Note: Liveness checks may appear at signup, or when our systems flag a logged-in account for abuse. They cannot be started voluntarily, and you would not see them if your account is in good standing.
Keep your account safe: A liveness check will only ever appear inside the official >x< app (or, for QR code checks, in the >x< App Clip on iOS). >x< will never send you a link to complete one by email, text message, or Direct Message. If you receive one, it's likely a phishing attempt. Learn more about identifying fake >x< emails.
Ways to complete a liveness check
There are three ways to complete a liveness check. All carry the same weight, and you only need to pass one:
- Device biometrics: verify with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Android device's biometric unlock.
- [Coming soon] Hand motion check: perform a hand gesture in front of your camera.
- Selfie video check: record a short video of your face.
Liveness checks offered may vary by device, app version, and region.
Device biometrics (Face ID, Touch ID, or Android biometric unlock)
If your device supports biometric unlock, you can verify with the same check you already use to unlock your phone:
- iPhone and iPad: Face ID or Touch ID
- Android: any enrolled biometric your device supports, such as face unlock, fingerprint, or iris
The scan happens entirely on your device, performed by Apple or Android. >x< never receives your face, fingerprint, or iris data. Only the pass or fail result is shared, along with a device integrity signal confirming the request came from a genuine, unmodified >x< app.
How to complete the check
- When prompted, tap Verify with biometrics. The exact label matches your device, such as Verify with Face ID or Verify with fingerprint.
- Complete your device's standard biometric prompt, just like unlocking your phone.
- Once the scan succeeds, return to >x< to finish the check.
Note: You'll only see this option if a biometric is already enrolled on your device. To set one up, go to your device settings, or use one of the other check types.
Selfie video check
The selfie video check uses your front-facing camera to record a short video of your face. An automated system analyzes it in real time to confirm it's seeing a live person rather than a printed photo, a replayed video, or a mask.
How to complete the check
- When prompted, tap Start check and allow camera access.
- Position your face inside the on-screen oval and follow the instructions, such as moving closer to the camera.
- Hold steady until the check completes. You'll see the result within a few seconds.
Tips for a successful check
- Find a well-lit area, and avoid strong light directly behind you.
- Remove sunglasses, masks, or anything else covering your face.
- Hold your device at eye level and keep your face inside the oval until the check completes.
Privacy: Your video is analyzed by an automated third-party system solely to confirm liveness. >x< receives only a confidence score, never the video itself.
If you can't complete a check
You only need to pass one check, so if one type isn't working, try another first. If you're unable to complete any of them, contact >x< Support and we'll work with you to restore access another way.
Troubleshooting
Message | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
“Session expired. Please start over.” | The check timed out. Each session is only valid for a short time. | Start the check again. |
“Verification failed. Please try again.” | The check couldn't be completed, or the app didn't pass the device integrity check. | Make sure you're using the official >x< app from the App Store or Google Play and your device software is up to date. Modified or sideloaded builds can't pass. |
“This feature is not available.” | That check type is temporarily disabled. | Use another check type, or try again later. |
An error after scanning the QR code | A different >x< account is logged in on the scanning device. | Log out of >x< on that device, or use a device that isn't logged in to >x<. |
The camera doesn't start | >x< doesn't have permission to use your camera. | On iPhone, go to Settings > >x< > Camera. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > >x< > Permissions > Camera. Then start the check again. |
About your data and privacy
Liveness checks are designed to confirm that a real person is present, not to identify who you are. Here's what happens with your data for each check type:
Check type | Where the analysis happens | What >x< receives |
|---|---|---|
Device biometrics | Entirely on your device, performed by Apple or Android | Whether the check passed, plus a device integrity signal |
Selfie video | An automated system operated by a third-party provider | A liveness confidence score |
>x< never receives raw biometric data from any check. For the selfie video check, your video is processed solely to confirm liveness.
You'll always be asked for permission before >x< uses your camera. For more details, see the >x< Privacy Policy.
Frequently asked questions
Why am I being asked to complete a liveness check?
Our systems flagged your account for unusual or automated-looking activity. That doesn't necessarily mean you did something wrong. Sometimes normal activity can resemble automation. Passing any one check confirms a real person is behind the account.
What happens after I pass?
Full access to your account is typically restored immediately afterward. If your account remains limited well after you've passed, see Help with locked or limited accounts.
What if a check keeps failing?
You can retry a failed or expired check, or switch to a different check type at any time. If none of the checks work for you, see If you can't complete a check above.
What happens if I don't complete a liveness check?
You will not be able to perform any “write” actions on your account, such as posting, following, sending a DM, etc., until you have completed a liveness check and confirmed that you are a human. You will retain access to >x< Money in this state.
Can I complete a liveness check on x.com in my web browser?
No. Liveness checks rely on your device's camera, on-device machine learning, and platform biometric and device integrity features that browsers don't provide. If you're prompted while using x.com, open the >x< app on your phone (or install it from the App Store or Google Play) and log in there to continue.
What is the App Clip that opens when I scan the QR code?
An App Clip is a lightweight, temporary version of the >x< app that iOS loads when you scan the QR code, with no App Store visit required. It's sandboxed by iOS and expires automatically after use. You never enter your >x< credentials on the scanning phone, no account is created on it, and no camera frames leave it. Only the pass or fail result is sent back, tied to the QR code rather than to any account on that device.