Everything You Need to Know About World ID
World ID is the identity verification system that powers the entire World App ecosystem. It uses biometric verification through the Orb device to ensure that every account belongs to a unique, real human being.
What is World ID?
World ID is a privacy-preserving digital identity protocol developed by Tools for Humanity (TFH). It answers a simple question: "Is this user a unique, real human?" — without revealing who they are. This is achieved through iris biometrics captured by the Orb, a specialized hardware device.
Why World ID Matters for MiniApps
World ID is the foundation that makes MiniApps trustworthy:
- Fair reward distribution — Earn apps can give rewards to real humans, not bots
- Authentic reviews — Every review on platforms like Humanary comes from a verified person
- Secure DeFi — Financial services can trust that each user is unique, reducing fraud
- Fair gaming — No multi-accounting or bot exploitation in games
- Real social connections — Social apps are free from fake accounts
The Verification Process
Step 1: Download World App
Download World App from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Create your account and set up your wallet.
Step 2: Find an Orb Location
Use the World App to find the nearest Orb verification location. Orbs are available in major cities worldwide.
Step 3: Visit the Orb
At the Orb location, the device will scan your iris. This takes just a few seconds. The process is:
- Quick — The scan takes about 10 seconds
- Private — Your iris data is converted to a mathematical hash; the original image is deleted
- Free — Verification is completely free of charge
Step 4: Receive Your World ID
After verification, your World ID is activated in World App. You can now access the full ecosystem of MiniApps.
Privacy and Security
World ID is designed with privacy at its core:
- Zero-knowledge proofs — You can prove you are human without revealing your identity
- No personal data stored — The Orb does not store your iris image; only a mathematical hash is created
- Self-sovereign — You control your identity; it cannot be revoked by any central authority
- Anonymous usage — MiniApps can verify you are human without knowing who you are
Verification Levels
- Device Level — Basic verification using your phone. Limited access to MiniApps
- Orb Level — Full biometric verification. Required for most MiniApps, reviews, and earning
Most MiniApps, including review platforms like Humanary, require Orb-level verification for full functionality.
After Verification
Once verified, you can access all MiniApps, leave verified reviews on Humanary, earn WLD tokens, and use DeFi services. Visit Humanary to discover the best MiniApps with over 20,000 tracked apps and daily-updated rankings.