PimEyesHow the scan works
- Detect. PimEyes finds the face in your photo. Crop to one face if there are several.
- Compare. The face is compared with faces in public images on the web.
- Score. Each match gets a similarity score. Higher means more alike.
- Source. Each match links to the page where it was found.
Getting an accurate scan
- Good light, face toward the camera, no sunglasses.
- Don't photograph a screen at an angle; take a screenshot instead.
- Avoid beauty filters: they change the features the scanner compares.
Face scanner vs face unlock
Face unlock checks whether the face in front of a device is yours. A face scanner like PimEyes does something different: it searches the web for other photos that match a face. It doesn't unlock anything and doesn't need a 3D scan, just an ordinary photo.
Use it responsibly
Search photos you own or have a legitimate reason to check: your own pictures, a dating match before you meet, or a profile that is asking you for money. Don't use a face search to follow, harass or expose someone. Laws on facial recognition differ by country and by US state, so check the rules where you live.
Common questions
What does the similarity score mean?
It shows how closely a match resembles the face you searched. A high score is a strong lead, not proof. Check the source page.
What photo works best?
A sharp, well-lit, front-facing photo of one face, without sunglasses or filters.