On supported iPhones, Face ID can unlock the device, authorize purchases, fill passwords, and authenticate in apps. Setup takes two scans of your face and only takes a minute or two.
Set up Face ID securely
Open Settings > Face ID & Passcode, enter the device passcode, and choose Set Up Face ID. Position your face inside the frame and follow the onscreen head-movement prompts to complete the scans. Face ID is a convenience layer built on top of the device passcode; iOS still requires the passcode in certain situations, including after some restarts and security events. Do not treat Face ID as a way to bypass a passcode you no longer know.
Quick steps
- Open Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
- Enter the iPhone passcode.
- Tap Set Up Face ID.
- Hold the iPhone in portrait orientation and position your face in the frame.
- Move your head to complete the first scan, then complete the second scan.
- Tap Done.
Use Face ID for more than unlocking
After setup, choose which features can use Face ID, such as iPhone Unlock, purchases, Password AutoFill, and supported apps. You can turn individual uses off without deleting your facial enrollment.
If Face ID has trouble recognizing you
Make sure the TrueDepth camera area is clean and unobstructed. Hold the phone at a natural viewing distance and keep your eyes, nose, and mouth visible when the security settings require attention.
Reset Face ID when necessary
If recognition remains unreliable after ordinary troubleshooting, Settings > Face ID & Passcode includes Reset Face ID. You can then enroll your appearance again.
Before you finish
Face ID is designed to work alongside the device passcode, not replace it completely. The iPhone will still require the passcode in certain security situations, such as after a restart or after enough unsuccessful recognition attempts. Remembering the passcode remains essential even when you normally unlock the phone with your face.
After Face ID setup, test it in ordinary conditions rather than repeatedly unlocking the phone from the exact setup position. Try the angle and distance you normally use, while keeping the TrueDepth camera unobstructed. If recognition is inconsistent, review anything covering the camera area and use the alternate-appearance options supported by your iPhone before resetting Face ID.
After Face ID is enabled
Test Face ID by locking and unlocking the iPhone, then review the switches in Face ID & Passcode for purchases, password filling, and supported apps. You can change those individual permissions later without enrolling your face again.
Improve Face ID recognition during setup
Hold the iPhone in a natural position and move your head slowly through the requested circle. Keep the TrueDepth camera area unobstructed. If you regularly wear glasses, appearance options supported by your model and iOS version can improve recognition in those conditions.
Face ID does not replace the passcode
The iPhone still requires its passcode after certain restarts, security events, and periods of time. Make sure you know the passcode even if Face ID normally unlocks the phone. If Face ID repeatedly fails, clean the camera area and review Face ID & Passcode settings before resetting it.
Matthew Roberts created this site to help his friends and family with questions that they might have about how to change the settings on their iPhones. It now serves as an archive of iPhone how-to guides to help anyone that stumbles upon this website.