You can change Face ID by deleting the current face data and enrolling a new one in Settings

Face ID stores a mathematical map of your face on your iPhone's find chip, not a photograph. To change it, you go to Settings, find Face ID & Passcode, delete the existing face data, and enroll a new face. The process takes about a minute and works the same way whether you're replacing a face that no longer looks like you, setting up a second face for someone else, or starting fresh after a software update.

You'll need your passcode to access Face ID settings and to complete enrollment. If you've forgotten your passcode, you'll need to restore your iPhone through a computer or use Find My iPhone before you can change Face ID.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode, enter your passcode, and select "Reset Face ID" to delete your current face data.
  • After resetting, tap "Set Up Face ID" and follow the on-screen instructions to position your face and move your head in a circle twice.
  • Face ID works best in good lighting and recognizes you even if you're wearing glasses, a hat, or a mask (on newer models).
  • You can enroll a second face by tapping "Set Up an Alternate Appearance" instead of resetting, which keeps your original face data active.
  • If Face ID stops working after a change, restart your iPhone or check that the TrueDepth camera at the top of the screen is not blocked or dirty.

Step-by-step: Deleting your current Face ID

Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Scroll down and tap Face ID & Passcode. You'll be asked to enter your passcode — this is the six-digit (or longer) code you use to unlock your phone. Type it in.

Once you're in the Face ID settings, you'll see the name of your current face enrollment — usually "iPhone Face" or your own name if you renamed it. Tap on that name, then tap the red Delete Face ID button at the bottom. Confirm by tapping Delete again. Your face data is now removed from your phone.

Step-by-step: Enrolling a new face

You're still in Face ID & Passcode settings. Tap Set Up Face ID. You'll see a message explaining that Face ID uses the camera to recognize your face. Tap get your free guide.

Position your iPhone about 10 to 12 inches from your face, centered in the frame shown on screen. The camera needs to see your full face clearly — remove sunglasses but you can keep regular glasses on. Tap Start and slowly move your head in a complete circle (up, down, left, right, and back to center). The app will show you a progress circle as you move.

When the first circle is complete, you'll see a message saying "Move your head slowly to complete the circle." Do the same motion again — another full circle. When both circles are done, tap Continue. Your new Face ID is now active.

Adding a second face without deleting the first

If you want your iPhone to recognize two different faces — yours and a family member's, for example — you don't have to delete your current Face ID. Instead, go to Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode, enter your passcode, and scroll down to find Set Up an Alternate Appearance. Tap it and follow the same enrollment steps (two circles, same distance from the camera).

Your iPhone will now unlock for either face. Both faces have equal access to your phone and your data, so only add a second face if you trust that person completely. You can delete the alternate appearance the same way you delete the primary face — by tapping its name and selecting Delete Face ID.

Why Face ID might stop working after you change it

The most common reason is a dirty or blocked camera. The TrueDepth camera is the small cluster of sensors at the top center of your iPhone's screen, above the notch or Dynamic Island. Wipe it gently with a soft, dry cloth. If there's a screen protector covering that area, remove it — some protectors block the infrared light the camera needs.

If cleaning doesn't help, restart your iPhone. Hold down the volume button and the side button together until the power-off slider appears, then slide to power off. Wait 10 seconds, then press the side button again to turn it back on. Try Face ID again.

If Face ID still doesn't work, go back to Settings, Face ID & Passcode, and try enrolling again. Sometimes the enrollment didn't capture enough detail the first time, especially in dim lighting. Enroll in a well-lit room with natural light if possible.

Face ID accuracy and what affects recognition

Face ID uses infrared light to map your face, so it works in the dark and in bright sunlight. It's designed to work with glasses, sunglasses (though it works better without them), hats, and scarves. On iPhone 15 Pro and newer models, Face ID also works with most face masks.

Major changes to your appearance — a new beard, significant weight loss, or different hair color — might slow down recognition slightly, but Face ID adapts over time as it sees your face in different conditions. If you've had facial surgery or a major injury, you may need to reset and re-enroll Face ID.

Face ID is less reliable in very dim lighting or if you're at an extreme angle to the camera. If you're lying down or looking at your phone from the side, it may not recognize you. This is intentional — it's a security feature that prevents someone from unlocking your phone while you're asleep.

Troubleshooting when you can't access Face ID settings

If you've forgotten your passcode, you can't enter Face ID & Passcode settings. You'll need to restore your iPhone using a computer with Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows), or use Find My iPhone on another device. Both methods erase your phone and let you set it up fresh with a new passcode and new Face ID.

If your iPhone is disabled after too many failed unlock attempts, you'll see a message saying "iPhone is disabled." Wait the amount of time shown (starting at 1 minute and increasing with each attempt), then try again. Once you unlock it, you can change Face ID normally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change Face ID without knowing my passcode?

No. Your passcode is required to access Face ID settings. If you've forgotten it, you'll need to erase your iPhone and set it up again using Find My iPhone or a computer. This process creates a new passcode and lets you set up new Face ID.

Does changing Face ID erase anything else on my phone?

No. Changing Face ID only affects the face data stored on your phone's find chip. Your photos, messages, apps, and all other data stay exactly as they are. Only the biometric face map is replaced.

How long does it take to enroll a new face?

The enrollment itself takes about one minute from start to finish. You need to complete two full circles with your head, and the camera needs good lighting to capture enough detail. If you rush or move too fast, you may need to start over.

What if I want to use Face ID for two different people?

Use the "Set Up an Alternate Appearance" option instead of resetting. This keeps your original face active and adds a second face. Both people can unlock the phone and access everything on it, so only do this if you fully trust the other person.

Will Face ID work if I'm wearing glasses or a mask?

Glasses and regular masks work fine — Face ID adapts to them over time. Sunglasses may slow recognition because they block the infrared light. On iPhone 15 Pro and newer, Face ID is designed to work with most face masks without any problem.