Replacing faces in photos and videos has long ceased to be the prerogative of professional studios. Today, any smartphone owner can change their face in a selfie, squeeze into the frames of Hollywood blockbusters, or create a meme with a friend - in just a few clicks. But what are these apps called? And most importantly, which of them work stably, do not steal data and do not leave traces of editing? Android can change your face in a selfie, fit into the frames of Hollywood blockbusters, or create a meme with a friend - in just a few clicks. But what are these apps called? And most importantly, which of them work stably, do not steal data and do not leave traces of editing?

In this article we will analyze 7 best applications for changing faces on Android (including little-known but powerful tools), compare their capabilities in a table, warn about legal and technical risks, and also give step-by-step guide for beginners. If you are looking for an analog DeepFaceLab for a mobile device or just want to experiment with face swap read on.

Spoiler: most "free" applications in Google Play either put watermarks or limit the resolution of the output file. And some may even Use your photos to train neural networks without consent - few people warn about this. We'll tell you how to avoid pitfalls.

TOP 7 face changing apps on Android in 2026

The app market for face swap Android is oversaturated with low-quality clones, but among them there are truly working tools. We selected apps based on three criteria:

  • 🔹 Replacement quality —how natural the result looks (no artifacts, correct adjustment in light/shadows).
  • 🔹 Speed processing —some applications “think” for 10 minutes on one video.
  • 🔹 Security —checked permissions, privacy policies, and reviews of data leaks.

Important: not all applications from the list are available on Google Play —some are distributed via APK (more on that below). Also note that for the video you will need a smartphone with at least 4 GB of RAM otherwise the application will constantly crash.

📊 What problem do you want to solve using face changing?
Create a meme
Insert yourself in the video
Change face in photo
Experiments with AI
Other

1. Reface (formerly Doublicat)

Best for videos and gifs. The app uses a neural network to replace faces in clips, GIFs, and even meme videos. The database of templates is huge - from scenes from Game of Thrones to TikTok trends. Minus: the free version adds a watermark and limits the resolution.

Features:

  • 🎬 Works with videos up to 10 seconds (in the paid version - up to 30 seconds).
  • 🖼️ Supports replacing faces in static photos (but worse than specialized editors).
  • 💰 Premium account: ~500 rub/month (price varies by region).

2. FaceApp

Classics of the genre, but with reservations. The application has become famous for its aging/rejuvenation filters, but it also has a function face swap. The quality is average - artifacts often appear on the borders of the face. But the interface is simple, and basic functionality is free.

Important: FaceApp has been repeatedly accused of collection of biometric data. In 2020, rumors emerged that user photos were being used to train neural networks without explicit consent. The company has denied this, but risks remain.

3. Cupace

For photorealistic replacement (but only in the photo). The application analyzes lighting, head rotation angle and even facial expressions so that the result looks natural. Suitable for creating deep fakes (deepfake) of high quality.

Limitations:

  • 🚫 Does not work with video.
  • 📱 Requires Android 9.0+ and a smartphone with a processor no weaker Snapdragon 660.
  • ⏳ Processing one photo takes up to 2-3 minutes.

4. FaceMagic (formerly FaceSwap)

Reface alternative, but with a larger base of video templates. There are functions for replacing faces in real time (via the camera) and creating deep fakes for social networks. The downside is aggressive monetization: you will have to pay separately for each “premium” template.

An interesting feature: you can upload your own video templates and change faces on them. For example, insert yourself into a friend’s home video.

5. DeepFaceLab (mobile version)

For advanced users. This is not a full-fledged ported one (which runs on a PC), but a simplified version with limited capabilities. Suitable for creating DeepFaceLab (which runs on PC), but a simplified version with limited features. Suitable for creating deepfakevideos, but requires manual settings.

⚠️ Attention: the application is not official - it is distributed through APK files on forums like 4PDA or XDA Developers. The risk of contracting a virus or spyware is high. Use only if you understand how to check file hashes.

6. Snapchat / TikTok (built-in filters)

The safest way change your face, but with minimal control over the result. There are filters like "Face Swap", and in Snapchat there are filters like "Face Swap", and in TikTok there are effects like "Invisible Body" or "Age Swap". Plus: no need to install separate applications.

Cons:

  • 🎭 Limited set of templates.
  • 🚫 There is no way to save the result in high resolution.
  • 📱 Filters are optimized for the front camera - they work worse with backup cameras.

