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How to protect your iPhone: passcode versus facial recognition.

August 10, 2020

There are three ways you can lock your iPhone to keep it safe from other people using it or stealing your data. If you have an older version, you can use Touch ID biometrics (your fingerprint) to unlock your phone, or you can just type in your security code each time. With iPhone models X and higher, you can use a passcode or you can also use facial recognition biometrics to access your phone.

Face ID uses your iPhone’s TrueDepth camera to capture your facial data by analyzing more than 30,000 invisible dots to create a depth map of your face, as well as an infrared image of your face. Once your face is “registered” to the phone, it will automatically adapt to slight changes in your appearance such as if you grow facial hair or are wearing makeup. For more significant changes to your appearance, such as growing a full beard, Face ID will ask you to confirm your identity by keying in your security code.

Face ID is so advanced, it is designed to accurately assess your facial features even if you are wearing a hat, glasses, or even sunglasses. It can be used indoors, outdoors, and in total darkness. In addition to using Face ID to unlock your phone, you can use it to authorize purchases from the iTunes Store, the App Store, Apple Books, and to make purchases with Apple Pay.

But is Face ID safe? According to Apple, the probability that a random person could look at your iPhone and unlock it is approximately one in a million. In comparison, the chance that a random person could use Touch ID to unlock your phone is about one in 50,000. For added protection, Face ID allows only five unsuccessful match attempts before your phone is locked and requires you to punch in your passcode.

No matter what option you use to unlock your phone, if you ever run into a problem and need iPhone repair services, Cell Phone Zone is ready, able, and willing to assist you in any way we can. That includes problems with biometrics or any other service you may need, such as a screen or battery replacement.

Tags: IPhone, IPhone Security