Face ID unlocks privacy!!!

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Level 1

5 points

Face ID unlocks privacy!!!

I live with my brother without home broadband and sometimes leave my iPhone XR alone with my brother overnight as he tends to run out of his Wi-Fi data and so tethers mine. My iPhone XR is always set for Face ID verification and so I’m extremely perplexed at just how it can be possible for his face to open it up with ease any time he wishes when I’m not within 5 miles of him or my phone.

Can someone please help explain what’s going on as I’ve checked all settings and as I expected, found nothing odd or wrong. Also not a single person other than my brother has been able to open the device using Face ID apart from myself.

iPhone 11, iOS 17

Posted on Jan 1, 2025 7:05 PM

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Answer 1

Limnos

Level 10

420,367 points

Jan 1, 2025 7:33 PM in response to ndan225

About Face ID advanced technology - Apple Support

"The probability that a random person in the population could look at your iPhone X and unlock it using Face ID is approximately 1 in 1,000,000 (versus 1 in 50,000 for Touch ID). 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. You can also use Face ID without enabling Face ID with a mask."

"Also consider that if you two look alike, and this person knows your passcode.. every time they enter your passcode the iPhone will start 'learning' like it's an alternate appearance of you. So you could try setting up Face ID again, changing your passcode, make sure no one else is in the cameras view, don't share your passcode." - My family can unlock my iPhone Face ID - Apple Community

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