Face ID is a revolutionary feature that Apple introduced with the iPhone X in 2017, and it has since been included in several subsequent iPhone and iPad models. This feature allows users to unlock their devices, make purchases, and authenticate various tasks, all with a quick glance at their device’s TrueDepth camera. Face ID is a biometric authentication feature that uses facial recognition technology to unlock your device, making it a secure and convenient way to access your phone.

How to set up Face ID

Step 1: Before you begin setting up Face ID, make sure that there is nothing obstructing the TrueDepth camera or your face. If something is obstructing your nose or mouth, such as glasses or a face mask, you might be asked to temporarily remove these items during setup.

Tip: You can also use Face ID with face masks if you use iPhone 12 or later with iOS 15.4 and later.

Step 2: Once you’ve made sure that there are no obstructions, go to Settings on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 3: In Settings, tap on Face ID & Passcode. If you are prompted to enter your passcode, do so. If you haven’t set a passcode yet, you will be asked to create one as an alternate way to verify your identity.

Step 4: Next, tap on Set Up Face ID. Hold your device in portrait orientation, position your face in front of your device, then tap Get Started.

Position your face inside the frame and gently move your head to complete the circle. If you’re unable to move your head, tap Accessibility Options. Once you finish the first Face ID scan, tap Continue. Gently move your head to complete the circle for a second time, and tap Done.

Step 5: To choose features that you want to use Face ID with or reset Face ID, go to Settings, then tap Face ID & Passcode.

Note: Face ID with a Mask does not work in landscape mode.

How to use Face ID on your iPhone

Unlocking your iPhone or iPad with Face ID

To use Face ID to unlock your iPhone or iPad, you’ll first need to make sure that the feature is enabled. To do this, go to Settings, then tap Face ID & Passcode, and enter your passcode. Next, turn on the switch next to iPhone Unlock or iPad Unlock, depending on the device you’re using.

Once Face ID is enabled, unlocking your device is a breeze. To unlock your iPhone or iPad with Face ID, raise it to wake it up, or tap on the screen to wake it if it’s asleep. Then, swipe up from the bottom of the screen. If you’re using an iPhone, hold it in portrait orientation and glance at it. If you’re using an iPad or iPhone 12 or later, you can hold your device in either portrait or landscape orientation, making sure that your finger isn’t covering the TrueDepth camera. If you’re wearing a mask, you’ll be prompted to enter your passcode.

Tip: You can also use Face ID with face masks if you use iPhone 12 or later with iOS 15.4 and later.

Using Face ID to make purchases

In addition to unlocking your device, you can also use Face ID to authenticate purchases with Apple Pay and in various stores in the iTunes Store, App Store, and Book Store in Apple Books.

To use Face ID with Apple Pay, make sure that Apple Pay is set up and turned on in Settings > Face ID & Passcode. To make a purchase in a store, double-click the side button to bring up your default card. If you want to use a different card, tap on your default card and choose another one. Then, glance at your iPhone to authenticate with Face ID. If you’re wearing a mask and haven’t set up Face ID with a mask, you’ll be asked to enter your passcode instead. Finally, hold the top of your iPhone near the contactless reader and wait for the “Done” and checkmark to appear.

To make a purchase within an app or on a website in Safari, tap on the “Buy with Apple Pay” button or choose Apple Pay as the payment method. Confirm your payment information, and if you want to use a different card, tap the “Next” button next to your card. Double-click the side button to authenticate with Face ID, and wait for the “Done” and checkmark to appear.

How to use Face ID in the iTunes Store, App Store, and Book Store in Apple Books

To use Face ID to purchase content from the iTunes Store, App Store, and Book Store, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and follow the prompts to set up Face ID. Once you have done this, you can use Face ID to make purchases in the iTunes Store, App Store, and Book Store. To do this, open the store and select the item that you wish to purchase. When prompted to pay, simply double-click the side button and glance at your device to complete the purchase. If you are wearing a face mask that covers your nose and mouth, you can still make purchases by entering your passcode instead.

Tip: You can also use Face ID with face masks if you use iPhone 12 or later with iOS 15.4 and later.

You can also use Face ID to sign in to certain apps that support signing in with Touch ID. To do this, simply open the app and tap the sign-in button. If asked, allow the app to use your username or password, and then glance at your device to sign in. You can control which apps use Face ID to sign in by going to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and selecting Other Apps.

Lastly, you can use Face ID to autofill saved usernames and passwords for websites in Safari. To do this, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and turn on Password AutoFill. Next, open Safari and go to the website that you want to sign in to. Tap the sign-in field, and if you see your username or password appear above the keyboard, tap it. Finally, glance at your device to autofill your username and password.