Affected Devices: All Modern Smartphones
Even though iPhones get most of the attention, all recent smartphones equipped with facial recognition (Face ID or the Android equivalent) and infrared sensors such as LiDAR are affected. This includes most modern phones used in the field, whether by law enforcement, the military, or tactical simulation enthusiasts (airsoft, paintball…).
An Invisible Danger: Why Your Smartphone Can Get You Spotted
Don’t worry: your phone is not going to physically attack you. But it can clearly compromise your safety on a mission, especially at night.
More and more interventions and operations take place at night or in darkness. As a result, the use of night vision goggles (NVGs) has become widespread, among tactical teams and potential adversaries alike.
The Problem? Your Phone’s Infrared Sensors
- During face unlock, your smartphone emits a significant amount of infrared light.
- The same goes when you take a photo or when the device is focusing.
These infrared emissions are clearly visible through night vision goggles, literally turning your face into an IR light beacon for anyone watching you through an NVG device.
📹 Here are two videos recorded with an infrared camera that clearly show the phenomenon:
Video 1: IR Camera vs. Face ID
Video 2: IR Emissions from a Smartphone’s LiDAR Sensor
How Can You Protect Yourself Effectively?
Here are the simple, practical steps to reduce the risk:
1. Disable Facial Recognition
This is the simplest and most effective measure. Yes, it’s a bit less convenient day to day. But if your use of the phone is professional or tactical, it’s an absolute necessity.
2. Physically Block the Infrared Sources
In addition, you can cover the IR sensors on your device:
- Face ID / selfie sensor
- LiDAR sensor (often on the back of some high-end models)
- Multifunction IR emitters (e.g., on the Ulefone ARMOR 26 PRO)
Personal tip: I use opaque tape to block these sensors on my tactical phones. My iPhone is reserved for personal use.
3. Use Low-Profile Accessories
For those who use the same phone both off duty and on operations, here are a few practical solutions:
- 🔒 Privacy protection with sliding cover
👉 View Product - 🎯 IR-blocking tape (opaque)
👉 View Tape - 📱 Case with camera lens cover
👉 View Case
Conclusion
In a context where IR visibility can give away your position, even a simple smartphone can become a real tactical risk.
Whether you’re military, a gendarme, a police officer, an airsofter, or a paintballer, it’s essential to understand the signals your gear emits and take steps to stay discreet, especially in nighttime environments.
Tags: smartphone infrared emission, LiDAR sensor security, Face ID unlock at night, tactical IR protection, phone night vision, smartphone military security
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