# What is Face ID on iPhone?

> Face ID is the face-recognition unlock on iPhone X and later models without a Home button. It can unlock the iPhone, the Hidden album, locked notes and locked.

Source: https://lockphotosoniphone.com/glossary/face-id/ · Updated 2026-11-01 · By VaultForYou

![What is Face ID on iPhone illustrated on an iPhone screen](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/img/glossary--face-id.png)

**Quick answer:** Face ID is the face-recognition unlock on iPhone X and later models without a Home button. It can unlock the iPhone, the Hidden album, locked notes and locked apps.

- **First iPhone:** iPhone X (2017)
- **Fallback:** Your iPhone passcode
- **Models with Touch ID instead:** iPhone SE and models with a Home button

## How it works

Anything that opens with Face ID also opens with your iPhone passcode. That is why someone who knows your passcode can open the Hidden album.

## Face ID at a glance

| Fact | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| First iPhone | iPhone X (2017) |
| Fallback | Your iPhone passcode |
| Models with Touch ID instead | iPhone SE and models with a Home button |

## Face ID: questions

### What is Face ID on iPhone?

Face ID is the face-recognition unlock on iPhone X and later models without a Home button. It can unlock the iPhone, the Hidden album, locked notes and locked apps.

## Related guides

- [Hidden album lock](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/locks/hidden-album/)

## More terms

- [App Library](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/glossary/app-library/)
- [Decoy vault](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/glossary/decoy-vault/)
- [Guided Access](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/glossary/guided-access/)
- [Hidden album](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/glossary/hidden-album/)
- [iCloud Photos](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/glossary/icloud-photos/)
- [Locked note](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/glossary/locked-note/)