The present disclosure relates to an identity authentication method and a communications terminal. One example method includes: performing, by a terminal, first identity authentication on first user identity feature data; if the first identity authentication succeeds, and the wearable device is in a valid worn state, when receiving an access request for a preset application, obtaining, by the terminal, a service security level of the preset application, and obtaining an authentication time point for second identity authentication and matching accuracy of the second identity authentication; determining whether a difference between a current time point and the authentication time point is less than authentication validity duration corresponding to the service security level and whether the matching accuracy is higher than lowest matching accuracy corresponding to the service security level; and if yes, accepting the access request.