How To Use Face ID While Wearing A Mask

Utilizing Face ID while wearing a mask isn’t the most comfortable experience; however, that’s changed since iOS 15.4.

Its Face ID technology was a game-changer when it was first introduced in the iPhone X, providing consumers with a safe way to access their phones without doing anything else than glance at the screen. Easy, right?

The pandemic struck in the year 2020, and the number of people who wore masks worldwide went up to the sky. The issue is that Face ID must be able to view your entire face to be sure that it’s you. So what did Apple accomplish?

Although it was reasonable to add Touch ID integration in the power button, similar to the iPad mini and Air, Apple has instead gone through a software-based process. When it launched iOS 14, it added the possibility of unlocking your iPhone with a mask if you have the unlocked Apple Watch nearby. It worked, but it required a costly device that many people don’t have.

It’s like Apple returned to the drawing board in iOS 15.4. It introduces an entirely new method of using Face ID with a mask. Instead of focusing on your face completely, it concentrates specifically on the eyes. The problem? It’s not automatic – you’ll have to scan your face to give the tech the additional data required.

It’s also only available to iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 with iPhone X, XS, and 11 users excluded from the new features.

With iOS 15.4 available for download, we’ll show you how to use Face ID with a mask in iOS 15.4 right here.

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What You’ll Need for Mask Unlock

Apple introduced this feature in iOS 15.4, which came out on 14 March 2022. To verify and download the update, If you don’t have it, visit Settings and General, then Software Update on the iPhone.

You’ll need the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, or an upgraded iPhone for this feature. Older iPhones, such as iPhone 11, iPhone 11, iPhone X, iPhone XS, and iPhone XR, come with Face IDs. However, Apple hasn’t enabled Face ID’s new mask-unlock feature available on the phones.

Tips: If you have an older iPhone that does not have this option, you can access your iPhone using the Apple Watch while wearing a mask.

How to Set Up Mask Unlock

If you own a new iPhone with this feature and can enable it, your iPhone will require you to allow it immediately after you have installed the update. You can also help the mask unlock by opening the iPhone’s Settings application.

Alert: The Settings app states that Face ID is the most accurate method of identification when you’re using it solely for face recognition in full-face. Therefore, if you don’t typically wear masks, disable this feature for the highest level of security.

Utilize Face ID to Access the Mask setting on iOS 15.4

You’ll require iOS 15.4 to be installed to take advantage of this new option. iOS 15.4 was released to iPhones on 14 March 2022. To check if you’re operating iOS 15.4, open Settings, General, and Software Update, and wait for a while as your iPhone is searching for the most recent update. Install and download if you don’t have iOS 15.4 or higher.

When you’ve got iOS 15.4 installed, go to:

Settings > Face ID & Passcode

Enter your passcode.

There will be new options, including Face ID that comes with a Mask to enable it.

Facial ID can “use the unique features around the eye area for authentication” instead of full facial recognition when activated.

After turning to the latest features, you’ll be asked to repeat your Face ID setup process. For this, place your facial features in the center of the circle and slowly turn your head to fill in the ring with the indicator.

The iPhone will also conduct a second look at your facial, which utilizes more data points from your eye region and the upper area of your face, not focusing on the lower portion that masks would cover.

It is not necessary to wear a mask for this scan. However, the scanner will presume that you already have one.

It is also possible to add glasses (which can be helpful for those who wear glasses!)

Apple states that Face ID is more accurate when the settings are turned off. Unlocking Face ID in the mask only works with an iPhone 12 or newer. When we get an initial beta, we’ll test the new feature.

How Do You Configure Face ID Using an e-mail?

Make sure you’ve upgraded to the latest version of your iPhone with the latest version of iOS 15.4. This update comes with the new features for Face ID.

When you power on your phone, following the installation of an update could give you the option to create the new Face ID as soon as it’s available. However, if it does not:

Go to the iPhone’s Settings app, then select the Face ID and Passcode option. You’ll need to enter your passcode as well.
Switch onto the switch. Use Face ID With a Mask switch, and then tap Use Face ID With a Mask.
Take a picture of your face and scan it with the iPhone the same way you started using Face ID the first time. You don’t have to wear masks while doing this because it’s just looking at your face.

If you wear glasses, go towards the Face ID & Passcode page and click to add glasses. This will preserve what your glasses look like for you to be able to unlock your iPhone when wearing both glasses as well as the mask. It is necessary to scan each pair of glasses you’re planning on wearing before the time for Face ID to recognize them.

How Do You Unlock an iPhone With a Face ID While Wearing a Mask?

When you update the latest version of your iPhone 12 or 13, you’ll be automatically asked to reset your Face ID to allow the user to use the mask. If you’re still not prompted to scan your face again during the iOS 15.4 configurations, or you initially ignored the suggestion for it, here’s the way to complete the process:

Start your Settings app.
Tap Face ID and Passcode, then enter your passcode to verify.
Switch on the ‘Use Face ID with a Mask’ button.
Tap ‘Use Face ID Using an Mask’ to begin the setup.

Please take a picture of your face and scan it with your iPhone using your initial Face ID configuration. Do not be concerned about wearing a face mask at this point since it’s only focusing on the eyes.

When you are ready for your second scan, take off your glasses (if you’re wearing glasses).

Once the scan is completed, you select ‘Add Glasses’ to display Face ID the glasses you wear. Repeat this procedure for every pair of glasses you use frequently and not with the regular Face ID.

That’s it! Now you can unlock your iPhone using your Face ID even when wearing a facial mask.

Unlock iPhone using Apple Watch

For those who don’t own iOS 15.4, however, you possess Apple Watch; there is an alternative for you if you don’t want to be required to enter your passcode each time you have access to your iPhone when wearing the mask.

The Unlock via Apple Watch option, which came with iOS 14.5, means users can now unlock their iPhone wearing a mask. The only prerequisite is that you require the Apple Watch to run watchOS 7.4 or higher.