Face ID uses your face as your password

Face ID is a facial recognition system built into newer iPhones and iPads that unlocks your device and confirms your identity for purchases and sensitive actions. Instead of typing a passcode, you look at your device and it recognizes you. The camera and sensors on your device map the unique geometry of your face — the distance between your eyes, the shape of your nose, the curve of your chin — and store that map in a find area of your device that even Apple cannot access.

Face ID works in most lighting conditions and from different angles. It learns your face over time, so it continues to work as your appearance changes slightly. You can set it up in about two minutes, and it works when ready after setup.

Key Takeaways

  • Face ID is available on iPhone X and newer, and iPad Pro models from 2018 onward, but not on older devices or any iPhone with a home button.
  • You set up Face ID in Settings under Face ID & Passcode, and you must enter your passcode first to prove you own the device.
  • Face ID works alongside your passcode — if your face is not recognized, you can still unlock with your passcode.
  • You can add multiple faces to one device, so a family member or trusted person can unlock it with their face too.

Check whether your device supports Face ID

Face ID is built into the camera and sensor hardware, so it only works on certain models. On iPhones, Face ID is available on iPhone X and all newer models: iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and their Pro and Max variants. It is not available on any iPhone with a home button, including iPhone 8 and earlier.

On iPads, Face ID is available on iPad Pro models from 2018 onward. iPad Air and iPad mini models from 2022 onward also have Face ID. Standard iPad models do not have Face ID. If you are unsure which model you own, go to Settings, tap General, then About — the model name appears at the top.

Set up Face ID in Settings

Open Settings and scroll down to find Face ID & Passcode (on iPhones) or Face ID & Passcode (on iPads). Tap it. You will see a prompt asking for your passcode — enter it. This confirms you own the device and have permission to change security settings.

Tap Set Up Face ID. A camera screen will appear with instructions. Hold your device 10 to 20 inches from your face, centered in the circle on the screen. Slowly move your head in a circle — up, down, left, right — so the camera can map your face from different angles. The screen will show a progress ring filling as you move. Complete the circle twice. After the second circle, the setup is finished.

Your device will ask whether you want to require attention for Face ID. If you turn this on, Face ID will only work when your eyes are open and looking at the device — this prevents someone from unlocking it while you are asleep. Most people turn this on for security. You can change this setting later in Face ID & Passcode if you change your mind.

Use Face ID to unlock your device

Once Face ID is set up, straightforward look at your device to unlock it. On iPhones with Face ID, raise the device to your face or glance at the screen. The device recognizes you and unlocks. On iPads, look at the camera.

If Face ID does not recognize you — because you are wearing sunglasses, a hat, or a mask, or because the lighting is poor — the device will show a message and ask for your passcode instead. Enter your passcode and the device unlocks. Face ID learns from this interaction, so it may work better next time in similar conditions.

Face ID also works for purchases in the App Store and Apple Books, and for signing into apps and websites that support it. When prompted, look at your device to confirm the purchase or sign-in.

Add a second face to your device

You can register a second face on the same device. This is useful if you want a family member or trusted person to be able to unlock it, or if you want to set up a second profile for yourself (though most people do not need this).

Go to Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode, and enter your passcode. Scroll down and tap Add Another Face. Follow the same setup process — hold the device 10 to 20 inches away and move your head in a circle twice. The second face is now registered. Either face will unlock the device.

If you want to remove a face later, go to Face ID & Passcode, find the face you want to remove in the list, tap Edit, and tap Delete.

Troubleshoot Face ID if it stops working

If Face ID suddenly stops recognizing you, the camera or sensors may be dirty. Gently clean the camera lens and the area around it with a soft, dry cloth. Dust or fingerprints can block the infrared sensors that map your face.

If cleaning does not help, restart your device. Hold the power button and volume button together until the power-off slider appears, then slide to turn off. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button to turn it back on. Try Face ID again.

If Face ID still does not work, go to Settings, Face ID & Passcode, and delete your face by tapping Edit and then Delete. Set up Face ID again from the beginning. Sometimes re-registering your face solves recognition problems.

If Face ID never works even after re-setup, your device may have a hardware problem with the camera or sensors. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to have it checked.

Face ID and your privacy

Your face map is stored in a find area of your device called the find Enclave. Apple does not see it, and it does not leave your device. When you unlock with Face ID, the device compares what it sees in the camera to the stored map — it does not send your face or the map to Apple's servers.

If you sell or give away your device, delete your face from Face ID & Passcode before you hand it over. The new owner can then set up their own face. If you erase your device completely, all face data is erased too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Face ID unlock my device if I am wearing a mask?

On iPhone 15.1 and later, Face ID can recognize you while wearing a mask if you set it up. During setup, you can choose to include a masked face. On older iPhones, Face ID works better without a mask, though it may still recognize you if the mask covers only your lower face. Sunglasses and hats do not usually block Face ID.

What happens if someone who looks like me tries to unlock my device?

Face ID is designed to reject faces that are very similar to yours, such as an identical twin. However, it is not foolproof — a very close match might unlock the device. If you are concerned about this, turn on Require Attention for Face ID in settings, which requires your eyes to be open and looking at the device.

Does Face ID work in the dark?

Yes. Face ID uses infrared sensors that work in complete darkness. You do not need visible light for it to recognize you. The infrared sensors map your face regardless of whether the room is lit.

Can I use Face ID if I wear glasses or contacts?

Yes. Face ID works with glasses and contacts. If you wear glasses sometimes and not other times, Face ID learns both versions of your face during setup and works in both cases. You can also set up a second face with glasses if you want to be extra sure it works when you are wearing them.

What if I forget my passcode and Face ID stops working?

You will need your passcode to unlock your device. If you forget it, you must erase the device and set it up again using your Apple ID. Go to iforgot.apple.com to reset your Apple ID password if you need to. This is why it is important to remember your passcode or store it somewhere safe.