Face ID allows my iPhone 16 pro max to get unlocked with just a photo

I got an iPhone 16 pro max last year (2024) from Hongkong. Its running the latest IOS 18.5. A friend discovered he could easily unlock my face ID enabled phone using a picture of mine with me nowhere near. It happens consistently every time. Is it the same for everyone? How do I get it rectified??


I read comments stating 3D, true depth match and wont allow it but looks like those are just marketing jargons.


Its so disappointing to see this in an APPLE device and its a major security concern for me now that I know anyone can unlock my phone anywhere with just a photo of mine.


Can someone please help?



[Edited by Moderator]

Posted on Jun 14, 2025 10:55 PM

Reply
2 replies

Jun 14, 2025 11:34 PM in response to Priyadarshi_Pr

It can't be as easy as you describe it. There is something that is amiss here.


The way I see it, Face ID is going to be used everywhere in the future. Now many Airports use Face ID for boarding into Aircraft instead of scanning the boarding pass. During an immigration process also Face ID is being used.


If you are worried about security and do not trust technologies then please use a passcode to authenticate. Very simple.


Security safeguards

Security is important to all of us to protect the information on our devices. We have done some important things to safeguard your information, the same way we did with Touch ID. Face ID uses the TrueDepth camera and machine learning for a secure authentication solution. Face ID data - including mathematical representations of your face - is encrypted and protected with a key available only to the Secure Enclave.


The probability that a random person in the population could look at your iPhone or iPad Pro and unlock it using Face ID is approximately 1 in 1,000,000 with a single enrolled appearance. As 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.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Face ID allows my iPhone 16 pro max to get unlocked with just a photo

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.