With the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing, we are wearing masks more than ever. And that’s a real hassle when Apple’s only biometric phone-unlocking technology, Face ID, is designed to see your face. But it’s not just N95 masks and global pandemics…those who live in wintry climates often have lower faces covered as well.
In iOS 15.4 (currently in beta), Apple is adding the ability to use Face ID when wearing a mask. It’s optional, and Apple advises that Face ID is more secure when using a full face scan, but it’s a great solution. Is that how it works.
Face ID with mask in iOS 15.4: compatibility
While Apple has been making iPhones with Face ID since the iPhone X in 2017, Face ID with a mask is limited to iPhones with the A14 Bionic processor, so you’ll need an iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, or iPhone 12. an iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, or 13 Pro Max.
Face ID with mask in iOS 15.4: settings
When you start your iPhone for the first time after updating to iOS 15.4, you will probably be asked whether you want to use Face ID with a mask or not. If not, or if you want to set it up later, follow these steps:
- Open configuration
- Tap on Face ID and passcode. You will need to enter your password to access this menu.
- scroll down to Use Face ID with a mask and turn it on.
After turning it on, you’ll be prompted to go through the Face ID setup process again, where you place your face in the center of the camera frame and look around slowly. Your iPhone is doing another scan of your face, this time using more data points around your eyes and the upper part of your face, ignoring the lower part that a mask would cover. you guys you don’t have to wear a mask during this additional setup process, but the scanner acts as if it were.
If you frequently wear glasses when using your iPhone, you will be prompted to remove them during the second scan. You can also add additional scans with each pair of glasses you wear often (although sunglasses don’t yet support Face ID with a mask). Tap add glasses and you will be prompted to do another scan, this time using your glasses. For best results, repeat this process with each different pair of glasses that you commonly wear when using your iPhone.
Once it’s set up, Face ID will recognize your face when you try to unlock your iPhone while wearing a mask. The Masked Face ID feature is just an enhancement to the normal Face ID setup process and there is no noticeable difference in speed or reliability. It doesn’t change or restrict how or when Face ID is used, and third-party apps and services don’t need to do anything to support it. So you’ll be able to use Face ID with a mask (and/or glasses) every time you use Face ID, whether it’s unlocking your iPhone, entering passwords, using Apple Pay, etc.
Unlock your iPhone with Apple Watch
In iOS 14.5, Apple added the ability to unlock your iPhone automatically if you’re wearing your paired Apple Watch (and your watch is unlocked).
We have a guide on how to set up Desbloquear con Apple Watch—is a separate configuration in Face ID and passcode—but you should know that this is solo a method to unlock your iPhone, not to authenticate apps, autofill forms or passwords, make payments, or anything else.
I have written professionally about technology for my entire adult professional life, over 20 years. I like to figure out how complicated technology works and explain it in a way that anyone can understand.