Does your iPhone take a picture of you every 5 seconds? [VIDEO]

Have you seen the viral TikToks claiming your iPhone secretly snaps a picture of you every few seconds? Those shot with infrared cameras — showing flashes from the iPhone’s TrueDepth system and fueling speculation about surveillance and unwanted tracking. Are Apple devices actually quietly watching their users, or is it just a misunderstanding of how Face ID works? Let’s see.

Why are people worried about Face ID?

The wave of concern started when a TikTok video showed an iPhone emitting invisible infrared flashes. When captured with a special camera, these pulses appeared every few seconds, leading some viewers to ask: Why does my iPhone take pictures every 5 seconds?

Comments on the video were filled with suspicion. Some feared it meant their phone was constantly photographing them, while others compared it to surveillance technologies. Similar questions began trending, such as: Does your phone take a picture every 5 seconds? and Do iPhones take pictures of you without consent?

While the reaction is understandable, the explanation lies not in secret surveillance, but in how Apple’s Face ID and TrueDepth camera system function.

How Apple’s Face ID and TrueDepth camera work

The iPhone’s TrueDepth system is made up of three components:

• Infrared camera — detects invisible light and reads facial patterns;
• Flood illuminator — helps the system see in the dark;
• Dot projector — casts over 30,000 tiny infrared dots to map a user’s face in 3D.

When you enable Face ID, your iPhone stores a mathematical representation of your face. Each time you try to unlock your device, the system projects those dots, measures depth, and compares the scan with the saved model.

These infrared pulses are not photos but depth scans. Importantly, these scans only happen when the device expects interaction, such as when you pick it up or glance at it. And because Face ID measures depth, a flat photo of your face cannot unlock your device. The technology ensures only a real, three-dimensional face can be recognized.

Why Face ID improves your phone experience

Beyond unlocking your device, Face ID enhances everyday use. It grants you:

• Quick access: you can unlock your iPhone in a secure and seamless way;
• Attention-aware features: your screen dims when you’re not looking, and notification volume lowers when you’re facing the screen, which helps save battery.

In other words, Face ID isn’t just about security. It’s also designed to make your iPhone more intuitive, responsive, and power-efficient.

Is your facial data safe?

So, if you’re not very familiar with how iPhone’s Face ID works behind the scenes, the worry of it constantly scanning your face is understandable. But a more important question here is, where does all that data go?

According to Apple, your facial model never leaves the device. It’s stored inside the Secure Enclave, a dedicated part of the iPhone’s hardware isolated from the operating system and internet-connected apps. This design reduces the risk of remote hacking or data leaks.

However, if you want to add an extra layer of security and privacy when surfing the web or using apps, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) such as Surfshark can help. Besides masking your IP (Internet Protocol) address, it encrypts your online traffic, which minimizes tracking and complements the protections already built into iOS.

How to turn off Face ID or manage its settings

If you’re still uneasy about infrared scanning, you can limit or disable Face ID:

1. Open Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
2. Enter your passcode if prompted.
3. Toggle off:

• Require Attention for Face ID;
• Attention-Aware Features.

You can also disable Face ID entirely and use a passcode instead. This stops the face scanning.

Final thoughts: Should you worry about Face ID?

So, your iPhone isn’t secretly filling your photo library with hidden selfies. It’s the TrueDepth system scanning your face with infrared light to enable Face ID and related features. While this technology is primarily about security and convenience, your privacy concerns are valid, and Apple gives you the choice to disable these features.

However, understanding how the system works helps separate fact from fear, and you can decide what balance of security and privacy works best for you.

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