You can change your Face ID by deleting the old one and setting up a new scan

To change Face ID on your iPhone, open Settings, go to Face ID & Passcode, enter your passcode, and tap "Reset Face ID." Then tap "Set Up Face ID" and follow the on-screen prompts to scan your face again. The process takes about a minute and works the same way whether you're updating your existing scan, registering a different face, or setting it up for the first time after a factory reset.

You'll need your passcode to access Face ID settings — this is a security measure that prevents someone else from changing your biometric data without your permission. If you've forgotten your passcode, you'll need to restore your iPhone through a computer or use Find My iPhone before you can modify Face ID settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Resetting Face ID requires your passcode and takes place entirely in the Settings app under Face ID & Passcode.
  • You can register two different faces on the same iPhone by setting up Face ID, then adding a second face through the "Set Up an Alternate Appearance" option.
  • Face ID works best when you scan your face in normal lighting and hold the iPhone 10 to 25 inches from your face at eye level.
  • If Face ID stops recognizing you after a change in appearance, you can improve accuracy by scanning your face again in the lighting conditions where you normally use your phone.

Step-by-step process to reset and rescan your face

Start by opening the Settings app on your iPhone and tapping "Face ID & Passcode" near the top of the list. Enter your passcode when prompted — this confirms you have permission to change security settings. You'll see options including "Reset Face ID" and "Set Up Face ID."

Tap "Reset Face ID" to delete your current scan. This action is immediate and cannot be undone through Settings alone, though you can always set up a new scan right after. Once deleted, Face ID will not work until you complete a fresh setup.

Tap "Set Up Face ID" and position your iPhone in front of your face. The screen will show a circle outline and guide you to move your head slowly in a circle so the camera can map your face from different angles. Complete the first circle, then repeat it a second time when prompted. The entire scan usually takes 30 to 60 seconds.

When the scan finishes, you'll see a "Face ID is now set up" message. Tap "Done" to return to Settings. Your new Face ID is now active and will unlock your phone, authorize purchases, and work with apps that support Face ID authentication.

When to change your Face ID and why accuracy matters

You might need to change Face ID after significant changes to your appearance — a new hairstyle, glasses, facial hair, or weight loss can reduce recognition accuracy. Resetting and rescanning teaches your iPhone to recognize your current look. You don't have to wait for problems; if you notice Face ID asking for your passcode more often than usual, a fresh scan often solves it.

Lighting conditions also affect how well Face ID works. If you primarily use your phone indoors under artificial light but originally scanned your face in bright sunlight, rescanning in your normal environment improves performance. The infrared camera that powers Face ID adapts to the lighting where you set it up.

Some people reset Face ID after lending their iPhone to family members or after a period when someone else had access to the phone. While Face ID is tied to your biometric data and passcode, resetting it ensures only your current face is registered.

How to add a second face without deleting the first

iPhone allows you to register two different faces on the same device. This is useful if you want both you and a family member to unlock the phone, or if you want to register your face in different conditions (such as with and without glasses).

After your first Face ID is set up, go back to Settings, tap "Face ID & Passcode," enter your passcode, and look for "Set Up an Alternate Appearance." Tap this option and follow the same scanning process — move your head in a circle twice while the camera maps your second face.

Once both faces are registered, either one will unlock your phone and authorize transactions. You cannot see which face is which in Settings, and there's no way to label them or choose which one takes priority. If you want to remove the second face, go to "Reset Face ID" and set up only one face again.

Troubleshooting when Face ID stops working after a change

If you've changed your appearance significantly — grown a beard, cut your hair short, started wearing glasses, or had cosmetic work — Face ID may fail to recognize you even after a reset. This happens because the infrared map of your face has changed more than the system expected. Rescanning in the same lighting where you use your phone most often usually fixes this.

If Face ID still doesn't work after resetting and rescanning, try these steps: make sure your iPhone's camera lens is clean, ensure you're in adequate lighting (not backlit by a bright window), and hold the phone at eye level about 10 to 25 inches from your face. If the problem persists, restart your iPhone by powering it off and on again, then test Face ID.

In rare cases, a software update can affect Face ID performance. Check Settings > General > Software Update to see if an update is available. After updating, you may need to reset and rescan your face once more for optimal accuracy.

Face ID settings you can customize after setup

Once Face ID is active, you can control where it's used. In Settings under Face ID & Passcode, you'll find toggles for "iPhone Unlock," "Apple Pay," and "Password AutoFill." Turn any of these off if you want to use your passcode instead for that specific function.

You can also enable "Require Attention" to force Face ID to verify that your eyes are open and looking at the screen. This adds a security layer by preventing someone from unlocking your phone while you're asleep or not paying attention. Some people turn this off if they find it inconvenient.

The "Attention Aware Features" setting lets Face ID detect whether you're looking at your screen. When enabled, your iPhone won't dim the display or lower the volume if it detects you're actively using it. This is a convenience feature, not a security one, and you can toggle it independently from Face ID itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to delete my old Face ID before setting up a new one?

Yes. You must tap "Reset Face ID" in Settings to remove the old scan before you can set up a new one. You cannot overwrite or update an existing Face ID — you have to delete it first and then rescan your face.

What happens if I forget my passcode and need to change Face ID?

You cannot access Face ID settings without your passcode. If you've forgotten it, you'll need to restore your iPhone using a computer with iTunes or Finder, or use Find My iPhone to erase it remotely. After restoration, you can set up Face ID from scratch during the setup process.

Can I use Face ID if I wear glasses or sunglasses?

Face ID works with regular glasses and sunglasses, but it performs best when you scan your face in the same type of eyewear you normally wear. If you wear glasses most of the time, scan with them on. If you wear sunglasses outdoors, consider rescanning in that condition if you use your phone outside frequently.

Will changing Face ID affect my Apple Pay or app passwords?

No. Changing your Face ID scan does not affect your stored passwords, payment methods, or app data. Face ID is simply a new way to authenticate — the underlying accounts and information remain unchanged. You'll use the new Face ID scan to unlock those features going forward.

How often should I reset and rescan my Face ID?

You only need to reset Face ID if you notice it's not recognizing you as often, or if your appearance has changed significantly. There's no maintenance schedule — most people never reset it unless something prompts them to. If Face ID is working reliably, there's no reason to change it.