Blur, pixelate, emoji or solid: which hides a face best?
Updated
Short answer
A solid block or an emoji hides a face most reliably because it removes the face entirely. Strong mosaic with large blocks is close behind. Light blur and fine pixelation look tidy but can leave enough detail for people or software to recognise someone.
How each style works
Blur averages nearby pixels, softening edges while keeping overall shape and colour. Mosaic replaces the face with a grid of single-colour blocks. Emoji and solid cover paint over the face, so nothing of the original survives.
- Solid cover: nothing of the face remains. Strongest.
- Emoji: nothing remains, and the photo stays friendly. Strongest.
- Mosaic, large blocks: very little detail remains. Strong.
- Blur, strong: shape and skin tone remain. Medium.
- Mosaic, small blocks or light blur: features can remain. Weakest.
Why light censoring can fail
People recognise friends from hair, build and clothing even when a face is soft. Researchers have also shown that machine learning models can match lightly pixelated or blurred faces far better than people can.
If identification would put someone at risk, such as a source, a protester or a child, choose solid or emoji, and cover distinctive hair, tattoos and badges as well.
When softer styles are fine
For everyday posts where you simply do not want strangers' faces in your photo, a strong blur looks natural and does the job. FaceHush lets you switch styles before export, so you can pick per photo.
Questions
Can a blurred face be unblurred?
A blur cannot be reversed exactly, but light blur leaves enough detail that software can sometimes match the face. Use strong settings or a solid cover when it matters.
Which style does FaceHush use by default?
Mosaic, at a medium level. You can change the default style and strength in Settings.
Is emoji really safer than blur?
Yes, as long as the emoji covers the whole face. It replaces the face rather than softening it.