Use Face ID while wearing a mask with iPhone 12 and later

With iOS 15.4 or later, you can use Face ID with a mask to unlock your iPhone while wearing a mask.

If you're wearing a face mask or potentially other face coverings, Face ID with a mask can analyze the unique characteristics around your eyes. When using Face ID with a mask, you can still use Face ID to authenticate apps, unlock your iPhone, and use Apple Pay.

This feature is available on iPhone 12 and later with iOS 15.4 or later.

How to set up Face ID to work with face masks

  1. Make sure that your iPhone has iOS 15.4 or later.

  2. Open Settings, then tap Face ID & Passcode.

  3. Scroll down and turn on Face ID with a Mask.

    If using iPhone 12 or later and iOS 15.4 or later, the Face ID & Passcode page within Settings has an option to turn on Face ID with a Mask.

  4. When asked, tap Use Face ID with a Mask. Follow the onscreen instructions to set up Face ID using the same face scan process.

You can also unlock your iPhone with your Apple Watch while wearing a mask.

If you wear a face mask too high or too close to your eyes, your iPhone might not unlock with Face ID. This feature requires your eyes to be unblocked.

You can't use Face ID in landscape mode while wearing a mask.

How to use Face ID when you're wearing glasses and a face mask

If you wear glasses, you can improve the accuracy of Face ID with a mask by setting it up with your glasses on. You can do this when you first set up Face ID or later. You can add up to four pairs of glasses with Face ID.

  1. Open the Settings app, then tap Face ID & Passcode.

  2. Scroll down and tap Add Glasses.

  3. Tap Continue when asked, then follow the onscreen instructions.

To use Face ID with a mask, Face ID must clearly see your eyes and the areas around the eyes. Face ID with a mask is not designed to work with sunglasses.

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