7. ZAO (Chinese application)

Powerful but controversial tool. An application from Chinese developers allows you to create deep fakes in a matter of seconds, but has a dubious reputation. In 2019, he was accused of illegal collection of biometric data users.

Currently ZAO officially unavailable in Google Play, but APK files are floating around the network. We do not recommend using it without a VPN and checking for viruses.

Check the permission (access to camera, gallery, microphone)

Read reviews on w3bsit3-dns.com or Reddit

Check the APK on VirusTotal (if you are not downloading from Google Play)

Create a backup copy of photos/videos on the cloud

Use a secondary Google account-->

Comparative table of face changing applications

Application Type content Quality Free version Risks
Reface Video, gifs, photos ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Watermark, low resolution Data collection for targeted advertising
FaceApp Photos, videos (short) ⭐⭐⭐ Limited filters Suspicions of transferring photos to third parties
Cupace Photo only ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Limitation on the number of edits High hardware requirements
FaceMagic Video, photo, real-time camera ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advertising, paid templates Aggressive monetization
DeepFaceLab (mobile) Video (deepfake) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ No official version High risk of viruses in APK

⚠️ Attention: If you plan to use the result for commercial purposes (for example, for advertising or a meme account), check the application license agreements. Some prohibit the distribution of edited content without mentioning the brand.

Step-by-step guide: how to change a face in a photo or video

Let's look at the process using the example of Reface one of the most popular applications. The instructions are also suitable for other apps with minimal adjustments.

Step 1: Installation and configuration

1. Download Reface from Google Play (or APK from the official website if the application is blocked in your region).

2. When you first start, allow access to:

  • 📷 Camera (for taking new photos/videos).
  • 🖼️ Storage (for downloading finished content).
  • 🔊 Microphone (optional, needed for video with sound).

3. Register via Google, Facebook or email. A free account gives access to basic functions.

Step 2: Select a template

1. On the main screen, select the section:

  • 🎥 "Swap in Video" — to replace a face in a video.
  • 🖼️ "Swap in Photo" — for a photo.
  • 🤳 "Live Swap" —replacement in real time through the camera.

2. Scroll through the template catalog. Popular categories:

  • 🎬 "Movies" - stills from films.
  • 🎤 "Music" - celebrity clips.
  • 😂 "Memes" - viral videos from social networks.

Step 3: Uploading your face

1. Click "Use My Face" and select the source:

  • 📸 Take a photo now (optimal for video).
  • 🖼️ Download from gallery (suitable for photos).

2. Follow the prompts on the screen:

  • Turn your head left/right.
  • Smile or keep a neutral expression.
  • Make sure the light is shining on your face (not against the sun!).

⚠️ Attention: if you are uploading someone else's photo (such as a friend), make sure you have their consent. In some countries, creating deepfake without permission may be considered a violation of the right to the image (right of publicity).

Step 4: Processing and saving

1. After scanning the face, the application will offer a preview. If you are satisfied with the result, click "Create".

2. Wait for processing (from 10 seconds to 2 minutes depending on the length of the video).

3. Save the result:

  • 💾 On device (free, but with a watermark in the free version).
  • 📤 Share on social networks (TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp).
How to remove a watermark in Reface without paying subscriptions?

There is a workaround: save the video with a watermark, then trim it in any video editor (for example CapCut or KineMaster), removing the outermost 5% of the frame where the logo is usually located. The quality will deteriorate slightly, but the sign will disappear.

Changing faces is not only fun, but also responsible. In some cases, you may run into problems:

1. Violation of the right to image

In most countries (including Russia, the USA and the EU) it is illegal to use someone else's face for commercial purposes without consent. For example:

  • 🚫 Create a meme with a colleague's face and post it to a public account.
  • 🚫 Insert a celebrity's face into a commercial.
  • 🚫 Use deepfake to discredit a person.

Exception: if the content is clearly parody or satirical (but there are nuances here too).

2. Deepfake and fraud

Creating deepfake videos for the purpose of deception (for example, faking a voice and face to call relatives) is punishable by criminal liability in some countries. In 2023, there was the first precedent in the United States: a man received 3 years in prison for creating deepfake porn with the face of an ex-girlfriend.

