Face ID & fingerprint recognition phones
Biometric security on mobile phones has come a long way. These days, most smartphones are equipped with Face ID and fingerprint recognition tech as standard — and for good reason. That’s because unlike passwords, your face and fingerprints are unique and can’t be easily hacked or copied.
Thanks to advances in AI, devices like iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones are smarter than ever. They can now scan your face using their selfie cameras or detect your fingerprint via their screens.
This tech doesn’t just make unlocking your mobile faster but also keeps your personal data, photos, and apps safe if your phone is lost or stolen. It’s a clever and secure way to protect what matters most.
Why choose Face ID or fingerprint unlock?
They’re all about combining convenience with strong security. Instead of typing in a passcode every time, you can unlock your phone in a split second with just a glance or a touch — perfect when you’re on the go or have your hands full.
They’re not just for unlocking your phone either. You can use them to securely log in to apps, approve payments, and access sensitive info without needing to remember multiple passwords.
iPhone models with Face ID & Touch ID
On iPhones with Face ID, from the iPhone 13 to the latest iPhone 16, facial recognition is powered by Apple’s TrueDepth camera system. It uses the selfie cam to scan and map your facial features. While Touch ID reads your fingerprint from almost any angle and even keeps learning and adapting over time for better accuracy. Both are quick to set up when you first turn on your device too.
It’s good to know that even on an iPhone fingerprint phone with Face ID enabled, it’ll still require a passcode from time to time. That’s because in certain situations (like after multiple failed unlock attempts or when changing security settings), your phone will ask for it as an extra layer of protection.
Android phones with facial & fingerprint recognition
Many Android phones now come with both face and fingerprint identification tech — to unlock the device and keep it safe should it fall into the wrong hands. Brands like Samsung, OPPO, and Google all offer models with these features and can be easily set up when you first power on your new phone.
How to set up fingerprint or face unlock on your phone
Just follow these simple steps to set up fingerprint or face unlock on most smartphones:
1. Open your phone’s settings: It’s usually represented by a gear icon.
2. Find security settings: Tap on ‘Security’, then ‘Biometrics’ (or ‘Lock Screen & Security’ depending on your device).
3. Choose your unlock method: Select ‘Fingerprint’ or ‘Face Recognition’. You might see both options if your phone supports them.
4. Set a backup lock: You’ll be asked to set a backup PIN, pattern, or password. This is just in case the biometric unlock ever fails.
5. Scan your fingerprint or face: Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your fingerprint or your face.
Biometric phone FAQs
How does phone facial recognition work?
Face ID uses your face as a digital key to unlock your phone quickly and securely. The exact tech varies by device, but most smartphones use the selfie camera to scan your face and identify unique features. Apple’s TrueDepth camera, for example, projects thousands of invisible dots to create a detailed 3D map of your face. While some Android phones will focus on features like your eyes or iris.
Are Face ID & Touch ID secure?
Yes, both are designed to be very secure. When Apple launched their iPhone X in 2017, they claimed that there was only a 1 in 1,000,000 chance that a random person could unlock your phone using their face. And if you’re wondering how secure Touch ID is, the typical fingerprint lock for phones had a 1 in 50,000 error rate. In both cases — that’s pretty secure!
What’s more, these systems are also encrypted and processed directly on your device. So, your biometric data isn’t stored in the cloud. And while no system is 100% foolproof, Face ID and Touch ID offer a strong balance of security and convenience.
Can someone unlock my phone with Face ID while I sleep?
While it’s possible, it’s very unlikely. That’s because most modern phones require your attention, which means your eyes must be open and looking at the screen for Face ID to work. This adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorised access while you're sleeping or not actively using your phone.
Does my phone support facial recognition?
Apple introduced Face ID with their iPhone X back in 2017. So, if your phone is older than that, it won’t have facial recognition. But if it’s a newer model, there’s a good chance it does. Not sure? Just head to your phone’s security settings to check. If face recognition is available but not yet set up, your device should guide you through the process step by step.
What phones have side-mounted fingerprint sensors?
There are a few smartphones that come with side-mounted fingerprint sensors. It’s a feature more common in mid-range and budget-friendly mobiles, offering a fast way to unlock your device. As they’re typically integrated into the power button on the side of the phone, they’re easy to access with your thumb or index finger.
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