contents to quickly find the material you need!

How to set up Face ID correctly on iPhone, setting up Face ID?

Face ID uses a "Register" process just like Touch ID.

1. First, go to Settings > Face ID & Password and tap Record.

iPhone will then turn on the front camera, displaying your face in a circle with green marks surrounding it. Software to register will overlay 3D markings on the screen to show your eyeline and face.

2. You need to rotate your head in a circle for Face ID to scan your face.

Once your face has been successfully captured, you will be asked to set a passcode. backup copy, if you haven't already, so follow the instructions to take care of it.

When you're done, you can unlock your iPhone using your face. To get started, turn on the device by pressing the side button. Then simply look straight at the device with your eyes wide open. If you follow the instructions correctly, your iPhone X will be unlocked. Now you can freely go to the home screen.

Is it possible to set Face ID so that multiple people's faces unlock the same iPhone?

Even more invisible and more convenient to use in all respects. It gives you access to your phone after just looking at the screen. With Touch ID, you had to do a lot of fiddling to get your finger to move correctly; Now you just need to turn your face towards the smartphone.

Face ID is an advanced identification system that uses an infrared scanner, a dot projector and a camera. It creates a complex 3D model of your face during customization. This data is stored securely on your device. Due to the fact that the constructed model is three-dimensional, the system cannot be deceived using a photograph, portrait, or even a specially made mask.

You can enable Face ID on iPhone X in three simple steps:

When you first set up your iPhone, at one stage you'll be asked to turn on Face ID.

How to set up Face ID on iPhone X

Step 1: Click "Get Started"

Step 2: The screen will go dark; in the center you will see a circle. Make sure your entire face fits inside it. iPhone X will then ask you to make a circular motion with your head. Simply draw a wide circle in the air with your nose.

Step 3: Repeat the gesture again, more slowly.

Congratulations, Face ID is now set up.

How to set up Face ID for someone else

Touch ID could recognize up to ten fingers, not necessarily belonging to the same person. Face ID allows you to use only one face. So if you want to give your iPhone to another family member or rescan your face, you'll need to go to Settings.

Step 1: Open the "Face ID & Passcode" section in Settings.

Step 2: Tap Reset Face ID.

Then repeat the setup described above again.

How to turn off Face ID attention recognition

An important part of working with Face ID is your gaze. The system will not unlock the phone unless you are looking directly at the iPhone. Although this increases the security of the smartphone, this behavior is inconvenient for some users. In particular, sunglasses or visual impairment may interfere. In this case, you can turn off attention recognition.

Step 1: Go to Settings > General > Accessibility.

Step 2: Turn off the "Require attention for Face ID" option.

What do you think about Face ID?

It seems that Face ID can be recommended to almost any iPhone user. It becomes especially convenient when you need to enter a password in an application or on a website. What is your opinion about the new identification system? Tell us in the comments below.

Everything you need to know about Face ID in iPhone X.

One of the most impressive iPhone capabilities X became scanning technology Face ID. Apple engineers have come up with something truly amazing that can make a real revolution in the field of mobile devices. This material described in detail the Face ID function, how it works, how to configure it, and many other features.

What is Face ID?

Face ID is new system Apple authentication, allowing you to verify your identity iPhone unlocking or paying for purchases with just a glance at your smartphone. Identity confirmation occurs by scanning the face and comparing it with a previously recorded structural map of the owner's face. Face ID technology was first introduced in the iPhone X - Apple flagship 2017 model.

How does Face ID work?

Implementation of ultra-precise and fast technology Facial scanning is made possible by combining advanced software and hardware developments from Apple. A key hardware development is the TrueDepth camera system, which includes:

  • Point projector. Projects more than 30,000 invisible infrared dots onto the user’s face, from which a mathematical model is subsequently created.
  • Infrared camera. Reads the point structure of the face and creates an image in the infrared spectrum and places this data in a special module of the A11 Bionic Secure Enclave processor.
  • Infrared emitter. Shoots an invisible beam of infrared light onto the face, allowing you to accurately scan your face, even in complete darkness.

Thanks to its unique components, the TrueDepth camera projects more than 30,000 invisible dots onto the face, analyzes them and produces a detailed structural map and infrared image of the face.

The map is then transferred to the Secure Enclave module of the A11 Bionic processor, where the infrared image and depth map are converted into a mathematical representation. It is this idea that becomes the owner’s face for the iPhone X.

When Face ID remembers the user, the function “stands guard” on the iPhone X. With each authentication attempt, the face is scanned again, a map is drawn up, and then a mathematical representation of it. The latter is compared with a reference representation already stored in the Secure Enclave module. All these absolutely incredible to understand iPhone actions X spends a split second.

I grew a mustache/fancy makeup, what will Face ID do?

Minor changes to the face, be it thick hair or non-standard makeup, will not be a problem for Face ID. In addition, the function easily recognizes users wearing glasses (including sunglasses), scarves, hats and contact lenses. At least that's what Apple says. It will be possible to find out whether this information is reliable after the iPhone X goes on sale.

