You've visited an Orb to verify your World ID and are now part of the real human network. Let’s address a common question: Do I need to “scan” my eyes every time I want to use my World ID or demonstrate proof of human?
The short answer? No.
Let's clear up one of the biggest misconceptions about World ID or proof of human and outline exactly how simple it is to use your secure, anonymous, digital proof of human.
One verification, long-term access
Here's what happens when you verify your World ID: The proof of human verification process involves the Orb—a high-tech camera—taking images of your eyes and face to confirm you're a real and unique human. This process occurs only once. The Orb processes these images on-device for approximately 10 seconds, checks you have never verified at an Orb before, encrypts the images, and sends them to your phone as a Personal Custody Package. The images are then permanently deleted from the Orb.
Your verified World ID then lives on your phone in World App as a secure, encrypted credential, nowhere else. Think of it like getting a physical passport: you go through the verification process once, receive your document, and then use that document whenever you need to prove something about yourself. You don't need to return to the passport office every time you travel or use the passport. But unlike a passport, World ID allows you to prove things about yourself without sharing personal information like your birthdate or address and notably, World ID does not have this information.
Using your World ID is as simple as opening an app
To use your verified World ID, you simply open World App on your phone. No return visits to an Orb, no complicated processes, no additional proof of human verification required. Here's what it looks like in practice:
When an app or website asks you to prove you're human:
- You'll see a "Sign in with World ID" or “Connect your World ID” option
- Tap it, and World App opens automatically on your mobile device; or, if you are on desktop, you’ll be prompted to show a QR code to World App
- Review the request and approve it with a simple tap
- Some applications may request that you do a Face Auth confirmation on your phone; this is a local-only check
- Success! You've proven you’re a human without revealing any personal information
It's that easy. World ID uses advanced zero-knowledge cryptography to prove you're a verified human without sharing any biometric data or personal information about you.
Your World ID works everywhere
Once verified, your World ID can be used across hundreds of applications and services that integrate with the World protocol. Whether you're looking to:
- Game with real humans
- Date real humans
- Shop with real humans
- Participate in verified polls with real humans
Each time, the process is the same: a simple, instant one-time proof generated through your phone.
Private by design
Your World ID is designed with privacy at its core. When you use it:
- No biometric data is shared with any third-party applications
- Zero-knowledge proofs ensure you can prove you're human without revealing who you are
- No tracking occurs between different applications and World does not know which services you use
The only thing applications learn from your World ID is that you're a verified unique human—nothing more, an approach that is more private than commonly used alternatives.
Getting started
If you haven't verified your World ID yet, the process is straightforward:
- Download World App from your app store
- Find a nearby Orb using World App's location feature
- Complete the verification (it takes just a few minutes)
- Start using your World ID immediately across supported apps and services
Remember: This is a one-time verification process that unlocks a lifetime of seamless interaction as a real human on the Internet.
Learn more
To stay informed about World, visit the World website or subscribe to the blog below.
You can also join the daily conversation on all World social media channels, or get additional important information concerning the project by reading the World protocol whitepaper.