How to set up Face ID on iPhone

As you know, Face ID is a great alternative to Touch ID and Apple itself has acknowledged that this biometric security feature of the iPhone is more secure. However, many people will ask the question of how to set up this security feature. In this article, WebTech360 will guide you to set up Face ID on iPhone.

• How does Apple's Face ID work?
• 7 reasons why you should buy iPhone X instead of iPhone 8

Which iPhones are compatible with Face ID?

Not all iPhones with front-facing cameras support Face ID, so it's important to check if your phone supports the feature. Check out the list of supported iPhones below:

• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13

• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XR
• iPhone X

It’s interesting to note that Face ID is now also part of iPadOS. It’s available on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation and later) and the 11-inch iPad Pro (all generations).

Steps to set up Face ID on iPhone

Setting up Face ID on your iPhone is a simple process that adds both security and convenience to your device. Follow the steps below to set it up.

Before you begin, make sure your face is clear, especially your nose and mouth. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, that’s fine, but you should remove your mask. Also, remember that Face ID works best when your iPhone is about an arm’s length away from your face or closer (10 to 20 inches/25 to 50cm).

Now that you’re ready to go, start by launching the Settings app and navigating to Face ID & Passcode . You’ll be prompted to enter your passcode if you’ve set one up.

Face ID & Passcode Settings Options

Select Set Up Face ID . You'll be guided through positioning your face in the camera frame. Hold your device in portrait orientation for this. Tap Start when you're ready.

Setup involves following the on-screen instructions to slowly move your head in a circle. This helps your device recognize your facial features from different angles. Pay attention to the animations on the screen that indicate how fast you are moving. If you can't move your head for any reason, tap Accessibility Options for alternative setup methods.

Once the second scan is complete, you'll be taken back to the Face ID & Passcode screen . You can customize what actions Face ID controls, like unlocking your device or making purchases in the App Store. Finally, test Face ID by locking your device and waking it up. Face ID will automatically activate, scanning your face to unlock your iPhone or iPad.

Face ID is designed to adapt to changes in your appearance, so you can expect it to recognize you even with day-to-day changes.

Tips to improve your Face ID experience

Improving your Face ID experience on iPhone is all about knowing the right settings to tweak for a smoother, more efficient user experience. Let’s explore some of the key tweaks you can make to get the most out of Face ID.

Customize the “Require Attention for Face ID” feature

Remember that Face ID requires you to look directly at your phone to authenticate. In everyday use, you’ll find it helpful to avoid looking directly at your phone – especially if you unlock your phone frequently.

Turn on Require Attention for Face ID

You should navigate to Settings -> Face ID & Passcode , then turn off the switch next to Require Attention for Face ID . Face ID will lower the “criteria” for authentication, unlocking your iPhone, even if it’s not right in front of you.

Control lock screen access

The iPhone lock screen provides quick access to widgets, media playback controls, Control Center, and more. However, you may want to manage what is accessible when your iPhone is locked, especially for privacy reasons.

Go to Settings -> Face ID & Passcode and scroll down to Allow Access When Locked . You can enable or disable access to various features, like Widgets, Notification Center, Control Center, Siri, and more.

Turning off access to certain features will prevent anyone with your iPhone from seeing your personal information. However, keep in mind that restricting access also means you lose quick access to these features. Find the right balance between convenience and security.

Use your passcode when Face ID authentication fails

What if you don't have an Apple Watch but don't want to take off your mask? What if you have an Apple Watch but are still having trouble logging in? Just use your passcode.

Sure, the reason you use Face ID is so you don't have to type in your passcode, but there will be times when you need to. Face ID isn't ideal for every situation, and it can sometimes be buggy.

Which Face ID feature should I turn on (or off)?

While Face ID makes unlocking your iPhone convenient, there are a few additional features associated with Face ID that will make your experience as seamless as possible.

How to use Face ID while wearing a mask

If you regularly wear a mask or any other type of face covering, you may have difficulty using Face ID unless you enable the Face ID while wearing a mask feature in Settings > Face ID & Passcode .

This setting adjusts what Face ID looks for, focusing on your eyes and forehead. Using Face ID while wearing a mask requires iOS 15.4 or later.

Note : To use Face ID with a mask, do not cover your eyes with anything.

How to add Face ID while wearing glasses

After you set up Face ID with a mask, you can perform additional scans while wearing glasses. Tap Add Glasses under Face ID with a Mask . You can also add multiple pairs of glasses by repeating the scan.

Other notable Face ID features

• Allow Access When Locked : You can use these toggles to adjust which features and capabilities are available to you (or others) without unlocking your iPhone or iPad. For example, if you don't want someone to be able to control your home devices or use Siri while your iPhone is locked, turn these options off.
• Unlock with Apple Watch : This feature makes unlocking your iPhone even easier. When you wear an unlocked Apple Watch, it automatically unlocks your iPhone when you tap the screen—no Face ID required!
• Alternate Appearance : You can scan an alternate appearance, essentially a different face, on your iPhone or iPad. While this feature may be useful for things like growing different facial hair styles, you can also use it to add the face of someone important to your device so they can unlock it more easily.
• Stolen Device Protection : In iOS 17.3 and later, you can turn on Stolen Device Protection on your iPhone for added security. Once enabled, certain actions will require Face ID without using your device's backup passcode when you're not in a familiar location.

Good luck!