By Mitu Rani Das, Tech Enthusiast | February 14, 2026
I want to share something important with you. You know how we always talk about privacy, hacking, and keeping our phones safe? Recently, I learned something that honestly changed how I look at Face ID and biometric locks. I used to think they were the safest option ever, I mean, what could be more secure than your own face, right?
But after digging a little deeper, I realized it’s not that simple, especially for people like us living in Bangladesh, where digital security awareness is still growing. It made me rethink how we protect every phone in Bangladesh, because convenience doesn’t always equal true security.
Let me explain everything clearly, like I would if we were sitting together having tea.
What Made Me Question Face ID in the First Place
I used to unlock my phone with Face ID every day without thinking twice. It was fast, convenient, and honestly felt futuristic. But then I read about a real incident involving a journalist from The Washington Post. Law enforcement agents from the FBI reportedly tried to access their devices and actually got permission to force biometric unlocking.
That shocked me. Because here is the thing most people do not realize. In some legal systems, authorities can compel you to unlock your phone using biometrics such as face or fingerprint. But they usually cannot legally force you to reveal a passcode or password. That difference changed my mindset completely.
Face ID vs Passcode. The Truth Nobody Explains
Let us compare them honestly, not just based on marketing claims.
Convenience
Face ID means instant unlock. Passcode means effort. No contest. Face ID wins here.
Security Against Hackers
Both can be secure if implemented properly. Companies like Apple and Google store biometric data locally on your device, not on servers. That means hackers cannot just steal your face scan from the cloud. So far so good.
Security Against Physical Access
This is where things change. If someone forces your face toward your phone or presses your finger on it, biometric locks can open. A passcode cannot be forced from your mind unless you reveal it. That is the key difference most people ignore.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
You might say I am not a journalist or activist. Why should I worry? Fair question. Not everyone faces the same level of risk. Security always depends on your situation. But here is something I realized.
Security is not just about criminals. It is also about
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Lost phones
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Curious coworkers
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Border checks while traveling
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Stolen devices
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Opportunistic thieves
In countries like Bangladesh, phone theft is common in crowded areas. If someone steals your phone while it is unlocked or forces the biometric unlock, your data can be exposed instantly.
Who Should Seriously Avoid Face ID
I told my friend this clearly. Some people should avoid biometrics completely. You should strongly consider disabling Face ID if you are
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A journalist
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Political activist
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Business owners handling sensitive deals
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Students with private research or documents
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Travelers carrying confidential files
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Someone managing crypto or financial accounts
Basically, if your phone contains anything valuable or sensitive, biometrics may not be the safest primary lock.
Lockdown Features Most People Do Not Know About
Here is something useful I discovered while researching. Modern phones have emergency security modes.
iPhone Lockdown Mode
There is a special feature that restricts many functions and blocks certain connections. It is designed for people at risk of targeted surveillance.
Android Lockdown Option
Android devices also have a lockdown mode. It temporarily disables biometric unlock so only a passcode works. That means if you feel unsafe, you can instantly make your phone harder to access. Most users never activate these because they do not even know they exist.
Biggest Myth About Face ID
Let me tell you the biggest misconception I had. Biometrics does not always meanthe strongest security. Biometric authentication is identity verification, not secret protection. Your face and fingerprint are not secrets. You show your face everywhere
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CCTV cameras
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Social media photos
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Public places
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ID cards
A password is different. It exists only in your mind. That is why, legally and technically, it is harder to force.
Why I Personally Stopped Using Face ID
Honestly, my reason started small. During COVID times, masks made Face ID annoying. I switched to a passcode because it was easier than adjusting my mask constantly. Later, I realized I accidentally made a smarter security choice.
Now I prefer
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Long passcodes
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Strong passwords
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Passkeys protected by PIN
It may take one extra second to unlock, but I feel more secure knowing my data is safer.
Real Security Is Not About Features
This is something I wish more people understood. Your phone security depends more on your habits than your device brand or price. Even the most expensive phone can be insecure if you
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Use weak passwords
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Reuse the same PIN everywhere
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Install random apps
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Click suspicious links
Meanwhile, a basic phone can be very secure if used wisely.
Simple Steps I Recommended to My Friend
I did not just warn him. I gave him practical steps. Here is exactly what I told him to do.
1. Remove Biometric Unlock
Delete face and fingerprint data from device settings.
2. Set a Strong Passcode
Use at least six digits or an alphanumeric code.
3. Enable Auto Lock
Set screen timeout to 30 seconds or less.
4. Turn On Remote Wipe
So data can be erased if the phone is stolen.
5. Use Unique Passwords
Never reuse passwords across accounts.
6. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Adds another layer of protection.
These steps alone increase your security significantly.
But Is Face ID Always Bad
No. Let's be fair. Face ID is very useful for
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Quick phone access
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Elderly users
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Accessibility needs
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Low-risk environments
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Secondary authentication
The real problem is not the technology itself. It is using it blindly without understanding limitations. Think of Face ID like a convenience tool, not a security shield.
The Psychology Behind Convenience vs Security
Humans naturally choose convenience.
We prefer
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Easy logins
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Saved passwords
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Auto unlock
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One tap access
Companies design systems this way because users demand simplicity. But convenience always trades off with security. That is why cybersecurity experts recommend layered protection rather than relying on one feature.
What Most People in Bangladesh Overlook
In our region, digital literacy is improving but still developing. Many people
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Do not use screen locks
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Share PINs with friends
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Store private photos unprotected
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Use simple passwords like 123456
So the issue is not just Face ID. It is awareness. The biggest upgrade is not buying a new phone. It's about learning better digital habits.
My Honest Advice to You
If you ask me personally, I do not think everyone should disable Face ID immediately. But I do think everyone should understand this. Biometrics protect convenience. Passcodes protect freedom. If you value privacy, control, and legal protection, a strong passcode is still the safest primary lock.
Final Thoughts
Technology keeps evolving, but one thing never changes. Your data is valuable. Photos, chats, emails, banking apps, documents. Your phone basically holds your life. So protecting it is not optional anymore. It is necessary. Face ID is not evil. It is just misunderstood.
Use it if it fits your lifestyle. Disable it if your risk level is higher. The smart move is to make a conscious decision instead of blindly trusting default settings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Face ID
What is Face ID?
Face ID is Apple’s facial recognition technology that unlocks devices and authenticates apps using your face.
Is Face ID really secure?
Yes, Face ID uses advanced sensors and machine learning, making it highly secure, though no system is 100% foolproof.
How do I turn on Face ID?
Go to Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Set Up Face ID and follow the on-screen instructions.
Is Face ID only on Apple?
Yes, Face ID is exclusive to Apple devices like iPhones and iPads; other brands use similar facial recognition under different names.
Why remove Face ID?
People might remove it for privacy concerns, device sharing, or if they prefer using a passcode or Touch ID instead.
