Orb Verification
Why did my World ID verification fail?
When trying to verify with World ID at an Orb, you may sometimes see this message in your World ID app:
World ID verification was not successful.
This can feel confusing or frustrating, so here’s what you need to know — and what you can do about it.
Note: For questions about age verification, please follow the link to this article instead How do I confirm my date of birth?
Why does verification fail?
There are two main reasons why verification may not succeed:
-
You may have already verified before
World ID ensures each person can only sign up once. If the system detects that you have already created a World ID (even with a different phone, account, or email), it won’t allow another verification. -
The system made a rare error
In very rare cases, the system may mistakenly reject someone who has never signed up before. To learn more, please visit this blog post: https://world.org/blog/engineering/biometric-performance-billion-person-scale
Troubleshooting
If you see “World ID verification was not successful,” try the following:
-
Retry verification
- Wait a moment and try again.
- Most users who face this error succeed after 1–2 retries.
-
Check your scan quality
- Open your eyes as wide as possible during the scan.
- Avoid blinking right as the Orb captures your iris.
- If you’re at an Orb with staff present, they may remind you to adjust your eye position.
-
Think about past verifications
- Did you get World ID verification at an Orb before? (even with another account or phone)?
- If yes, you won’t be able to get verified again by an Orb.
-
If retries don’t work
- You may have hit a rare false rejection. This doesn’t mean you’re permanently blocked. In many cases, another attempt on a different day may succeed.
- Keep an eye out in the app or our official channels: If repeated retries fail, you may see an option to contact Support for further help. Alternatively, you can ask for assistance through our dedicated support channels found here: How can I connect with World on Social Media?.
Important things to know
-
Your biometric data stays private.
World ID uses privacy-preserving technology. Your iris code cannot be traced back to you personally. -
We cannot disclose individual verification status.
For legal and privacy reasons, we cannot confirm whether your rejection was due to a duplicate or an error. The only information available is what you see in-app. -
System accuracy is high, but not perfect.
Our team is continuously improving the system to reduce this even further.
In short: Most verification failures mean you’ve already been World ID verified at an Orb. In rare cases, it could be a one-off error. Retrying once or twice usually helps.
Translations may differ slightly from the original English content. For the most accurate information, please refer to the article's English version if any discrepancies occur.
What should I expect when getting my World ID verified at an Orb?
Getting verified by an Orb is a fast and easy process that will only take a couple of minutes. Before getting verified, it's best to be prepared on what to expect in order to have a seamless and secure signup experience. You’ll find common questions and answers about this process below.
Alternatively, you can follow the recommendations in this blog post: Tips and best practices for verifying your World ID at an Orb.
-
What should I prepare or be aware of before going to an Orb location?
- Make sure to bring your phone and that it is sufficiently charged to complete the signup process.
- Your device needs a strong and reliable network connection.
- Do not wear colored or hard contact lenses (soft lenses are ok). If you're wearing glasses, you'll need to briefly remove them during the verification process.
- Wear no or minimal makeup. Some makeup may reflect light and make it difficult for the Orb to image process.
- If you visit an Orb location with staff, the staff should never:
- Handle your phone. Never allow strangers to handle your phone as well!
- Ask for money, cryptocurrency, or gifts.
- Ask for personal information such as a phone number or email address.
- Offer anything, including money, in exchange for World ID or app-related benefits.
- If anyone at the Orb location performs any of the above (or you have any other security concerns), please cease interacting with them immediately and report it to our Support team. You can follow the instructions in this article to do so: I can't find what I need. How do I contact support?
- Review our help center article on how to keep your World ID app safe.
- Be aware of scams and how to avoid them. Please review our help center article on how to avoid scams at Orb locations.
-
Where do I find my QR code to show to the Orb?
When verifying your World ID with an Orb, you'll need to have your QR code ready to scan.
Follow these steps to find the QR code once you're at the Orb location and ready to proceed with the verification:
1. Open the Credentials tab in the World ID app, then tap Get Verified.
2. Follow the instructions to proceed until you reach this screen:
Make sure you review all of the information carefully before moving forward. Then select Agree and Continue when you're ready.
