What is Face Authentication?

Face Authentication, or Face Auth, helps confirm that the person using World ID app is the same person who previously verified at an Orb.

After you verify at an Orb and claim Proof of Human, World ID app may ask you to complete Face Authentication when you access certain features or need to confirm it’s still you. Face Authentication uses your phone’s camera to compare your face with the reference image associated with your Orb verification. This helps protect your World ID from unauthorized access.

Face Authentication is not a World ID Proof. It does not prove your identity to another app, and it is not the same as Proof of Presence. Proof of Presence lets you prove you’re present with just a selfie. Face Authentication helps you authenticate to your own Orb-verified World ID.

How does it work?

Orb verification: First, you verify in person at an Orb and claim Proof of Human. During this process, the Orb captures images of your face and eyes to verify that you are a unique human.

Face Authentication: Later, World ID app may ask you to complete a face match. Using your phone’s front camera, the app checks whether the person using the app matches the reference from your Orb verification.

Access confirmed: If the match succeeds, you can continue to the feature or action you were trying to use.

This all happens on your device. No images or biometric data leave your phone.

Using Face Authentication

Before starting the Face Authentication process, the app will prompt you to prepare:

• Ensure there's even lighting on your face
• Remove glasses, hats, or any face coverings
• Hold your phone at eye level

Once you tap Start, the camera will open and begin checking.

During the scan, the app will give you real-time guidance if it detects a problem. For example:

• "Center your face in the frame" — adjust your position so your face is fully visible in the oval
• "Turn your face to directly face the camera" — face straight ahead
• "Remove your glasses" or "Remove anything covering your face" — glasses, masks, hair, or hands can interfere with the check
• "Lighting is too bright / too dim" — move to a location with more even, moderate light
• "Ensure only you are in the frame" — only the person being verified should be visible to the camera
• "Hold your phone steady and ensure the camera is clean" — motion blur or a dirty lens can cause the check to fail

Once the check is complete, the screen will confirm whether the authentication succeeded. If it fails, you will be able to retry.

What can I do if Face Authentication fails?

Please try the following before retrying:

• Make sure your World Money and World ID app are up to date
• Ensure even, moderate lighting by avoiding very bright sunlight or dim rooms
• Remove glasses, hats, masks, or anything covering your face
• Make a neutral expression and keep your eyes open
• Hold your phone steady at eye level and ensure the camera lens is clean
• Make sure only you are in the camera frame
• Restart your device and try again
• Disable any VPN if in use
• Turn off power saving mode on your device, as this can affect camera performance

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