In Russia, since 2026, amendments to the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation have been in force, qualifying the distribution of deepfake without the mark “not real” as slander (Article 128.1).

3. Blocking in social networks

Platforms like TikTok, Instagram i YouTube are actively fighting deepfake content. Accounts can be blocked for:

  • 🎭 Videos with the faces of politicians or celebrities (unless there is an explicit mark of "parody").
  • 💔 Content that discredits honor and dignity (for example, fake intimate videos).
  • 📉 Mass mailing of deepfake for promotion accounts.
💡

If you create face swap content for social networks, add the hashtags #deepfake #parody #notreal in the description and indicate that the video is edited. This will reduce the risk of blocking.

How to protect your photos from being used in face swap?

If you do not want your face to be used in other people's memes or deepfake, take these measures:

1. Privacy settings in social networks

Limit access to your photos:

  • 🔒 In Instagram: Settings → Privacy → History → Hide history from...
  • 🔒 In VK: Settings → Privacy → Who sees my photos
  • 🔒 In TikTok: Settings → Privacy → Who can send you messages

2. Technical methods of protection

Some applications (for example, Glaze from the University of Chicago) allow you to add “invisible” noise to a photo, which prevents neural networks from recognizing a face. This is still an experimental technology, but it is already working against some face swap applications.

3. Watermarks

Add a subtle watermark to the photo (for example, via Lightroom or Snapseed). This will not stop professionals, but will scare away casual users.

Alternative methods: how to change your face without special applications

If you do not want to install separate apps, there are workarounds:

1. Online services

Sites like FaceSwapOnline or DeepSwap allow you to download photos and videos directly in the browser. Cons:

  • 🖥️ Requires stable internet.
  • 🛡️ Risk of data leakage (downloaded photos may remain on servers).
  • 💰 Often paid or with restrictions.

2. Video editors with plugins

apps like CapCut or Alight Motion support plugins for replacing faces. For example, in CapCut there is an effect "Face Swap" in the section "Effects → Trends".

3. Neural Networks on PC

If you need professional quality, use desktop solutions:

  • 🖥️ DeepFaceLab (Windows, requires a powerful PC).
  • 🐧 FaceSwap (cross-platform, works on Linux/Mac).
  • 🤖 Roop (simplified version for beginners).

These tools give complete control over the process, but require skills in working with Python and video codecs.

💡

For one-time tasks (for example, creating a meme), a mobile application is enough. If you need a professional deepfake (for example, for cinema or advertising), use desktop solutions.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing faces on Android

Is it possible to change a face in a video longer than 1 minute?

In mobile applications like Reface or FaceMagic restriction - 30 seconds (in the paid version). For long videos, you will have to use desktop apps (DeepFaceLab) or break the video into parts and then glue them together in the editor.

Why do artifacts appear after replacing a face in a video?

Reasons:

  1. Weak smartphone processor (you need at least Snapdragon 7xx or Dimensity 900+).
  2. Poor lighting in the source video/photo.
  3. Sharp head movements in the frame.
  4. Low source resolution (optimal — 1080p).

Solution: try another application (for example, Cupace works better with photos) or process the video on a PC.

Is it possible to change your face live (stream)?

Technically yes, but with reservations:

  • 📱 On Android: the application FaceMagic has a mode "Live Swap", but it heavily loads the processor and can lag.
  • 🖥️ On PC: use OBS Studio + plugin FaceSwap for streaming.

⚠️ Attention: streaming with the replacement of faces may violate the rules of the platforms (Twitch, YouTube). For example, if you impersonate another person.

How to remove a watermark from Reface?

Officially - no way, only through a paid subscription. Unofficial methods:

  1. Crop the video in the editor (CapCut, InShot).
  2. Place a sticker or emoji over the sign.
  3. Use the object removal tool (Remove.bg, Adobe Photoshop Fix).

Please note that cropping degrades quality, and some methods may violate the user agreement Reface.

Is it legal to create a deepfake with a politician's face for memes?

Depends on the jurisdiction and context:

  • 🇺🇸 In the USA it is protected as parody (First Amendment).
  • 🇷🇺 In Russia, since 2026, deepfake must be marked “not real”, otherwise it may be qualified as libel.
  • 🇪🇺 In the EU it is valid GDPR - use of someone else's person without consent may result in a fine.

Recommendation: If you publish such content, add a disclaimer and do not spread it as real facts.