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Face ID

Hello, there is a problem with Face ID. I have a younger sister 12 years old and she can unlock my phone. This situation scares me. I am 21 years old and I have a lot of private information on my phone.

iPhone XR, iOS 14

Posted on Jun 28, 2021 12:25 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 28, 2021 12:28 PM

Try Resetting your Face ID.


It is possible that your device has mistaken your sister to be yourself, as you are siblings, you could look similar. Face ID learns over time, so if you grow a beard/ start wearing glasses for example it will continue to recognise you.


Find out more about Face ID here:

About Face ID advanced technology - Apple Support

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 28, 2021 12:28 PM in response to ArinaIgorevna

Try Resetting your Face ID.


It is possible that your device has mistaken your sister to be yourself, as you are siblings, you could look similar. Face ID learns over time, so if you grow a beard/ start wearing glasses for example it will continue to recognise you.


Find out more about Face ID here:

About Face ID advanced technology - Apple Support

Jun 28, 2021 12:33 PM in response to ArinaIgorevna

Source: https://support.apple.com/en-ie/HT208108


The probability that a random person in the population could look at your iPhoneĀ or iPad ProĀ and unlock it using Face ID is approximately 1 in 1,000,000Ā with a single enrolled appearance. As an additional protection, Face ID allows only five unsuccessful match attempts before a passcode is required. The statistical probability is different for twins and siblings that look like you and among children under the age of 13, because their distinct facial features may not have fully developed. If you're concerned about this, we recommend using a passcode to authenticate.


Face ID automatically adapts to changes in your appearance, such as wearing cosmetic makeup or growing facial hair. If there is a more significant change in your appearance, like shaving a full beard, Face ID confirms your identity by using your passcode before it updates your face data.


So, change your passcode, reset the Face ID setup and do it again and next time your sister wants to use your iPhone, unlock it first before giving it to her instead of telling her whatā€™s your passcode.

Jun 28, 2021 12:55 PM in response to ArinaIgorevna

I echo iW00 in suggesting you change your passcode, and then reset / re-register FaceID while in a room by yourself.


Plus ā€¦


THEN see if little-sis can unlock it.


After that, NEVER EVER share a passcode.


The passcode not only ā€œopensā€ the device but is used as a ā€œseedā€ in the deviceā€™s internal encryption schemes as well.


Since you have private info on the device (as most of us do) you could also take this opportunity to ā€œlengthenā€ your passcode as well.



Face ID

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