Abstract: Provided are a method, apparatus, and computer-readable recording medium for authenticating a user. The user authentication method includes obtaining an image including a face and a face movement by driving a camera to extract feature information on a facial image and a movement pattern from the obtained image, and comparing the extracted feature information on the facial image with feature information on a facial image registered in a storage and, when the extracted feature information matches the registered feature information, comparing the extracted movement pattern with a movement pattern registered in the storage and, when the extracted movement pattern matches the registered movement pattern, unlocking a device.