To be fair, Apple doesn't call Face ID something magical. The company explicitly states that if the face changes significantly, Face ID will not be able to recognize the user. In this case, the iPhone X owner will need to enter a password. After successful identity verification, the system will update the person's information.

How to set up Face ID?

To start using Face ID you need to complete initial setup functions and face scanning. To do this you need to go to the menu “ Settings” → “Face ID and password” and press “ Add a face“. After this it will start special screen front camera with a crosshair shown, in the very center of which you need to place your face. When the green bar around the camera screen is completely full, scanning your face is complete and you can start using Face ID.

How to unlock iPhone X using Face ID?

Everything is very simple. To unlock your iPhone X using Face ID, you just need to look at the device's screen. The scanning will be performed instantly and if the face is confirmed to match the previously saved mathematical face map, unlocking will occur.

What is the best distance to hold your iPhone X to unlock it?

During iPhone presentations X Apple executives boasted that Face ID will be able to recognize the owner of a smartphone even if the smartphone is not directly in front of the user. And indeed it is. Face scanning will also be performed in cases where you hold the iPhone X in your hands, but at an angle, and if the smartphone is lying on the table. The main thing is that the face is in the TrueDepth camera view. The scan overview is identical to the FaceTime camera capture overview.

Apple didn't say this during the iPhone X reveal, but Face ID will be more accurate when unlocking the device if the smartphone is held at arm's length (or less) from your face. Thus, the ideal distance for Face ID to work is less than 50 cm.

Does scanning also occur when the screen is “sleeping”?

Yes, you don’t have to specifically press the power and unlock button. When picked up or touched iPhone screen X, the smartphone automatically wakes up from sleep mode and activates the TrueDepth camera. Thanks to this, scanning can be completed as quickly as possible, without the delay of pressing any buttons.

Is Face ID's infrared radiation harmful?

The emitted power of the TrueDepth camera system is extremely low and safe for use under normal conditions. Apple has thoroughly tested TrueDepth to ensure it meets all possible security standards. There is nothing to worry about.

Is the radiation completely invisible?

The infrared glow from the TrueDepth camera can be seen with the naked eye, but only in complete darkness. In other lighting conditions, you can only notice the glow through the viewfinders of cameras with the ability to register infrared radiation.

Is my face map on Apple servers?

The data used by Face ID, specifically the mathematical representation of your face, is stored encrypted in the Secure Enclave module, which is part of a revolutionary Apple processor A11 Bionic. In other words, the face card is only stored on your device and is not sent anywhere. The fingerprint scanner works on exactly the same principle. finger touch ID.

What activities can you use Face ID for?

You can use Face ID on iPhone X to:

  • unlocking iPhone,
  • authorization in applications that support this technology,
  • making purchases in the App Store, iTunes Store and iBooks Store,
  • identity verification when purchasing through

What is the probability that another person will unlock an iPhone X with their face?

The probability that your iPhone X will be unlocked via Face ID by another person is 1 in 1,000,000. Moreover, this person will only have five attempts to authorize. If all of them fail, iPhone X will ask you to enter your passcode.

Is it possible to remove the lock via Face ID while a person is sleeping?

No, facial recognition using Face ID only occurs when a person is looking at the device. Authenticate with eyes closed impossible.

So, can you forget about entering your password?

Despite the fact that Face ID works very accurately, constantly learns and remembers your appearance, reacting to its changes, you won’t be able to forget about the need to enter a password forever. Moreover, to be able to enable Face ID on iPhone X, mandatory a password must be set. It will need to be entered if:

  • More than 48 hours have passed since the last blocking was lifted.
  • iPhone X was just turned on or restarted.
  • Five were made unsuccessful attempts unlocking using Face ID.
  • Face ID was blocked through the Find iPhone service.

Note that there is nothing new in this regard. All these same points were relevant for Touch ID.

How much will it cost to repair a TrueDepth camera?

Apple didn't even report approximate cost repair of the TrueDepth camera system, but emphasized that the infrared emitters may be damaged during repair or iPhone disassembly X. At the same time, the company strongly advised iPhone X owners to contact only Apple or its authorized service centers in the event of a breakdown.

As with the Touch ID fingerprint scanner, the TrueDepth camera system has built-in components to detect unauthorized modifications. This means that if TrueDepth detects non-genuine components, the camera system will be disabled and Face ID will no longer work.

How to disable Face ID and unlock it by entering a password?

If you don't want to unlock your iPhone X using Face ID, you can disable this option. Go to menu " Settings» → « Face ID and passcode» → « Use Face ID" and disable the option " Unlocking iPhone».

How to completely disable Face ID?

You can turn off Face ID on iPhone X completely, which will also erase your face card data. To do this, go to the menu " Settings» → « Face ID and passcode" and press " Reset Face ID" Please note that all data used by Face ID is deleted when a full reset iPhone X.