3. You will see a video explaining the verification process
4. After watching the video, the QR code will be generated on your device
Show your QR code to the Orb to begin the verification process. If you wish to exit, just tap on the X at the top of the screen.
-
Why isn't my QR code scanning?
If you're having trouble scanning your QR code, please take note of the following best practices:
- Increase the brightness on your device's screen. Most of the time, QR codes won't scan if the screen brightness isn't high enough.
- Position the QR code so that it is not in direct sunlight. You want to make sure that there are no reflections on any screens that will prevent the QR code from being read.
- Do not zoom in on your QR code. The entire QR code should be visible, including a bit of the white around the edges.
-
What are best practices when showing my face to the Orb?
The Orb will begin image processing your irises to verify that you are indeed a unique human being. This should only take a minute, and you'll be able to see the progress light up around the Orb's screen. In order to make sure the process goes smoothly:
- Remove any type of masks or eyewear.
- Some headwear may cast shadows on your face. Please remove it if possible.
- Open your eyes as wide as you can and avoid blinking. Try tucking in your chin and looking up at the Orb. This will naturally open up your eyes a bit more and make your irises more visible for the Orb.
- Make sure not to look away from the Orb's screen. Looking away during image processing will reset the Orb's tracking.
- Keep your head and body still during the verification.
During this process, remember to look at the Orb, not the progress animation on your phone. It's also important not to close your app immediately after the verification.
-
The app shows that the verification failed. What can I do?
- Force-close the app, reopen it, and try again.
- Make sure you're using the latest version of World ID app.
- Refer to this article with more details about failed verifications: Why did my World ID verification fail?
- If the above steps don't resolve the issue, please contact our Support team.
Translations may differ slightly from the original English content. For the most accurate information, please refer to the article's English version if any discrepancies occur.
How do I find an Orb near me?
Find an Orb
Follow these steps to find an Orb using your World ID app:
1. Open the World ID app and tap go to the Credentials to Get Verified.
2. Select Find an Orb
3. Tap the Allow location button if you wish to see the nearest Orb location, or select the Skip option to continue. Note: Always select Allow to get the most accurate results as you will not be able to manually type a location of your choice.
Visit an Orb Location
Explore the locations where you can find an Orb. Each location will display its address and opening hours.
Orb locations are walk-in — no appointment is needed. Visit during the location’s opening hours, and when you’re with the Orb, tap I am with an Orb now in the app to begin verification.
What can I do if there are no Orbs near me?
While there might not be any Orbs in your area yet, we are constantly expanding our network, and there will be more Orbs around the world in the future.
The availability of the Orb in specific countries depends on a variety of factors, such as regional regulations and our developer resources. You can select Notify me and register your email to get push notifications whenever Orb verification is available in your country.
Follow our official channels of communication for future announcements on availability.
Translations may differ slightly from the original English content. For the most accurate information, please refer to the article's English version if any discrepancies occur.
Why do I need to update my World ID?
Updating your World ID keeps it secure, private, and compatible with new features in World Money. A quick reauthentication at an Orb ensures that only you can access your World ID through face authentication (Face Auth).
If you verified your World ID before the introduction of the Personal Custody Package (PCP) in March 2024, or if your Orb images don’t meet the quality requirements for Face Auth, you may be prompted in the app to reauthenticate at an Orb.
This update also:
- Enhances security and anti-fraud measures.
- Improves image quality to be compatible with Face Auth.
- Unlocks new features like World ID for Zoom.
- Ensures compatibility with upcoming World ID protocol upgrades.
In short, it protects your unique Proof of Human while unlocking the latest functionality in World Money.
How does the update work?
ou may see a message in World ID app, on the Home or Face Auth screen, prompting you to update your World ID. To reauthenticate:
- Find an Orb near you. Orb locations are walk-in — no appointment is needed. Check the location’s opening hours before you visit.
- At the Orb, scan the QR code shown in your app and follow the instructions on your phone.
- The Orb will take new, high-quality photos of your eyes and face, which are encrypted and securely stored on your device – and only your device – within your PCP.
- Once complete, a confirmation message will appear.
If the Orb can’t scan your QR code, try increasing your screen brightness and avoiding glare. If you’ve already completed the update but still see the prompt, please wait up to 24 hours for the changes to sync.
