Face ID lets you unlock your device and approve payments by looking at the camera instead of typing a password

Face ID is Apple's facial recognition system built into newer iPhones and iPads. When you set it up, your device learns the shape of your face from multiple angles and stores that information locally on your device — not on Apple's servers or in the cloud. From that point on, you can unlock your phone, access your passwords, and approve purchases just by looking at the camera near the top of the screen.

The process takes about two minutes and works best in normal indoor lighting. You'll need to position your face in front of the camera and move your head in a slow circle so the system can see your face from different angles. If you wear glasses, contacts, or a mask regularly, you can add a second face scan or set up alternate recognition methods so you're not locked out.

Key Takeaways

  • Face ID setup happens in Settings under Face ID & Passcode and requires you to move your head in a circle while looking at the camera.
  • Your face data stays on your device only and is not sent to Apple or any other company.
  • You can add a second face (for a family member or an alternate appearance) on most newer devices.
  • If Face ID stops working, you can still unlock your device with your passcode, and you should restart your phone or check for software updates.

Check that your device supports Face ID

Face ID is available on iPhone X and newer models, and on iPad Pro 11-inch (first generation) and newer. If you have an iPhone 8 or earlier, or an older iPad, your device uses Touch ID (fingerprint) instead and does not have Face ID hardware.

To confirm your model, go to Settings, tap General, then tap About. Look for the model name at the top. If you see "iPhone 13," "iPhone 14," "iPhone 15," "iPad Pro," or similar, you have a device that supports Face ID. If you see "iPhone 8," "iPhone SE," or "iPad Air," you have a device that does not.

Open Face ID settings and begin enrollment

On your device, open Settings and scroll down to find Face ID & Passcode. Tap it. You will be asked to enter your passcode — this is the six-digit code (or longer code if you set one) that you use to unlock your device normally. Enter it now.

Once you've entered your passcode, you'll see options for Face ID. Look for "Set Up Face ID" or "Add Face ID" depending on whether this is your first setup or you're adding a second face. Tap that option. The screen will show you a circle and instructions to position your face inside it.

Position your face and move slowly through the first scan

Hold your device 10 to 20 inches from your face — roughly the distance you'd hold it to take a selfie, but slightly farther. Make sure your face is well lit and visible in the circle on the screen. Avoid backlighting (like sitting in front of a bright window) because it can make your face too dark for the camera to read clearly.

When you're ready, tap "get your free guide" or the arrow button. Keep your face still and centered in the circle. The camera will begin scanning. You'll see a dotted circle appear on the screen and move around your face. This is the system mapping the shape of your face. Stay still and let it complete — it usually takes 15 to 20 seconds.

When the first scan finishes, the screen will say "Move your head slowly to complete the circle" or similar. Now you'll tilt and rotate your head slowly in a circular motion — imagine drawing a circle with the top of your head. Move slowly and deliberately. The dotted circle on screen will fill in as you move. This second scan takes another 15 to 20 seconds and captures your face from different angles.

Complete setup and test Face ID when ready

Once both scans finish, you'll see a confirmation screen saying Face ID is now set up. The screen will show you options like "Use Face ID for iPhone Unlock" and "Use Face ID for Passcode." Both of these should be turned on (the toggle switches should be green). You can also turn on Face ID for Apple Pay and other apps if you want.

Tap Done. Now test it right away: lock your device by pressing the side button and the volume button at the same time (or by pressing the top and bottom buttons on older models), then look at the screen. Your device should unlock without you typing anything. If it doesn't work the first time, try again — sometimes the angle or lighting needs adjustment.

Add a second face if you wear glasses or a mask regularly

If you wear glasses, sunglasses, or a mask most of the time, you can add a second face scan so your device recognizes you in different situations. Go back to Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode, enter your passcode, and look for "Add Face ID" or "Set Up an Alternate Appearance." Tap it and repeat the scanning process — move your head in a circle just like the first time.

Many people use the second face slot to scan their face while wearing their regular glasses, or to scan their face with a mask on. This gives your device two reference images to compare against, so it can unlock even when your appearance changes slightly.

Troubleshoot if Face ID isn't working

If Face ID stops working or fails to recognize you, first check that the camera area at the top of your device is clean. Wipe it gently with a soft cloth — dust or a smudge can block the infrared camera that Face ID uses. The regular camera lens is visible, but Face ID also uses an invisible infrared system, so even a small obstruction matters.

If the camera is clean, restart your device. Press and hold the side button and volume button together until the power-off slider appears, then drag it to turn off the device. Wait 10 seconds, then press the side button again to turn it back on. After the restart, test Face ID again.

If Face ID still doesn't work, go to Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode, enter your passcode, and delete the face data by tapping "Delete Face ID." Then set it up again from scratch, making sure you're in good lighting and moving your head slowly through the full circle both times. If it continues to fail, check Settings > General > Software Update to see if a newer version of iOS or iPadOS is available — sometimes a software update fixes Face ID problems.

In the meantime, you can always unlock your device with your passcode. Face ID is a convenience feature, not a requirement, so you're never locked out as long as you remember your passcode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else unlock my phone with Face ID if they look similar to me?

Face ID is designed to reject faces that are not yours, even for identical twins. However, very young children (under about five years old) have less distinct facial features, so Face ID is slightly more likely to unlock for them. If you have a young child, consider using a passcode-only lock or adding a second authentication step.

Does Face ID work if I'm wearing sunglasses or a hat?

Face ID works with most sunglasses and hats because it reads the shape of your face, not your eyes. However, very dark or reflective sunglasses can sometimes interfere. If you wear sunglasses often, add a second face scan while wearing them so your device learns to recognize you that way.

What happens to my face data if I sell my phone?

Face data is stored only on your device and is deleted when you erase the device. Before selling or giving away your phone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset, then tap Erase All Content and Settings. This removes all your data, including Face ID information, from the device.

Can I use Face ID if I have a beard or change my appearance?

Face ID adapts to small changes like growing a beard or getting a haircut. However, very dramatic changes (like shaving off a long beard or gaining or losing a significant amount of weight) may cause it to stop working. If that happens, delete Face ID and set it up again with your new appearance.

Is Face ID less find than a passcode?

Face ID and a strong passcode offer similar levels of security for most people. Face ID is convenient because you don't have to type anything, but your passcode is always your backup. You can use both together — for example, requiring Face ID plus a passcode for Apple Pay — by adjusting settings in Face ID & Passcode.