Face ID can now be unlocked while wearing a mask; no Apple Watch needed

Is it a hassle to remove your mask to use Face ID to unlock your iPhone? It's good news for you because Apple now gives you the option to unlock your iPhone using Face ID while wearing a mask, regardless of whether you have an Apple Watch.

Let's look at how to set up Face ID on your iPhone using a mask.

How to set up Face ID on your iPhone with a mask

You can now use your Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone without worrying about the mask since iOS 14.5. Alternatively, once iOS 15.4 is released you can set up Face ID with a mask on your iPhone to unlock it.

You will only be able to use this feature if you have an iPhone 12 or newer. Newer iPhone models come with an updated Face ID camera and sensor, allowing you to scan and identify your face even when wearing a mask.

When you start the iPhone for the first time after updating to iOS 15.4, you'll be asked to set up Face ID with a mask. It is possible to set it up manually later as well as following the instructions. Here's how.

You can access Face ID & Passcode on your iPhone by going to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.

To enter the settings, you must enter your iPhone passcode. Toggle on the option Use Face ID With a Mask on the next screen.

The next step is to set up Face ID. Since the iPhone focuses more on the area around your eyes, you don't need to wear a mask.

If you wear glasses, iPhone provides the option to add glasses to scan your face while wearing glasses. It appears, however, that this only works for your normal glasses and not your sunglasses.

If you complete the Face ID setup, you can try unlocking your device with a mask. Your device will be unlocked without you having to take off the mask.

While you can unlock your iPhone with Apple Watch while wearing a mask, it won't work with apps that require Face ID. However, this new feature removes all those barriers and works similarly to your regular Face ID unlock.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

With a mask, can you use Face ID?

Face ID allows you to unlock your iPhone even when you're wearing a mask. The Apple Watch or a newer iPhone is required.

Is it possible to use Face ID with a mask on iPhone?

If you have configured your iPhone to recognize you in masks, it can now detect Face ID with a mask on. To do that, you need a device running iOS 15.4 or later.

The Face ID now works with masks, which is very useful if you want to quickly unlock the device in public without removing the mask.