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Face ID asking for passcode

If face id is setup, then what's with the frustrating need for the passcode?



[Edited by Moderator]




iPhone 13 Mini

Posted on Mar 26, 2022 7:16 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 26, 2022 10:26 PM

It is secure, but per the link timothyprime shared with you:


“You must enter your passcode for additional security validation when:

  • The device has just been turned on or restarted.
  • The device hasn’t been unlocked for more than 48 hours.
  • The passcode hasn’t been used to unlock the device in the last six and a half days and Face ID hasn't unlocked the device in the last 4 hours.
  • The device has received a remote lock command.
  • After five unsuccessful attempts to match a face.
  • After initiating power off/Emergency SOS by pressing and holding either volume button and the side button simultaneously for 2 seconds.”


12 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 26, 2022 10:26 PM in response to timothyprime

It is secure, but per the link timothyprime shared with you:


“You must enter your passcode for additional security validation when:

  • The device has just been turned on or restarted.
  • The device hasn’t been unlocked for more than 48 hours.
  • The passcode hasn’t been used to unlock the device in the last six and a half days and Face ID hasn't unlocked the device in the last 4 hours.
  • The device has received a remote lock command.
  • After five unsuccessful attempts to match a face.
  • After initiating power off/Emergency SOS by pressing and holding either volume button and the side button simultaneously for 2 seconds.”


Mar 27, 2022 12:47 PM in response to shoeluvr13

Timothyprime:


KNOWING your passcode is an essential element in recovering your phone if it’s lost, damaged, or when you want to upgrade.


(Because the passcode is one part of the “key” that encrypts the device’s data)


By arbitrarily “forcing” owners to KNOW their passcodes … it eases the support complexities “later on.”


(Obviously good for Apple … but GREAT for the owner who can successfully restore his backed-up data to a replacement phone)


Are you finding that you need to enter your passcode more often than the instances that shoeluvr13 posted?

Mar 27, 2022 12:47 PM in response to timothyprime

No, they are not arbitrary. Your facial scan is stored in the processor’s “secure enclave”, a storage area that is encrypted. Your passcode is the decryption key for the secure enclave. When you are using the phone your facial scan is stored in RAM after being copied from the Secure Enclave, where it is erased from RAM when the phone is powered off, or at other times when it might be possible for someone with physical access to the phone and hardware designed to hack the phone to scan the phone’s RAM.


I will add one rule that shoeluvr missed: If you press the Side button 5 times quickly it also erases the facial scan from RAM. This is a security feature so if you feel threatened you can prevent someone from forcibly scanning your face to unlock the phone. Another protection that you can enable is Require Attention for Face ID (in Settings/Face ID & Passcode); this will cause Face ID to fail if your eyes are closed.

Face ID asking for passcode

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