How to Set Up Face ID on iPhone

After the Home button was removed from iPhone X and above, Face ID became the primary and fastest method to unlock iPhones. Apart from unlocking, it’s also used to make payments with Apple Pay and sign into apps and websites.

Face ID is a powerful feature that can recognize your face even when it’s dark. With the introduction of iOS 15.4 (and for iPhone 12 models and above), you can use Face ID even when wearing a mask.

The following iPhone models support Face ID: iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, and their variants.

Setting Up Face ID on iPhone

1. Tap Settings.

   

2. Scroll down and tap Face ID & Passcode.

   

3. Enter your passcode, and you’ll be taken to the “Face ID & Passcode” settings.
   Note: To set up Face ID, you must create a passcode first.

   

4. Now tap Set Up Face ID.

   

5. You’ll be taken to an instructional screen that teaches you how to set up Face ID. Tap Get Started.

   

6. When the camera opens, move your head in a circle. Once you’re done, you’ll be asked if you want to set up Face ID with a Mask. Tap Use Face ID with a Mask.
   Note: Don’t wear a mask while setting up Face ID with a mask.

   

7. After the second scan of Face ID, tap Done.

   

Setting Up Face ID with Glasses

This feature is useful if you wear prescription glasses.

Note: This method doesn’t support sunglasses.

1. Under “Face ID & Passcode” settings, tap Add Glasses.

   

2. Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your face.

   

Setting Up Face ID for Alternate Appearance

This feature can set up Face ID for yourself with different facial features or for another person (your spouse, for example).

1. In the “Face ID & Passcode” section, tap Set Up an Alternate Appearance.

   

2. Choose whether you want to set up Face ID for an alternate appearance with a mask or without it. Tap your preferred option.

   

3. Follow the steps above to set up Face ID and tap Done once your device has finished scanning your face.

   

Resetting Face ID

If you want to delete your Face ID and set up a new one, tap Reset Face ID and follow the guides above.

Other Features of Face ID

Face ID can be used to do the following:

• iPhone Unlock – used to unlock your device.

• iTunes & App Store – used to buy apps, games, music, and other purchaseables on the App store.

• Wallet & Apple Pay – used to purchase anything using Apple Pay.

• Password AutoFill – used to fill passwords that you’ve saved automatically.

These features can be turned on or off in the “Face ID & Passcode” settings. To see what apps are using Face ID, tap Other Apps.

Other Face ID Settings to Set Up

Attention

Face ID has a feature called Attention, which, when enabled, requires you to look directly at the iPhone for it to recognize your face. This is useful as if you are sleeping or looking away, no one will be able to access your phone by pointing it at your face. To enable the Attention feature, go to the “Face ID & Passcode” settings and tap Require Attention for Face ID.

Face ID with a Mask always requires you to look directly at your phone as it confirms your identity by scanning the unique features around your eyes.

Attention Aware Features

“Attention” has additional features you can turn on by tapping Attention Aware Features.

Enabling this will require you to look directly at your phone for it to perform the following actions:

• Dimming the display

• Lowering the volume of notifications

• Viewing a notification on the lock screen