Adding a second Face ID takes about two minutes and works on any iPhone or iPad with Face ID

You can store up to two Face ID profiles on a single device. This means your spouse, partner, or another person you trust can unlock your phone or authorize payments without needing your passcode. The second face is stored separately from the first and works identically — the device recognizes either one and unlocks.

The process is the same whether you're adding a face to an iPhone 13, iPhone 15, iPad Pro, or any other device with Face ID. You'll use the Settings app and the Face ID & Passcode menu. The device needs to be unlocked first, and you'll need to know the passcode.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add a second Face ID in Settings under Face ID & Passcode by tapping "Add a Face" after unlocking your device.
  • The second face works exactly like the first — it unlocks the phone, authorizes App Store purchases, and confirms Apple Pay transactions.
  • Both faces have equal access, so either person can change settings, delete apps, or modify the device without the other's permission.
  • If you want one person to have limited access, use Screen Time restrictions instead of a second Face ID.

Open Settings and navigate to Face ID & Passcode

Unlock your device and open the Settings app (the gray gear icon on your home screen). Scroll down and tap Face ID & Passcode. You'll see a list of options including "Add a Face" near the top of the screen.

If you don't see "Add a Face" as an option, your device already has two Face ID profiles stored. You can only have two at a time. If you need to replace one of them, you'll need to delete the existing second face first by tapping it and selecting "Delete Face".

Tap "Add a Face" and position the second person's face

Select Add a Face. The camera will open and you'll see a circular frame on the screen. Have the second person hold the device 10 to 12 inches from their face, centered in the frame. The device will guide them through the setup with on-screen prompts.

The person setting up their face should be in good lighting — not backlit by a window or lamp. Glasses, hats, and masks can interfere with the scan, so remove them if possible. If the person wears glasses regularly, they can choose to enroll their face with glasses on, and Face ID will recognize them either way.

Rotate your head slowly through the full circle

The device will ask the person to move their head in a slow circle while the camera scans their face. This takes about 20 to 30 seconds. The on-screen circle will fill in as the scan progresses. Don't rush — moving too quickly can cause the scan to fail and restart.

If the scan fails partway through, the device will say "Move a little closer" or "Adjust the angle." straightforward start the circle again from where it stopped. Most people complete a successful scan on the first or second attempt.

Complete the second scan for better recognition

After the first scan completes, the device will ask for a second scan. This improves Face ID's accuracy in different lighting and angles. Repeat the slow head rotation. The second scan usually goes faster than the first because the device already has a baseline.

Once both scans finish, you'll see a "Face ID is now set up" message. Tap Done. The second face is now active and will unlock the device when ready.

Test the second Face ID before relying on it

Lock the device and have the second person try to unlock it by looking at the screen. The device should unlock within a second or two. If it doesn't, unlock it with your own face or passcode, then go back to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and delete the second face. Start the setup process again, making sure the lighting is good and the person's face is centered in the frame.

Face ID works best when the device is held at a natural angle — roughly 10 to 12 inches away and slightly below eye level. If the second person usually holds the device at a very different angle or in much dimmer lighting than you do, their Face ID may be slower to recognize them in those conditions.

Understand what the second Face ID can and cannot do

The second Face ID has the same permissions as the first. Either person can unlock the device, authorize App Store purchases, confirm Apple Pay transactions, and access any app or setting. Neither face has more or less access than the other.

If you want to give someone limited access — for example, allowing a child to use the device but preventing them from deleting apps or changing settings — use Screen Time instead. Screen Time lets you set restrictions on specific apps and features while still allowing the device to be unlocked. You can find Screen Time in Settings > Screen Time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add more than two faces?

No. iPhones and iPads with Face ID can store a maximum of two faces. If you need to add a third person, you'll need to delete one of the existing faces first. You can always set it up again later if needed.

What if the second person's Face ID stops working?

Delete the second face in Settings > Face ID & Passcode, then add it again. Make sure the person is in good lighting and their face is fully visible — no sunglasses, hats, or masks. If it still fails, try setting it up in a different room with different lighting.

Can I see which face unlocked the device?

No. The device doesn't log or display which Face ID was used. Both faces unlock the device silently, and there's no way to tell which person opened it after the fact.

What happens if I forget which face is which?

You can't rename faces or label them. If you need to know which is which, delete both and set them up again in a specific order. Or straightforward test each one by locking the device and having each person try to unlock it.

Does the second Face ID work on Apple Pay and App Store?

Yes. Either face can authorize App Store purchases and Apple Pay transactions. Both have equal access to payments and downloads. If you want to restrict purchases, use Screen Time to set spending limits or require a passcode for purchases.