Deep Face
Why do I need to update my World ID?
Updating your World ID keeps it secure, private, and compatible with new features in World ID App. A quick reauthentication at an Orb ensures that only you can access your World ID through face authentication (Face Auth).
If you verified your World ID before the introduction of the Personal Custody Package (PCP) in March 2024, or if your Orb images don’t meet the quality requirements for Face Auth, you may be prompted in the app to reauthenticate at an Orb.
This update also:
- Enhances security and anti-fraud measures.
- Improves image quality to be compatible with Face Auth.
- Unlocks new features like Deep Face.
- Ensures compatibility with upcoming World ID protocol upgrades.
In short, it protects your unique proof of human while unlocking the latest functionality in World ID App.
How does the update work?
You may see a message in World ID App — on the Home or Face Auth screen — prompting you to update your World ID. To reauthenticate:
- Find an Orb near you. Depending on your location, you may need to make an appointment.
- At the Orb, scan the QR code shown in your app and follow the instructions on your phone.
- The Orb will take new, high-quality photos of your eyes and face, which are encrypted and securely stored on your device – and only your device – within your PCP.
- Once complete, a confirmation message will appear.
If the Orb can’t scan your QR code, try increasing your screen brightness and avoiding glare. If you’ve already completed the update but still see the prompt, please wait up to 24 hours for the changes to sync.
Who needs to visit an Orb?
You may be asked to update your World ID if:
- You verified before the introduction of the Personal Custody Package (PCP) in March 2024, or
- The images captured during your original Orb verification aren’t of high enough quality for Face Auth.
If you don’t complete the update within 30 days of being notified, some features — such as claiming WLD or using Deep Face — may be temporarily unavailable. You can restore full access anytime by completing the update.
Is my privacy protected?
Yes. Updating your World ID is fully privacy-preserving. Neither World Foundation, Tools for Humanity (TFH), nor any third party has access to your World ID or PCP.
When you open World ID App, it simply checks locally whether your World ID is up to date.
If it’s not, you’ll see a message prompting you to visit an Orb. All of this happens on your device — your data never leaves it.
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.
What is Face Authentication and how does it work?
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.