Who needs to visit an Orb?
You may be asked to update your World ID if:
- You verified before the introduction of the Personal Custody Package (PCP) in March 2024, or
- The images captured during your original Orb verification aren’t of high enough quality for Face Auth.
If you don’t complete the update within 30 days of being notified, some features may be temporarily unavailable. You can restore full access anytime by completing the update.
Everyone else can continue using World Money normally; no action is required.
Is my privacy protected?
Yes. Updating your World ID is fully privacy-preserving. Neither World Foundation, Tools for Humanity (TFH), nor any third party has access to your World ID or PCP.
Translations may differ slightly from the original English content. For the most accurate information, please refer to the article's English version if any discrepancies occur.
How do I get verified at an Orb location without staff?
Overview
With the introduction of a new generation of Orbs in select locations, users can now independently complete their World ID verification quickly, accurately, and at their convenience—without requiring assistance from staff or an operator.
Benefits
- Ease and Flexibility: Complete the verification independently at your convenience.
- Guided Experience: Clear, interactive feedback ensures a smooth and efficient process.
- Enhanced Privacy: Secure handling of your data, maintaining your privacy throughout the verification.
Follow the steps below to perform self-serve World ID verification at an Orb.
Note: For information on how to prepare and what to expect at an Orb location, please read these resources:
Help Center Article - What should I expect when getting my World ID verified at an Orb location?
Blog Post- Tips and best practices for verifying your World ID at an Orb
How It Works
Step 1: Scan the QR Code
- Launch the verification process by tapping “Agree and Continue” in your app.
- A QR code will appear on your screen. Show this code directly to the Orb device.
- If you need additional guidance, tap the “Help” button for detailed instructions.
- Self-serve locations are walk-in — no appointment is needed. Visit during the location’s opening hours and follow the steps in the app.
Step 2: Position Yourself for Verification
- The app will prompt you with the instruction: “Open your eyes wide”.
- Look into the Orb's reflective mirror.
Step 3: Adjust for Optimal Capture
- The app and Orb will provide real-time guidance to help you achieve the correct position:
- Distance: You'll receive prompts such as “Move your face closer” if you're too far.
- Height: If your position is too high or low, you'll see directions like “Bring your face down a bit.”
- Stability: Once in the ideal position, you'll see a confirmation message: “Perfect position!”
- Clear View: If anything obstructs your face (like glasses), you'll be prompted to remove it.
- Face Detection: If the Orb cannot detect your face, you'll see the message: “Orb can’t see your face.”
Step 4: Automatic Capture
- When positioned correctly, the Orb automatically captures images of your face and eyes.
- A soft yellow light around the Orb will show your verification progress.
- You'll hear a pleasant sound, confirming the process has started.
Step 5: Verification Outcome
- On successful verification, you'll seamlessly continue to the next stage in your app.
- If verification fails, clear, actionable feedback will help you correct any issues.
- If the Orb times out (no face detected), you'll see the message: “Timeout. A face could not be seen.”
- Small vibrations on your phone alert you to look at the screen for helpful instructions.
If you are having issues completing the verification despite performing all suggested troubleshooting steps, please reach out to our support team through your World ID app.
Translations may differ slightly from the original English content. For the most accurate information, please refer to the article's English version if any discrepancies occur.
Understanding biometrics and their use by World
Why does the World Network need biometrics to verify I’m human?
Biometrics are the most accurate way to prove that someone is a unique, living human being. When acquired and used in a responsible and privacy-preserving way, biometrics can be a powerful and inclusive tool—one that empowers individuals to take ownership of their identity and keeps our goods and institutions secure.
You’ve probably already encountered this when unlocking your phone with your face or fingerprint, boarding certain flights with a biometric passport, accessing sporting or music events, or registering to vote in particular countries. Biometrics can also be instrumental in providing digital identity to the 4.4 billion people worldwide who either don’t have a legal identity or have one that can’t be digitally verified. This is a major stumbling block when it comes to accessing financial services—a stumbling block that World is attempting to solve.
Why does World use iris biometrics?
