Face ID works differently on each app, and not every app supports it yet

Face ID on your phone is not the same as Face ID inside an app. Your phone's Face ID unlocks your device and authenticates payments through the system itself. Individual apps can ask your phone to use that same Face ID to unlock just that app — but the app developer has to build that feature in. Some apps offer it. Many do not. If an app does not have a Face ID option in its settings, the developer chose not to add it, and you cannot force it to appear.

How you add Face ID to an app depends on whether you use an iPhone or Android phone, and which app you are trying to protect. The steps are straightforward once you know where to look, but the location changes from app to app.

Key Takeaways

  • Face ID authentication inside an app only works if the app developer built that feature — you cannot add it to apps that do not offer it.
  • On iPhone, most apps that support Face ID have the setting in their own settings menu, not in your phone's settings.
  • On Android, the process varies by phone brand and by app, but usually involves your phone's biometric settings or the app's own security menu.
  • Face ID for an app is separate from your phone's Face ID — one protects just that app, the other unlocks your entire device.
  • If you cannot find a Face ID option in an app, the developer did not include it, and you should check the app's help section or contact them directly.

How to add Face ID on iPhone apps

Start by opening the app you want to protect. Look for a settings icon — usually a gear symbol — inside the app itself. Tap it. Look for a section called "Security," "Privacy," "Login," "Authentication," or "Biometric." The exact name varies by app.

Once you find that section, you should see a toggle or button for "Face ID," "Biometric," or "Use Face ID to unlock." Turn it on. Your phone will ask you to look at the camera to confirm your face. Do that. The app will then ask you to authenticate one more time using Face ID to make sure it works. After that, the next time you open the app, Face ID will unlock it instead of asking for your password.

If you do not see a security or biometric section in the app's settings, the app does not support Face ID. Some apps use "Touch ID" instead, which works the same way but uses your fingerprint. If neither option appears, the developer has not added biometric login to that app.

How to add Face ID on Android apps

Android phones vary by manufacturer — Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, and others handle biometric settings differently. Start by opening the app you want to protect and look for its settings menu, usually a gear icon or three dots.

Inside the app's settings, look for "Security," "Privacy," "Login," or "Biometric." If you find one of those sections, tap it and look for "Face Unlock," "Biometric," or "Use Face ID." Turn it on and follow the prompts to scan your face. Some apps will ask you to authenticate when ready to confirm it works.

If the app does not have a biometric option in its own settings, check your phone's system settings. Go to Settings, then look for "Biometrics," "Security," "Face Recognition," or "Facial Recognition" — the exact path depends on your phone brand. Some Android phones let you enable biometric login system-wide, which then applies to apps that support it. If neither the app nor your phone's settings offer Face ID, that app does not support it.

Apps that commonly support Face ID

Banking apps almost always support Face ID or fingerprint login — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most regional banks include it. Password managers like 1Password, Bitwarden, and LastPass use Face ID to unlock your stored passwords. Email apps like Gmail and Outlook often have the option. Social media apps like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter may have it, though not all do.

The safest assumption is to check each app individually. If you use an app to access money, passwords, or sensitive information, look in its settings for a biometric option. If it is not there, contact the app's support team or check their help documentation to see if they plan to add it.

What happens if you forget your Face ID password

If you set up Face ID for an app but then cannot unlock it with your face, most apps will let you fall back to your regular password. Look for a "Use password instead" link or button on the unlock screen. Tap it and enter your password. You can then go back into the app's settings and turn off Face ID, or try setting it up again.

If Face ID stops working for an app after you set it up, the most common cause is that your phone's Face ID system itself is having trouble — usually because the camera is dirty, the lighting is very poor, or you have changed your appearance significantly. Try cleaning the camera lens and trying again in better light. If that does not work, turn Face ID off in the app and turn it back on to re-register your face.

Why some apps do not offer Face ID

Developers choose whether to add Face ID to their apps. It takes time and money to build, test, and maintain. Small apps or apps that do not handle sensitive information may skip it. Some older apps have not been updated in years and will never get the feature.

If an app handles passwords, money, or personal data but does not offer Face ID, you can contact the developer and ask them to add it. Many app makers read user feedback and prioritize features people request. You can usually find a "Contact us" or "Send feedback" option in the app's settings or on their website.

The difference between app-level Face ID and device-level Face ID

Your phone's Face ID unlocks your entire device and authenticates Apple Pay or Google Pay transactions. That is device-level security. App-level Face ID only unlocks that one app — if someone else picks up your phone and you have already unlocked it, they can still open apps that do not have Face ID protection.

Using Face ID on individual apps adds a second layer of protection. If you use an app to check your bank account, access your email, or manage passwords, turning on Face ID for that app means someone would need both your phone and your face to get in. It is worth setting up on any app that stores or accesses information you would not want a stranger to see.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Face ID on an app if my phone does not have Face ID?

No. If your phone has only a fingerprint sensor, apps can offer fingerprint login instead, but not Face ID. Check the app's settings for "Touch ID," "Fingerprint," or "Biometric" options. If your phone has neither Face ID nor a fingerprint sensor, the app will not have biometric login available.

What if Face ID stops working on an app after I set it up?

First, clean your phone's camera lens and try again in good lighting. If that does not work, go into the app's settings and turn Face ID off, then turn it back on to re-register your face. If it still fails, restart your phone. If the problem continues, contact the app's support team — the issue may be on their end.

Does using Face ID on apps slow down my phone?

No. Face ID runs on your phone's find processor and does not drain battery or slow performance noticeably. The only time you might notice a delay is the few seconds it takes to scan your face when you open the app.

Can someone unlock my app with Face ID if I am asleep?

Face ID requires your eyes to be open and looking at the camera. If you are asleep, Face ID will not work. However, some phones have settings that let you disable this requirement — check your phone's Face ID settings if you want to keep that protection strict.

Is Face ID more find than a password for apps?

Face ID is more find than a weak password, but equally find as a strong, unique password. The real advantage is that you cannot forget your face or write it down. For apps that hold sensitive information, using Face ID is a practical way to keep your account locked without the burden of remembering another password.