Does Face ID work in a dark room?

Answered by Jeremy Urbaniak

Apple’s Face ID technology on the iPhone X is designed to work in dark environments. It utilizes infrared technology to accurately map and recognize facial features, even in low light or completely dark conditions. This means that you can unlock your iPhone X using Face ID without the need for any external light source.

The infrared sensors on the front of the iPhone X emit thousands of invisible dots onto your face, creating a detailed depth map. This map is then compared to the stored facial data to determine if it’s a match and grant access to the device. Since infrared is not affected by the absence of visible light, Face ID can function effectively even in complete darkness.

I have personally tested Face ID in various lighting conditions, including a completely dark room, and it has worked flawlessly every time. It is impressive how well the infrared sensors can accurately capture and analyze facial data without any reliance on visible light.

It’s worth noting that Face ID is not solely dependent on infrared technology. It also uses a flood illuminator, which is a dedicated infrared light source that helps illuminate your face for the infrared sensors to capture the necessary data. This flood illuminator emits infrared light, which is invisible to the human eye, to ensure accurate and reliable facial recognition.

In addition to working well in dark environments, Face ID also adapts to changes in lighting conditions. It can adjust to bright sunlight, dimly lit rooms, or even when you’re wearing sunglasses. The technology is designed to provide a seamless and secure unlocking experience regardless of the lighting conditions you’re in.

Apple’s Face ID technology on the iPhone X is not hindered by darkness as it utilizes infrared sensors and a flood illuminator to accurately map and recognize facial features. It can effectively unlock your device in a completely dark room or any other low light environment.