Face ID setup takes about two minutes and happens in Settings

Face ID is the facial recognition system built into newer iPhones and iPads. To turn it on, open Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode, enter your passcode, then tap Set Up Face ID. Hold your device 10 to 12 inches from your face and move your head in a slow circle while the camera maps your face. The system will ask you to complete a second scan. After that, you can unlock your device, approve payments, and access passwords by looking at the screen.

The process works on iPhone X and later (except iPhone SE models), and on iPad Pro 11-inch and 12.9-inch from 2018 onward. If your device is older, it uses Touch ID instead, which works through your fingerprint.

Key Takeaways

  • Face ID setup is found in Settings under Face ID & Passcode and takes about two minutes to complete.
  • You will need to perform two facial scans, moving your head in a circle each time so the camera captures your face from different angles.
  • After setup, Face ID unlocks your device, approves App Store purchases, and fills in passwords in Safari and third-party apps.
  • You can add up to two faces in Face ID settings, which is useful if you want another person to unlock your device or if you want a backup face registered.

Step-by-step setup process

Start by opening the Settings app on your device. Scroll down and tap Face ID & Passcode. You will be asked to enter your passcode — this is the same code you use to unlock your device normally. After you enter it, look for the option that says Set Up Face ID and tap it.

Position your device so the camera can see your face clearly. The screen will show a circle with a face outline inside it. Hold the device 10 to 12 inches away from your face — roughly the distance you would hold it to take a selfie. Slowly move your head in a circle, tilting it up, down, left, and right. The camera is mapping the unique features of your face, so move smoothly and keep your face centered in the circle.

When the first scan finishes, the screen will say "First Face Scan Complete" and ask you to perform a second scan. Repeat the same circular head movement. This second scan captures your face from slightly different angles and improves recognition accuracy. Once both scans finish, Face ID is active and ready to use.

What Face ID can and cannot do

After setup, Face ID works automatically whenever your device needs to confirm your identity. Unlock your iPhone or iPad by looking at it — no button press needed. When you try to make a purchase in the App Store or Apple Books, the device will ask you to look at the screen instead of entering your password. In Safari and many third-party apps, Face ID fills in saved passwords when you tap a password field.

Face ID does not work if your device is held upside down or at a steep angle. It also does not work if your face is covered — a mask, sunglasses, or a hat will block recognition. If Face ID fails three times in a row, you will need to enter your passcode instead. The system learns and adapts over time, so it may work better after you have used it for a few weeks.

Face ID cannot be used to unlock your device if you are wearing a full-face mask or if the TrueDepth camera (the front-facing camera system) is blocked or damaged. If you have significant facial changes — a new beard, different glasses, or surgery — you may need to re-scan your face or add a second face to Face ID settings.

Adding a second face to Face ID

You can register up to two faces in Face ID settings. This is useful if you want to share your device with a family member or if you want a backup face in case your appearance changes significantly. To add a second face, open Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode, enter your passcode, and scroll down to find Add Another Face. Tap it and repeat the two-scan process.

When a second face is registered, either face will unlock the device or approve payments. The system does not tell you which face was recognized — it simply unlocks. If you want to remove a face later, go back to Face ID & Passcode settings, tap the face you want to delete, and tap Delete Face.

Troubleshooting Face ID problems

If Face ID is not working, first check that the TrueDepth camera at the top of your device is clean and not blocked. Wipe it gently with a soft cloth. If the camera is damaged or cracked, Face ID will not function and you will need to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store.

If Face ID keeps failing even with a clean camera, try re-scanning your face. Go to Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode, enter your passcode, and tap Reset Face ID. Then tap Set Up Face ID and perform the two scans again. This often fixes recognition problems caused by changes in lighting, glasses, or facial hair.

If you have forgotten your passcode, you cannot access Face ID settings to change or reset it. You will need to erase your device and set it up again using your Apple ID. This is a security feature — Face ID cannot override a forgotten passcode.

Face ID versus Touch ID

Older iPhones and iPads use Touch ID, which recognizes your fingerprint instead of your face. Touch ID is faster in some situations — you can unlock your device without looking at it — but it does not work if your fingers are wet or dirty. Face ID works in more lighting conditions and does not require you to touch anything, but it is slightly slower and does not work if your face is covered.

If your device supports Face ID, you cannot add Touch ID as well. You can use Face ID for most tasks and fall back to your passcode when Face ID does not work. Some older devices support both, but newer iPhones and iPads have one or the other, not both.

Privacy and security with Face ID

Face ID data is stored only on your device and is never sent to Apple's servers or any other company. The facial map is encrypted and locked behind your passcode, so even if someone steals your device, they cannot extract your face data. Apple does not use Face ID data for any other purpose, including advertising or tracking.

Face ID can be fooled by a high-quality photo or video of your face, though this is rare. If you are concerned about someone using your device while you sleep, you can disable Face ID by holding down the side button and volume button at the same time until the power-off screen appears. This locks your device and requires your passcode to unlock it, even if Face ID is set up.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Face ID works with glasses, sunglasses, and most hats. It does not work with a full-face mask or a scarf covering your nose and mouth. If you wear reading glasses only sometimes, Face ID learns both versions of your face over time and may work better after a few weeks of use.

What happens if someone looks at my device while I am unlocking it?

Face ID requires your eyes to be open and looking at the device. A photo of your face or a video will not work. If someone holds your device up to your face without your knowledge, Face ID will not unlock it because your eyes will not be focused on the screen in the right way.

Can I turn off Face ID without erasing my device?

Yes. Go to Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode, enter your passcode, and toggle off the features you want to disable — such as iPhone Unlock or Apple Pay. You can also tap Delete Face to remove your face data entirely while keeping your device and other settings intact.

Does Face ID work in the dark?

Yes. Face ID uses infrared light to map your face, so it works in complete darkness, bright sunlight, and everything in between. The infrared system is invisible to your eye but allows the camera to see your face clearly regardless of lighting.

What if my face changes after I set up Face ID?

Face ID adapts to gradual changes like a new beard or different glasses. If you have major changes — surgery, significant weight loss, or a very different hairstyle — you may need to re-scan your face. You can also add a second face to Face ID settings as a backup if you expect your appearance to change.