What other features does the TrueDepth camera have?

The TrueDepth camera system brings benefits and new features even if you don't use Face ID. She in automatic mode tracks your gaze and adjusts some iPhone settings X. For example, if you are not looking at the smartphone display, it will be darkened, and if you receive a notification or incoming call, then by looking at the screen you can reduce the volume of the alert. This set of features is called Attention Recognition and we talked about it in more detail in

  • mac mini 2018

One of the main iPhone chips X turned out to be a front-facing TrueDepth camera, which powers Face ID. But it works so-so - to confirm this, we collected 10 problems with the face scanner.

1. Face ID doesn't work in landscape mode

First iPhone owners X note that Face ID does not work in landscape orientation. If you intentionally or accidentally turn your smartphone over, you will not be able to unlock it using your face.

This feature makes the face scanner not as convenient a solution as the fingerprint sensor, which works in any position of the device in space.

This is what Face ID does in it. modern form absolutely unsuitable for future use iPad generations. It’s likely that something similar won’t appear on tablets until Face ID 2.

2. Face ID needs to see your eyes, nose and mouth

The face scanner, which operates on the basis of the TrueDepth front camera, operates on the basis of technologies machine learning and artificial intelligence.

With the help of them, it is constantly improving and after a month of use it recognizes you in almost any form - with or without clothes, after a stormy night and with a week’s stubble.

However, as a rule of thumb, Face ID needs to see your eyes, nose, and mouth for it to work. For example, if the latter is covered with a scarf, the face scanner simply will not recognize you.

3. Face ID will definitely blind you in bright sunlight

Touch ID does not work with wet or even just damp hands, or with gloves in winter. This makes the fingerprint sensor useless in some use cases.

Similar weak spots Face ID also has it. For example, a face scanner can be blindingly bright sunlight, falling on it at a certain angle.

You can deal with this by changing the angle of the device and the position of your head. However, certain difficulties may definitely be associated with this.

4. Face ID does not recognize small children< 12 лет

Not long ago, a warning about the operation of Face ID appeared on the official Apple website, which is most directly related to the safety of using the face scanner.

Surprisingly, TrueDepth today cannot cope with recognizing children under 12 years old - at this age they are too similar to each other.

Of course, percentage iPhone users this age is unlikely to be very large, but the situation itself looks strange - it turns out that Face ID can literally deceive a child.

5. Face ID doesn't always handle twins

As it turns out, Face ID can be wrong not only with small children, but also with twins. If you have an identical brother or sister, stay away from them.

As the experiences of Western journalists show, technology really does not distinguish between some twins - however, this does not always happen.

It has not yet been possible to identify a pattern, but Face ID can distinguish even the most similar ones to our eyes, but confuses others. More likely, digital map faces are not created in the usual way.

6. Face ID will not save additional users

While I was still using Touch ID, my iPhone had not only a couple of my fingers, but also the prints of my wife and father - just in case something happened.

With Face ID, such a system will not work even if you want to. The scanner built into the iPhone X can only save one face - this is its main limitation.

However, this won't stop you from telling everyone you need your iPhone X password in case of an emergency. Maybe this is for the best.

7. Face ID really wants to see the eyes on you

Western journalists have already noted that Face ID sometimes works strangely. In some cases, it doesn't work until it sees your gaze on itself.

They emphasize that at times you have to look not even at the screen, but directly at the TrueDepth front camera module. Otherwise it doesn't want to work.

As a result, it turns out that the iPhone X thinks that it is not its owner who is looking at it, and prompts you to enter a password. This is incredibly annoying.

8. Face ID can be disabled for security

Oh, by the way, similarly to Touch ID, Face ID is sometimes disabled for security reasons - in particular, if the scanner was unable to recognize your face five times in a row.

A similar situation happens after reboot iPhone X, remote blocking via Find My iPhone, as well as after using the SOS signal.

Additionally, iPhone X will ask you to enter your password instead of using Face ID if the smartphone has been locked for 48 hours or the scanner has not been used for the last 4 hours.

9. Face ID is not needed to protect your data

We have already written that biometric technologies Data protection is not needed to make your iPhone noticeably more secure - no.

They are necessary for ease of authentication on the device. Entering your password every time is difficult. But putting your finger on it is a piece of cake.

However, it is noticeably easier to deceive both Touch ID and Face ID than digital block to enter the password. In the first case, a rubber finger model is suitable for this, in the second - a twin.

10. Face ID is much slower than Touch ID

If you compare the speed Touch works ID in iPhone 8 and Face ID in iPhone X, it will become clear that the face scanner is noticeably slower than the fingerprint sensor.

And this is not surprising, because before today Touch ID has survived several iPhone generations and today it began to work noticeably faster and safer.

Of course, in a couple of years Face ID will definitely lose most of its shortcomings, but today it cannot be denied that it certainly has them.