You can change Face ID by deleting your current face data and setting up a new one in Settings

Face ID stores a mathematical map of your face on your device — not a photo. When you want to use a different face (yours at a different age, after surgery, or because someone else should unlock the device), you delete the old data and enroll a new one. The process takes about two minutes and happens entirely on your phone or iPad. Apple does not store your face data on its servers or in iCloud, so changing it is purely a local action.

You will need to know your device passcode before you start, because Apple requires it as a backup unlock method. If you have forgotten your passcode, you will need to erase the device and set it up again — there is no way around this step.

Key Takeaways

  • Face ID data lives only on your device and is deleted when you remove it, so changing it does not affect your Apple account or other devices.
  • You must know your passcode to change Face ID, because Apple uses it as a security fallback if Face ID fails.
  • You can set up two different faces on the same device (called "Alternate Appearance") if two people need to unlock it, or if you want a backup in case one enrollment fails.
  • If you have set up Face ID to unlock your device, approve payments, or access passwords in Keychain, all those functions switch to the new face automatically once you enroll it.

Steps to delete your current Face ID and enroll a new one

Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad. Tap Face ID & Passcode (on some older devices it may say Face ID & Attention). Enter your passcode when prompted.

Look for the option that says Delete Face ID or Reset Face ID. Tap it and confirm. Your old face data is now gone. The device will ask you to set up Face ID again when ready, or you can skip this step and do it later.

If you want to enroll right away, tap Set Up Face ID. Hold your device 10 to 12 inches from your face, in portrait orientation (the long way up). Look at the screen and move your head slowly in a circle so the camera can map your face from different angles. You will do this twice — the second time captures your face from slightly different positions. When both scans are complete, tap Done.

Your new Face ID is now active. Test it by locking your device (press the side button and volume button together, or use the lock screen) and then looking at it to unlock.

When to use Alternate Appearance instead of replacing Face ID

If two people need to unlock the same device, or if you want a backup face in case your primary enrollment fails, you can set up a second face without deleting the first one. This is called Alternate Appearance.

Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and enter your passcode. Scroll down and tap Add Alternate Appearance. Follow the same enrollment steps as before — hold the device 10 to 12 inches away, look at the screen, and move your head in a circle twice. When done, both faces will unlock the device.

You can have only two faces enrolled at once. If you want to remove the second one, go back to Face ID & Passcode, tap Delete Alternate Appearance, and confirm.

What happens to your passwords and payments when you change Face ID

Face ID is tied to your device, not to a specific face. When you enroll a new face, all the apps and functions that used your old Face ID automatically switch to recognizing the new one. You do not need to re-enter passwords, re-authorize Apple Pay, or reconfigure anything.

If you use Face ID to unlock your device, approve App Store purchases, or access passwords stored in Keychain, all of those will work with your new face when ready. The same is true for third-party apps that use Face ID — they will recognize the new enrollment without any action on your part.

Why Face ID might fail to enroll and what to do

Face ID enrollment can fail if the camera cannot see your face clearly. This happens most often in very bright sunlight, in dim light, or if you are wearing heavy makeup, a mask, or glasses that reflect light back at the camera. Try enrolling in a room with even, indoor lighting. Remove sunglasses and any reflective eyewear, but regular prescription glasses are fine.

If enrollment keeps failing, your device camera may have a hardware problem. Try restarting your device (turn it off and back on) and attempt enrollment again. If it still fails, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to have the camera checked.

You can still use your device without Face ID — your passcode will always work as a backup. If you cannot get Face ID to work and do not want to keep trying, you can skip enrollment entirely and rely on your passcode alone.

How to use Face ID with different appearances (glasses, beards, age changes)

Face ID learns to recognize you even when your appearance changes slightly — with or without glasses, with a beard or without one, with different hairstyles. You do not need to re-enroll every time you change how you look.

However, if your appearance has changed significantly (major surgery, substantial weight loss or gain, or aging over many years), Face ID may become less reliable. If you notice it is asking for your passcode more often than it used to, you can improve accuracy by deleting your current Face ID and enrolling again. This teaches the system what you look like now.

If you wear glasses sometimes and not others, Face ID will work in both cases after your initial enrollment. The same is true for masks — if you enrolled without a mask, Face ID can still recognize you with one on, though it is less reliable than full-face recognition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change Face ID without knowing my passcode?

No. Apple requires your passcode to access Face ID settings as a security measure. If you have forgotten your passcode, you will need to erase your device using a computer with Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows), or use iCloud's Find My feature to erase it remotely. After erasing, you can set up the device again from scratch.

Does changing Face ID affect my Apple ID or iCloud account?

No. Face ID is stored only on your device and has no connection to your Apple ID. Changing it does not affect your account, your other devices, or anything stored in iCloud. Your other iPhone, iPad, or Mac will keep their own Face ID or Touch ID settings unchanged.

What if I want to remove Face ID completely and use only my passcode?

Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode, enter your passcode, and tap Delete Face ID. Do not set up a new one. Your device will unlock with your passcode only. You can turn Face ID back on anytime by returning to the same menu and choosing Set Up Face ID.

Can I change Face ID on an iPad?

Yes, if your iPad has a Face ID camera (iPad Pro models and newer iPad Air models). The steps are identical: go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode, delete the old face, and enroll a new one. Older iPad models use Touch ID instead and cannot be changed to Face ID.

Will changing Face ID lock me out of any apps?

No. Apps that use Face ID will automatically recognize your new face. You will not be locked out of anything, and you will not need to sign in again or reconfigure any app settings.