Face ID unsafe, recognize me and my son

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Level 1

21 points

Face ID unsafe, recognize me and my son

I've been asked by my son (he's 12) to add his face to Face ID on my iPhone X, so we can both unlock and use it.

I replied it's not possible, there's room for one face only. Sad, he's got the phone in his hand and... unlock. Wow!

We tried many times, also resetting Face ID. 100% of the time he unlocks the phone with my face registered.

Not talking of twins or complex 3D models made with expensive materials, studies, labs... Face ID makes confusion between a child and an adult. Bah!

Any experience? I've to remove Apple Pay now, otherwise the boy will spend all my money in bike's parts!

iPhone X, iOS 11.2

Posted on Dec 13, 2017 11:05 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Jackj100

Level 1

21 points

Dec 15, 2017 6:08 AM in response to ammiraglio

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.

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT208108

That’s a quote from apples website.

Still seems safe enough for me.

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Answer 2

jayKlo

Level 1

21 points

Dec 13, 2017 11:27 AM in response to ammiraglio

I have not had this experience with my family but I have heard of similar instances. Does your son use your device often? FaceID is a learning authentication system and if your son often grabs your device and you unlock it with your face or passcode shortly after, his failed facial scans may be contributing to your overall "mesh". I would take a look at the Face ID security white paper (linked below), this may provide you with a better understanding of how FaceID works.

https://images.apple.com/business/docs/FaceID_Security_Guide.pdf

As noted in the white paper, children do not have fully developed distinct facial features, so depending on your own facial composition, this may also contribute to the false positives you are receiving.

Hope this helps.

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