What is Face Authentication?

Face Authentication (Face Auth) is a security feature that helps confirm you are a real, unique person in World ID App.

It works in two stages: first, a quick selfie during sign-up to verify that a real human is present (not a bot or automated process); and second, a face match each time you need to confirm your identity going forward. This protects against bots, account takeover attacks, and unauthorized access.

How does it work?

Enrollment (first-time setup): When you first set up your account, you will be asked to take a quick selfie. This step checks that a real person is present right now — it is not used to identify which person you are, only that you are human and not an automated system.

Face match (verification): Once enrolled, the app will periodically ask you to complete a face match to confirm it's you. Using your phone's front camera, the app compares your face to the reference captured during enrollment. 

This all happens on your device. No images or biometric data leave your phone.

Using Face Authentication

Before starting the Face Authentication process, the app will prompt you to prepare:

• Ensure there's even lighting on your face
• Remove glasses, hats, or any face coverings
• Hold your phone at eye level

Once you tap Start, the camera will open and begin checking.

During the scan, the app will give you real-time guidance if it detects a problem. For example:

• "Center your face in the frame" — adjust your position so your face is fully visible in the oval
• "Turn your face to directly face the camera" — face straight ahead
• "Remove your glasses" or "Remove anything covering your face" — glasses, masks, hair, or hands can interfere with the check
• "Lighting is too bright / too dim" — move to a location with more even, moderate light
• "Ensure only you are in the frame" — only the person being verified should be visible to the camera
• "Hold your phone steady and ensure the camera is clean" — motion blur or a dirty lens can cause the check to fail

Once the check is complete, the screen will confirm whether the authentication succeeded. If it fails, you will be able to retry.

What can I do if Face Authentication fails?

Please try the following before retrying:

• Make sure your World ID App is up to date
• Ensure even, moderate lighting by avoiding very bright sunlight or dim rooms
• Remove glasses, hats, masks, or anything covering your face
• Make a neutral expression and keep your eyes open
• Hold your phone steady at eye level and ensure the camera lens is clean
• Make sure only you are in the camera frame
• Restart your device and try again
• Disable any VPN if in use
• Turn off power saving mode on your device, as this can affect camera performance

Translations may differ slightly from the original English content. For the most accurate information, please refer to the article's English version if any discrepancies occur.