Face recognition technology on Android smartphones has become an integral part of security and convenience. However, many users face the need change Face ID —whether after changing their hairstyle, undergoing plastic surgery, or simply to improve scanning accuracy. Unlike iPhonewhere the process is standardized, on Android algorithms depend on the manufacturer and firmware version.

In this article we will look at all the current ways to update facial biometric data, including official settingsworkarounds for devices without native support, and also consider why the system may refuse to save new templates. We will pay special attention to security issues - after all, incorrectly setting up Face ID can make your smartphone vulnerable to attackers.

Before you start making changes, make sure that the latest firmware version is installed on your device. Some brands (for example, Samsung or Xiaomi) regularly update recognition algorithms, adding support for new use cases. Also check if power saving mode is activated - it can block the operation of the camera sensors and infrared scanner.

If you use a smartphone with 3D face scanner (as in Huawei Mate 50 Pro or Oppo Find X5), the data update process will differ from devices with a regular front camera. In such cases, the system may require recalibration of the sensors, which takes up to 30 seconds.

1. Official method: changing Face ID through Android settings

Most modern smartphones on Android 10+ allow you to update the biometric face template directly in the security menu. Here are universal instructions that are suitable for devices Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus and other brands with pure Android:

1. Open the application "Settings" (gear icon).

2. Go to the section "Security and privacy" (on some devices - simply "Security").

3. Select "Face recognition" or «Face Unlock» (name may vary).

4. Enter the current PIN code, pattern or password for confirmation.

5. Click "Add face" or "Update face data".

Then the system will prompt you to go through the scanning process again. It is important to follow the prompts on the screen: slowly turn your head so that the camera captures all angles. data-i="71">(for example, infrared scanner (For example, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra) the process may take up to 1 minute - do not interrupt it.

⚠️ Attention: If Face ID stops working after updating, check if the mode "Improved protection" is enabled in the security settings. Some firmware blocks biometrics when. activating this parameter.

On smartphones Xiaomi i Redmi the path may be slightly different: 

Settings → Passwords and security → Face recognition → Face data management → Update

Make sure the front camera is clean

Turn off power saving mode

Check the lighting (avoid bright sun or darkness)

Remove glasses/headgear, if they interfere with scanning-->

2. Why Android does not allow you to change Face ID: common errors

Sometimes the system refuses to save new biometric data, producing errors like "Face update failed" or "Scanning is unsatisfactory"Here are the main reasons and methods for them. Fixes:

✅ Weak lighting or glare

The face scanner requires uniform light. Try performing the procedure in a room with soft lighting, avoiding direct sunlight on the camera. On some devices. (for example, Google Pixel 7) it helps to turn on "Night mode" in the camera settings.

✅ Changes in appearance

If you have recently shaved your beard, got a new haircut, or are wearing glasses with tinted windows, the system may not recognize you. In such cases, you will have to completely delete the old template and create a new one.

✅ Problems with sensors

On devices with 3D scanner (for example Huawei P50 Pro) errors are often associated with contamination of the infrared module. Wipe the sensor area with a soft cloth. If the problem persists, check the operation of the camera in standard photo mode - repair may be required.

✅ Manufacturer's limitations

Some brands (for example Realme or Infinix) artificially limit the number of saved faces. If you have already added the maximum number of templates (usually 1-2), you will have to delete the old one before creating a new one.

Once a month

Only after changing my appearance

Never updated

I don’t use Face ID-->

3. Alternative methods: how to update Face ID without standard settings

If your smartphone does not support native recognition faces (for example, budget models Nokia or Tecno), or the manufacturer removed this function after the update, you can use workarounds. Consider two proven methods:

🔹 Using third-party applications

Applications like «Face Lock Screen» or «BioMetric Lock» imitate Face ID through the front camera. They are less reliable than built-in solutions, but are suitable for basic protection. Please note that such apps:

  • 🔴 Does not work with banking applications. data-i="124">🔴 Can leak data to the developer's servers (check permissions!) (requires native biometrics)
  • 🔴Can leak data to the developer’s servers (check permissions!)
  • 🟢 Allows you to save multiple faces (useful for family use)

🔹 Activation via ADB (for advanced users)

On some devices (for example Sony Xperia or Motorola) the facial recognition function is hidden in the firmware. It can be activated through the ADB command: 

adb shell settings put global face_unlock_enabled 1

After this, a new item will appear in the security settings. Attention: incorrect use of ADB can lead to system failures!

⚠️ Attention: Before working with ADB, make a backup copy of your data. Some manufacturers (for example, Samsung) reset the Knox flag when changing system settings, which voids the warranty.
What what to do if Face ID does not appear after the ADB command?

This means that your model does not support the function at the software level. Try to find custom firmware that supports facial recognition (for example, LineageOS with the Face Unlock module), but consider the risks of data loss and security.

