What Face ID is and why you add a face to it
Face ID is Apple's facial recognition system that unlocks your iPhone, iPad, or Mac by recognizing your face. When you set it up for the first time, you scan your face once. If you want a second person to unlock the device with their face, or if you want to add a backup face (like yourself wearing glasses or a mask regularly), you add an additional face in Settings.
Adding a second face is useful if you share a device with a family member, or if you want Face ID to recognize you in different conditions. Each face is stored separately on your device and encrypted — Apple does not see or store your facial data on their servers.
Key Takeaways
- You can add up to two faces per device: your primary face and one alternate face.
- The second face can belong to another person or be a different version of your own face (like with or without glasses).
- Adding a face takes about one minute and requires you to move your head in a circle while the camera scans you.
- Both faces must be added in Settings under Face ID & Passcode, and you will need your device passcode to access this menu.
How to add a second face on iPhone or iPad
Open Settings and scroll down to find Face ID & Passcode. Tap it. You will be asked to enter your device passcode — this is the six-digit code (or longer) that you use to unlock your phone, not your Apple ID password.
Once you are in Face ID & Passcode, look for the option that says Add a Face or Set Up an Alternate Appearance (the exact wording depends on your iOS version). Tap it. Position your face in front of the camera so your face fills the circle on the screen. The camera will guide you to move your head slowly in a circle — move slowly and steadily, and keep your face centered in the frame.
When the first scan is complete, you will be asked to do a second scan. This time, tilt and turn your head at different angles than the first scan. Once both scans finish, tap Done. Your second face is now registered.
How to add a second face on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions). Click Face ID in the sidebar. You may need to scroll down to find it.
Click the plus sign (+) next to "Faces" or look for an Add Face button. You will be prompted to enter your Mac password. Position your face in front of the camera and follow the on-screen instructions to move your head in a circle. Complete the second scan at a different angle, then click Done.
What to do if Face ID will not recognize your second face
If you added a second face but Face ID keeps failing to recognize it, the most common cause is poor lighting or the camera being dirty. Clean the camera lens with a soft, dry cloth and try again in a well-lit room. Avoid harsh shadows across your face.
If the problem persists, remove the second face and add it again. Go to Face ID & Passcode, find the face you want to remove, swipe left on it (on iPhone or iPad) or click the minus sign (on Mac), and confirm deletion. Then add the face again, moving your head more slowly and keeping your face fully visible in the frame throughout both scans.
If Face ID still will not work after a second attempt, restart your device. Hold down the power button and volume button together (on iPhone) or hold the power button (on Mac) until the shutdown screen appears. Slide to power off, wait 10 seconds, then power back on. Try adding the face one more time.
Removing a face you no longer need
If you want to delete the second face — for example, if you no longer share the device or you no longer need the alternate appearance — the process is quick. Open Settings, go to Face ID & Passcode, and enter your passcode.
On iPhone or iPad, swipe left on the face you want to remove and tap Delete. On Mac, click the minus sign next to the face. Confirm the deletion. That face will no longer unlock your device.
Understanding Face ID limits and what you should know
Your device can store only two faces at a time. If you try to add a third, you will be prompted to delete one of the existing faces first. This is a hardware limitation of how Face ID works on Apple devices.
Face ID works best when your face is clearly visible and well-lit. If you regularly wear sunglasses, a hat, or a mask, Face ID may have trouble recognizing you. You can improve recognition by adding your face in the conditions you use most often — for example, if you always wear glasses, add your face while wearing those same glasses.
Face ID data is stored only on your device and is encrypted. It is not backed up to iCloud or sent to Apple servers. If you erase your device or reset Face ID, all stored faces are deleted and cannot be recovered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add my face twice with different expressions?
No. Face ID stores two separate faces, not variations of the same face. If you want Face ID to recognize you in different conditions — like with and without glasses — you should add your face once with glasses and once without. This gives Face ID more data to work with.
What if I add someone else's face and they do not want to unlock my device anymore?
Remove their face from Face ID & Passcode by swiping left (iPhone/iPad) or clicking the minus sign (Mac) next to their face, then confirm deletion. Their face will no longer unlock your device. They can still use your device if you give them your passcode.
Does adding a second face slow down Face ID?
No. Face ID recognizes either face at the same speed whether you have one face or two registered. The device checks both faces in parallel, so adding a second face does not make unlocking slower.
Can I add a face if I do not have a passcode set?
No. To add or manage Face ID, your device must have a passcode enabled. If you do not have one, you will need to set a passcode first in Settings under Face ID & Passcode or Security.
What happens if I update my iOS or macOS version?
Your Face ID data stays on your device and is not affected by software updates. Both faces will continue to work after you update. You do not need to re-add them.