Not all biometrics are the same, and their utility can vary widely based on things like entropy and reliability at scale. Iris biometrics are also particularly well-suited to the project because of their privacy preserving nature. Specifically, because irises have more random unique details than fingerprints and faces and are less susceptible to change based on external factors, iris biometrics were identified as the most privacy-preserving and fraud-resistant way to verify personhood and uniqueness. Further, it is much easier to steal and fake someone’s fingerprint than it is to steal someone’s iris pattern.
Because commercially available iris imaging devices did not meet our technology and security needs, our team had to create our own. While approaches such as KYC and fingerprint scanning have limitations, our proprietary Orb technology enables World to establish the most inclusive digital identity and financial network for millions of individuals. Verifying uniqueness through the iris is the most inclusive solution for users around the globe.
Translations may differ slightly from the original English content. For the most accurate information, please refer to the article's English version if any discrepancies occur.
How do I confirm my date of birth?
If you entered an incorrect date of birth when creating your account or need to verify that you are over 18 (or older, depending on your country) to use World Money, you will see one of the following screens for age verification:
At Account Creation Stage:
During Orb Verification:
Age verification requirements vary by country. In Thailand, the minimum age for verification is 20 years old, not 18.
Each screen will outline the available options for completing the process. These are the following options:
1. Verify Credentials
If this option is available to you, you may be able to use an NFC-enabled ID to verify your age.
NFC (Near Field Communication) is a wireless technology that allows your phone to read information from a compatible card, device, or document located in close proximity — for example, when you tap your phone on your passport during verification. Most modern smartphones have NFC built in, and it needs to be turned on in your phone’s settings.
You can find more details in this article: What are World ID Proofs and how do I use them in World ID app?
2. Contact Support
You can tap this button to request assistance from our team.
Once you enter the Support chat, please write any of the following sentences or keywords so your request is handled more efficiently:
- I need to change my date of birth
- DOB
- I'm over 18 years old
- I need to verify my age
- My age is incorrect
- Age verification
Our team will then review your case and provide assistance as soon as possible.
Translations may differ slightly from the original English content. For the most accurate information, please refer to the article's English version if any discrepancies occur.
What is Face Authentication and how does it work?
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
Translations may differ slightly from the original English content. For the most accurate information, please refer to the article's English version if any discrepancies occur.
How does the Orb work?
The Orb captures and processes photos to verify uniqueness without the need to retain your images.
- It takes pictures of your face and eyes, then encrypts and stores them on your phone so that only you control them by default.
- Permanently encrypted codes generated from your photos are then stored across secure databases to prevent double verifications.
Will the Orb hurt my eyes?
The Orb is completely safe and will not harm your eyes.
The Orb complies with the specifications set forth in the international standard which includes eye safety (IEC-62471). As World updates the technology it uses to verify uniqueness and personhood, the project will continue to ensure that safety and privacy are at the center of all advancements.
What happens to the images taken by the Orb?
The Orb is used to verify a person’s humanness and uniqueness as part of the World ID protocol. It does this by first ensuring the person standing in front of it is a human. Then, photos of the eyes are abstracted and permanently encrypted into anonymous fragments that independent parties process to determine that the person is unique. Subsequently, all photos and photo derivatives are packaged, encrypted and “signed” by the Orb to ensure authenticity and security, then sent to the user’s phone through the Orb backend server (importantly the backend cannot decrypt the data).
The Orb promptly deletes the captured images after processing.
To learn more about the Orb, please visit our Orb Frequently Asked Questions blog post.
Translations may differ slightly from the original English content. For the most accurate information, please refer to the article's English version if any discrepancies occur.
What is the minimum age to obtain a World ID?
You must be 18 years or older in order to verify your World ID. This is a standard age requirement for apps that provide similar services as World Money.
Please note that age verification requirements vary by country. In Thailand, the minimum age for verification is 20 years old, not 18.
If you are under 18 years of age and are accompanied to an Orb location by a parent or guardian, you still will not be allowed to obtain a World ID.
How does age verification work in World Money?
You may be asked to verify your age using a government-issued ID. This process is handled securely and your documents are not stored after verification. You can find more details here: How do I confirm my date of birth?
To learn more about our privacy practices and age restrictions, please review our Terms of Service.
Translations may differ slightly from the original English content. For the most accurate information, please refer to the article's English version if any discrepancies occur.