In perfect weather condition, Face ID on the iPhone works almost like magic. However, when it falters, it can be quite frustrating to employ. The onset of the COVID-nineteen pandemic severely limited Confront ID on the iPhone, as it didn't piece of work with masks. Just Apple tree has finally fixed this issue with the addition of a new feature in iOS xv.4: Face up ID with a Mask.

Here'south how you can gear up Face ID to ensure it works fifty-fifty when wearing a mask.

iOS xv.iv Introduces Face ID With a Mask

Apple tree did innovate Unlock with Apple Scout as a workaround to become Face ID to work when your face is partially covered. However, the feature was just available for iPhone users who owned an Apple Watch.

With iOS fifteen.4, Apple introduced the Face ID with a Mask option for iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 users, and it works exactly every bit its proper name suggests. Your iPhone will recognize your face even when a mask partially covers it.

Face ID with a Mask is only bachelor for iPhone 12 and iPhone thirteen series. Information technology is not available for older iPhones and iPads.

How to Prepare Upwards and Utilise Face ID With a Mask on Your iPhone

Face ID with a Mask is 1 of the new features of iOS fifteen.iv. So your iPhone must exist running the latest update if you want to benefit from this addition, as well as other enhancements like new emojis, Tap to Pay for iPhone, and more than.

Afterward updating, follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to Settings > Face ID & Passcode. Proceed to enter your iPhone's passcode for authentication purposes.
  2. Scroll downward and enable the Face up ID with a Mask option.
  3. Select Use Face up ID with a Mask option. Now browse your face like you did the first time when setting up Face up ID. You lot don't have to wearable a mask during this process.

You don't need to wear a mask while setting up Face up ID with a Mask.

If yous clothing glasses in daily life or when using a mask, make certain to wear them while setting up Confront ID with a Mask. You tin gear up your alternative advent with up to iv different pairs of glasses if needed.

You can tap the Add Glasses option in Face ID & Passcode to set up up Face ID to work with sunglasses or regular glasses. Exercise note that Confront ID will fail to authorize yous when wearing a mask since it does not piece of work with sunglasses—information technology but works with regular prescription glasses.

Confront ID with a Mask works by scanning the surface area effectually your eyes for unique characteristics. And then, if y'all wear a mask that partially covers your eyes, the authentication system will neglect to recognize you. Additionally, when trying to unlock your iPhone while wearing a mask, you must look directly at the phone'southward brandish. Your device won't unlock if you are looking elsewhere.

Dissimilar Unlock with Apple Watch, yous can still authenticate Apple Pay transactions, App Shop purchases, and open locked apps using Face ID with a Mask, making it a better alternative to the Apple tree Sentinel option. You can, however, use both Unlock with Apple Sentinel and Face ID with a Mask simultaneously.

Face up ID With a Mask Solves a Major iPhone Annoyance

iphone aerial view

By getting Face ID to piece of work with a mask, Apple has solved a pregnant pain indicate with its biometric authentication system. Unlike Android devices that use face scanning and fingerprint scanning technology, most iPhones only feature Face ID, so it was quite frustrating when they failed to work with a mask.

iOS 15.iv finally fixes this badgerer, and you can at present happily utilise your iPhone while wearing a mask.