Face ID works app by app, not just for unlocking your device

Face ID can protect individual apps beyond just unlocking your phone. When you turn on Face ID for a specific app, that app locks itself and requires your face to open it — even if your device is already unlocked. This adds a second layer of security for sensitive apps like banking, email, or password managers. The setup process differs slightly depending on whether the app has its own Face ID setting or uses your device's built-in security features.

Not every app supports Face ID directly. Some apps rely on your iPhone or iPad's system-level security, while others have their own Face ID toggle in their settings. You control which apps get this protection, and you can turn it on or off for each one independently.

Key Takeaways

  • Apps with their own Face ID setting let you turn it on in that app's settings menu, usually under Privacy or Security.
  • Apps that use your device's system security can be protected through Settings > Face ID & Passcode on your iPhone or iPad.
  • Face ID for apps requires you to have already set up Face ID on your device during initial setup or in Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
  • You can remove Face ID protection from any app at any time by turning off the toggle in that app's settings or in your device settings.
  • If an app asks for your password after you enable Face ID, that app is using its own authentication system separate from your device's Face ID.

Check if your device supports Face ID

Face ID is available on iPhone X and newer models, and on iPad Pro 11-inch (first generation and later) and iPad Air (fourth generation and later). If you have an older device, you will see Touch ID instead, which works the same way but uses your fingerprint. Devices with neither Face ID nor Touch ID cannot use biometric security for apps.

To confirm your device has Face ID, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode. If this option exists and you see a "Set Up Face ID" button or a list of enrolled faces, your device supports it. If you see "Touch ID & Passcode" instead, your device uses fingerprint recognition.

Set up Face ID on your device first

Before you can use Face ID for apps, you must enroll your face in your device's Face ID system. Open Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode, and enter your device passcode. Tap "Set Up Face ID" and follow the on-screen instructions. You will be asked to position your face in a circle and move your head slowly in a circular motion so the camera can map your face from different angles. The process takes about 30 seconds.

You can enroll up to five different faces — useful if you want to unlock your device with your face or a family member's face. Once Face ID is set up, you can then enable it for individual apps.

Enable Face ID in apps with their own security settings

Many banking apps, email clients, and password managers have their own Face ID toggle. Open the app, go to its Settings or Security menu, and look for an option labeled "Face ID", "Biometric Authentication", or "Use Face ID to Unlock". Tap the toggle to turn it on. The app may ask you to confirm your face once, then it will require Face ID each time you open it.

Examples include apps like 1Password, Mint Mobile, Chase, and Bank of America. Not all apps offer this feature — some only support passcodes or passwords. If you do not see a Face ID option in an app's settings, that app does not have built-in Face ID support, but you may still be able to protect it through your device settings.

Protect apps through your device's system settings

If an app does not have its own Face ID setting, you can still protect it using your device's built-in security. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode, enter your passcode, and scroll down to "Apps" or "Allow These Apps to Use Face ID". You will see a list of apps installed on your device. Toggle on the switch next to any app you want to protect with Face ID.

When you use system-level Face ID protection, the app will prompt you to authenticate with your face the first time you open it after your device locks. After that, the app remains open until your device locks again or you manually close it. This is different from app-level Face ID, which may require authentication every single time you open the app.

What happens when Face ID fails or is not available

If Face ID does not recognize you — because the lighting is poor, you are wearing sunglasses, or your face angle is wrong — the app will give you the option to try again. After a few failed attempts, most apps will ask for your passcode or password as a backup. This ensures you can still access your app even if Face ID is not working.

If you disable Face ID on your device entirely, all apps protected by Face ID will fall back to their passcode or password. Apps with their own Face ID setting will straightforward stop asking for face authentication and may ask for a password instead, depending on how the app is designed.

Turn off Face ID for specific apps

To remove Face ID protection from an app, open that app's settings and toggle off the Face ID option. Alternatively, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode, enter your passcode, scroll to "Apps", and toggle off the switch next to the app you want to unprotect. The app will no longer require Face ID to open, though it may still require a password if the app has its own login system.

You can change these settings at any time. There is no penalty for turning Face ID on and off — you are straightforward choosing which apps get this extra layer of security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to set up a passcode to use Face ID for apps?

Yes. Face ID requires a passcode as a backup authentication method. If you do not have a passcode set on your device, you cannot set up Face ID. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and create a passcode if you have not already.

Can I use Face ID for apps if I wear glasses or a mask?

Face ID can work with glasses, but it may struggle with sunglasses or masks that cover most of your face. You can enroll your face while wearing glasses to improve recognition. If Face ID fails, you can always enter your passcode as a backup.

Will Face ID lock me out of my app if someone else tries to open it?

Yes. If someone else tries to open an app protected by Face ID, the app will not unlock for their face. After a few failed attempts, it will ask for a passcode. Only faces you have enrolled in your device's Face ID system will unlock the app.

What is the difference between app-level and system-level Face ID?

App-level Face ID is controlled by the app itself and may require authentication every time you open it. System-level Face ID is controlled by your device and typically requires authentication only when your device locks. App-level is generally more find for sensitive apps.

Can I use Face ID for apps on my iPad?

Yes, if your iPad supports Face ID. iPad Pro 11-inch (first generation and later) and iPad Air (fourth generation and later) have Face ID. The setup process is identical to iPhone — go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and enroll your face.