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iphonefreak450

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Dec 14, 2014
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I finally convinced myself to setup face id on my IPhone.

However, I'm just wondering if this is secure or not as opposed to using only a passcode?
 
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No one.

But....if someone is asleep for instance they may take your phone and hold it up to the face.
 
I tested it with my eyes closed and seems to make sense of on how this works. With my eyes closed the phone would not unlock.

Thanks for the responses 👍
 
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I finally convinced myself to setup face id on my IPhone.

However, I'm just wondering if this is secure or not as opposed to using only a passcode?
This is another one of those ostensibly "technical" questions that overlaps with legalities.

Grading Apple's tech on the basis of statistical uniqueness, precision of measurement, fault tolerance and error correction <deep breath>... YES, it's as secure as a strong passcode. But, remember, iOS has a passcode anyway, the use of which cannot be disabled. Biometrics and passcodes can both be weakened/attacked by various shenanigans.

In the U.S., a passcode is considered a form of intellectual expression, and is therefore protected by the First Amendment. Even in an extreme criminal case, it would take an impractically aggressive court order to force disclosure - with no certainty of efficacy (though a particularly lawless administration should certainly be expected to try it, just to see). MEANWHILE, biometrics are not considered a form of intellectual expression, and therefore not constitutionally protected.

The solution is to enable Apple's extended lockdown/stolen-device features (which can be a PIA in daily use). Biometrics can be used for convenience - as long as you're safe and secure. Then, when you see police or military, or go to a school, airport, hospital or courthouse, or even suspect someone is creepin', engage lockdown to require the passcode. And make that passcode a looong one - at least 10 digits or several words mixed up with numbers/symbols. And keep your screen pristine clean - or smeared up your screen with grease and dirt - at all times, to make it harder to trace your key-presses.

HOWEVER, that level of security will make thieves/attackers/captors furious, and further assault/battery/retribution should be expected, particularly when "civil authorities" are complicit in the crime/invasion/arrest. However, you should have warned your family/friends not to respond to texts, or to phone calls in your voice, pleading for help. You'll be on your own, but at least after your remains are left in a ditch, the device might still troll them a little longer. <Civil authority shakes device harder, "Derrr... how come secrets or coin bits not fall out?">
 
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No one.

But....if someone is asleep for instance they may take your phone and hold it up to the face.
You will be good as long as this feature under FaceID settings is On…
IMG_8579.jpeg
 
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I finally convinced myself to setup face id on my IPhone.

However, I'm just wondering if this is secure or not as opposed to using only a passcode?
Unless you have an identical twin, you are good. I can believe you have not been using Face ID. Inputting your code in public is way more risky! FaceID is bulletproof!
 
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Unless you have an identical twin, you are good. I can believe you have not been using Face ID. Inputting your code in public is way more risky! FaceID is bulletproof!
So??? If someone sees me entering my passcode then they would also need to have the phone to gain access.

The really good thing about Face id is that it's convenient as opposed to entering the passcode each time. The convenience factor is like day and night versus a passcode.

Anyway, I will use the Face id but what if I decide to completely turn it off? How can I do it within the settings?
 
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So??? If someone sees me entering my passcode then they would also need to have the phone to gain access.

The really good thing about Face id is that it's convenient as opposed to entering the passcode each time. The convenience factor is like day and night versus a passcode.

Anyway, I will use the Face id but what if I decide to completely turn it off? How can I do it within the settings?
Sadly this happens too often that someone spies over your shoulder to acquire your pin and later will pick pocket you for your phone. Touch or Face ID is so much more secure.

 
If you are entering you passcode whole is a room full of people, you phone is at risk. If not pick pocketed, there are cases where the phone is grabbed out of your hand. Unless you are willing to fight them and take a chance of getting beaten, knifed or shot……….☠️
 
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Sadly this happens too often that someone spies over your shoulder to acquire your pin and later will pick pocket you for your phone. Touch or Face ID is so much more secure.


If you are entering you passcode whole is a room full of people, you phone is at risk. If not pick pocketed, there are cases where the phone is grabbed out of your hand. Unless you are willing to fight them and take a chance of getting beaten, knifed or shot……….☠️

Very true. It's a good idea (IMO) to turn on Stolen Device Protection.

 
I will leave Face ID turned on.

But how can I completely turn it off in case I change my mind?
 
If you are entering you passcode whole is a room full of people, you phone is at risk. If not pick pocketed, there are cases where the phone is grabbed out of your hand. Unless you are willing to fight them and take a chance of getting beaten, knifed or shot……….☠️
While I agree it’s much less secure it also true the entire world is not as you described. A lot of it has to do with knowing your surroundings and not going to unsafe places.
 
While I agree it’s much less secure it also true the entire world is not as you described. A lot of it has to do with knowing your surroundings and not going to unsafe places.

Unfortunately that is not the case for many. Some are oblivious to the threat until it is too late.
 
Just one more question about Face ID.

If I decide to turn on Lockdown Mode, will this turn off Face ID?

In other words, will Lockdown Mode turn Face ID off and will just use a Passcode?
 
No one.

But....if someone is asleep for instance they may take your phone and hold it up to the face.
I remember this being a common concern when FaceID was first announced. I always wondered, is this a situation that many people are actually worried about? Who are people sleeping with or around who they don't trust? None of my business, I guess. In fact, even going as far back as when TouchID was introduced, I remember Apple having to explain that it won't work with a dead finger because people were concerned about having their fingers cut off to access their phones! I guess it's human nature to think of worst possible scenarios.
 
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You can lock all of the apps behind FaceID as well. So even if somebody has your unlocked phone for a minute, they still won't be able to get into Messages, Mail, or whatever you choose.
 
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