Enable Advanced Face Recognition on Galaxy S25 in Canada (Step-by-Step Guide)

The Galaxy S25 introduces an upgraded face recognition system that works faster and handles tricky lighting much better than older Samsung models. If you're in Canada (Telus, Bell, Rogers, Fido, Koodo, Virgin Plus), this guide shows exactly how to turn it on, optimize accuracy, and fix common detection issues.

Related: Samsung Hub

1. Turn On Basic Face Recognition

First, enable the standard biometric setup. On the S25, Samsung moved a few menu items, so here’s the updated path:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap Security and Privacy
  3. Select Biometrics
  4. Tap Face Recognition
  5. Enter PIN/Pattern
  6. Follow the on-screen setup instructions

The S25 camera picks up small facial details surprisingly well, but your first scan matters — hold the phone slightly higher than eye level for best accuracy.

2. Enable “Advanced Recognition” (Most Users Miss This Setting)

This setting improves detection speed but also boosts reliability when wearing glasses, using indoor lighting, or unlocking during winter (a common issue in Canada).

  1. Go to Settings → Security and Privacy → Biometrics → Face Recognition
  2. Toggle ON Advanced Recognition

On my S25 Ultra from Rogers, this eliminated the annoying “Face not recognized” message when walking outdoors.

3. Add an Alternate Appearance (Useful for Glasses, Hats, Winter Gear)

Canadian winter gear dramatically affects recognition — scarves, thick glasses, beanies. Adding a secondary scan helps.

  1. Open Face Recognition
  2. Tap Add Alternative Appearance
  3. Scan your face again in different lighting or with your everyday accessories

This second scan fixed a problem where my S25 kept failing in my car at dusk.

4. Improve Low-Light Face Unlock

The S25 still relies on the front camera (no IR sensor), so lighting matters.

  • Enable Brighten Screen in the Face Recognition settings
  • Check your screen protector — thick matte protectors reduce accuracy

Tip: Indoors, tilt the phone slightly so the front camera catches your forehead and eyes clearly — this improves detection instantly.

5. Speed Up Unlock on Bell, Telus, Rogers, and Fido Models

Carrier-locked Canadian models sometimes delay unlock animations by a fraction of a second due to extra system services.

Try this:

  1. Go to Settings → Display
  2. Turn OFF Animation Smoothness → Adaptive
  3. Switch to High Refresh Rate

I noticed faster face unlock on a Bell S25+ after adjusting this.

6. Fix Common Face Recognition Problems on the S25

A. Recognition Fails Outdoors

  • Re-scan in natural daylight
  • Enable Advanced Recognition
  • Clean the front camera (S25 lenses collect pocket dust fast)

B. Unlock Works Slowly

  • Disable Require Open Eyes if it’s too strict
  • Remove thick screen protectors
  • Restart after system updates

C. Won’t Unlock With Glasses

  • Add an alternate appearance
  • Re-scan while wearing glasses

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The Galaxy S25’s updated facial recognition gets noticeably better once you enable the advanced options and scan in different lighting conditions. With the steps above, most Canadian users—especially those dealing with winter accessories and varying indoor/outdoor lighting—should see a major improvement.

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