4. Comparison of Face ID on different brands: who copes better with updates?

Not all manufacturers implement facial recognition technology in the same way. We tested updating biometric data on popular devices and compiled a comparison table:

Brand/Model Support for 3D scanning Max. data-i="143">Update time Update time Works in the dark
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra ✅ Yes 1 ~45 sec ✅ Yes
Google Pixel 7 Pro ❌ No (2D) 2 ~20 sec ❌ No
Xiaomi 13 Pro ✅ Yes 1 ~30 sec ✅ Yes
OnePlus 11 ❌ No (2D) 3 ~15 sec ❌ No
Huawei Mate 50 Pro ✅ Yes (ToF sensor) 1 ~1 min ✅ Yes

Devices with 3D scanners (Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi) require more careful calibration when updating, but provide high accuracy even when lighting or appearance changes. At the same time, Google and OnePlus use simplified algorithms that learn faster, but are less reliable.

If it is important to you maximum security, choose models with an infrared scanner. For everyday use, 2D recognition is sufficient, but remember: such systems can be fooled by photography (especially on older versions of Android).

5. Security: how to protect facial data from leakage

Many users do not think that biometric data can be compromised. Here are key precautions when working with Face ID on Android:

🔐 Disable saving biometrics in the cloud

Some manufacturers (for example, Huawei until 2021) uploaded face templates to their servers by default. Check your synchronization settings: 

Settings → Accounts → [Your account] → Synchronization → Disable "Biometrics"

🔐 Use two-factor authentication

Even if an attacker gains access to your Face ID, he will not be able to unlock bank accounts applications without PIN code or fingerprint. Set up a mandatory second factor request for:

  • 💳 Banking applications (SberBank Online, Tinkoff)
  • 🔒 Password managers (1Password, Keeper)
  • 📱 Social networks with payment functions (VK Pay, Telegram wallet)

🔐 Check application permissions regularly

Face scanners can be used by third-party apps to collect data. Go to: 

Settings → Applications → Permissions → Camera

and revoke access from suspicious applications. This is especially true for games and photo editing software.

💡

If you sell or give your smartphone to another person, be sure to manually delete all biometric data in the security menu. A simple factory reset may not be enough!

6. Frequent questions and problems after changing Face ID

Even after successfully updating biometric data, users encounter unexpected difficulties. scenarios:

🤔 "Face ID only works at a certain angle"

This means that when scanning you did not hold your smartphone at the angle you are used to. Solution:

  1. Delete the current face template.
  2. During a new scan, hold the phone the way you usually use it. (for example, lying in bed or at your desk).
  3. Add alternate face (if supported), repeating the process from a different angle.

🤔 "The smartphone will be unlocked from a photo"

This problem with all 2D scanners (for example, on Google Pixel 6 or Realme 9 Pro). To increase protection:

  • 🔹 Disable the function "Unlock when blinking" (if available in the settings).
  • 🔹 Install an additional PIN code for sensitive applications.
  • 🔹 Use fingerprint as the main unlocking method.

🤔 "After updating Android, Face ID stopped working"

Firmware updates sometimes reset biometric settings. Try:

  1. Restart the device.
  2. Delete and add the face again.
  3. Check whether the function is disabled in "Accessibility" (sometimes it conflicts with recognition).
💡

If none of the methods helped, check if the "For Developers" mode is enabled on your device with the option disabled “Limit background processes.” This may block the operation of biometric sensors.

Is it possible to change Face ID on Android without a PIN code?

No, all modern versions of Android require you to enter your current PIN code, password or pattern to confirm changes. biometric data. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized updating of templates.

If you have forgotten your PIN, first reset it through your Google Account (an Internet connection is required) and then update Face ID.

How many times can you change Face ID on one smartphone?

There are no technical restrictions on the number of changes, but some manufacturers set limits:

  • Samsung: no more than 1 face at a time (when adding a new one, the old one is deleted automatically).
  • Xiaomi/Redmi: up to 2 faces.
  • Google Pixel: up to 5 faces, but only 1 is active for unlocking.

Frequent changes can lead to a decrease in recognition accuracy - the system “forgets” previous patterns.

Why did Face ID stop working after changing glasses?

Modern facial recognition algorithms adapt to small changes (for example, a new hairstyle), but glasses with tinted lenses or a different frame shape can completely block scanning. Solutions:

  1. Add a new face with glasses as an alternative template (if supported).
  2. Scan a face without glasses, and then manually disable the option "Requires open eyes" (if available settings).
  3. Use fingerprint as a backup unlock method.
Is it possible to transfer Face ID from old Android to new?

No, biometric data is tied to the hardware of a specific device and is not transferred. When buying a new smartphone, you will have to:

  1. Configure Face ID again in the security menu.
  2. Transfer other data (contacts, applications) through Settings → System → Backup.
  3. Re-link biometrics to banking applications (requires personal presence in some banks).

Exception - devices of the same series (for example, when updating from Samsung Galaxy S22 to S23), where some manufacturers offer migration of settings via Smart Switch.

How to completely remove Face ID from Android?

To delete all facial biometric data:

  1. Go to Settings → Security → Facial recognition.
  2. Select "Delete face data" or "Reset".
  3. Confirm the action with a PIN code.

On some devices (for example, OnePlus) you will have to manually disable the function in the menu "Unlock methods". After deleting, the system may offer to create a new template - click "Skip".

⚠️ Attention: On smartphones c Knox (for example, Samsung) deleting biometrics may require a reboot to apply the changes.