Lots of iPhone and iPad users cannot decide if Face ID is a good option. Some of them only use a master password, but Face ID is very convenient. Not only that but they have a master password prompt for things like email. As the latest biometric passcode on iOS devices, Apple customers might be curious about it. Therefore, this article shares a comprehensive introduction and explanation of Face ID as well as more relative information.

Part 1: What iPhone Face ID Is

Face ID refers to Apple’s facial recognition technology on devices equipped with TrueDepth front-facing cameras and DOT projector. It was introduced when Apple released the iPhone X in November 2017. It is the successor of Touch ID.

In early 2022, Apple improved the Face ID with the recognition of facial around the eyes while wearing a face mask. Of course, it is somewhat less secure than full facial recognition. This feature was limited to iPhone 12 and newer.

Currently, the devices with Face ID include:

iPhone X/XR/XS/XS Max

iPhone 11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max

iPhone 12/12 mini/12 Pro/12 Pro Max

iPhone 13/13 mini/13 Pro/13 Pro Max

iPhone 14/14 Plus/14 Pro/14 Pro Max

iPhone 15/15 Plus/15 Pro/15 Pro Max

iPhone 16/16 Plus/16 Pro/16 Pro Max

iPad Pro 7th generation/6th generation/5th generation/4th generation/3rd generation

Bear in mind that the Face ID sensor and front camera are paired to each device based on the serial number. If you replace the Face ID sensor, the Face ID may be disabled unless it is repaired by an authorized Apple technician.

Part 2: The Uses of Face ID

In addition to unlocking a compatible iPhone or iPad, the Face ID has become the standard authentication method for a few services. In other words, you can scan your face to unlock or use the services below:

1. App Store. When you download and purchase apps from the App Store, use Face ID to verify your ownership. Plus, it can prevent others from downloading apps to your device without authorization.

2. Sign in to Accounts. As long as social media, mobile games, and other services detect your iPhone with Face ID, they allow you to sign in to your credentials by scanning your face. That makes accessing these platforms convenient. In other words, Face ID gives you access to different accounts and profiles on your device.

3. Apple Pay. If you make transactions and checkout bills with Apple Pay on your device, Face ID provides a secure way to verify your identity without entering a password. Moreover, it can be used to confirm third-party payment methods.

4. Another use of Face ID is to authenticate an identity to sign in to apps or do transactions as a passkey. Compared to remembering a variety of passwords and login information, the passkey is easy and convenient. That eliminates the need for remembering many passwords.

5. Auto-fill passwords in Safari. When you visit a website in Safari and need to log in to your account, the compatible iPhone enables you to auto-fill the password by scanning your face.

Part 3: How Face ID Works

How does Face ID work? As a convenient authentication technology, Face ID needs to work with a number of hardware components, including TrueDepth camera system, neural networks, and Bionic chips. They work together to recognize your face and verify your identity.

TrueDepth camera. Every time you glance at your iPhone, the TrueDepth camera system built into the front camera will detect your face with a flood illuminator. After taking a photo, a dot projector will project out over 30,000 invisible infrared dots. Then the photo will be pushed through neural networks to create a mathematical model of your face.

Neural networks. It is able to check scans of your face against the one you have set up and stored on your memory. If they match, your iPhone will unlock or authorize a payment. In fact, this process just takes a few seconds.

Bionic neural engine. Besides, Apple integrates machine learning into Face ID. The Bionic neural engine is developed by Apple, which is a chip built into the newer iOS devices. It is the component built for a set of machine learning algorithms. It can handle hundreds of billions of operations per second and be used for Face ID recognition in real-time.

Of course, average users don’t really need to understand how Face ID works.

Now, Face ID has become a standard for authentication for iOS devices. According to experts, it provides a more secure way of unlocking iOS devices and doing other transactions. Moreover, it makes the process more convenient. According to Apple, there is less than a 1 in 1,000,000 chance that a random person could unlock your iPhone or iPad Pro with Face ID. Therefore, it is marketed as a secure way to unlock your iOS device. However, Face ID is not perfect. It cannot distinguish between twins or siblings with similar facial features. Plus, it is not accurate to recognize the unique features around the eye area for authentication while wearing a mask. Also, Face ID may not work when the camera gets slightly dirty or smudged.

Part 4: How to Set up Face ID on iPhone

By default, Face ID is turned off on an iPhone or iPad Pro. In other words, you need to set up Face ID and password on your device to use the convenient feature. How many Face IDs can you have? According to Apple, you can add two faces or appearances to your iPhone or iPad because adding too many faces would reduce the accuracy and security of Face ID.

On iOS 15.4 and later, you can set up an alternative to Face ID that uses only the region around your eyes to authenticate. On earlier versions of iOS, you need to set up a Face ID with your whole face. Furthermore, you can reset your Face ID anytime you want.

How to Set up Face ID

Step 1. Open the Settings app from your home screen.

Step 2. Scroll down and tap the Face ID & Passcode option. If prompted, enter your iPhone or iPad passcode.

Step 3. Press the Set Up Face ID button, and tap Get Started.

Step 4. Next, put your iPhone in front of your face to scan it, and slowly move your head in the circle following the on-screen instructions.

Step 5. Tap Continue to complete the first scan. Then perform a second scan. At last, tap the Done button to confirm it.

Step 6. Go back to the Face ID & Passcode settings screen, toggle on the options that you want to use Face ID under the Use Face ID For section including iPhone Unlock, iTunes & App Store, Wallet & Apple Pay, and Password AutoFill. If you want to use Face ID for other apps, tap Other Apps, and toggle on the switch to each desired app on the list.

How to Add Another Face ID

Step 1. To add another Face ID, go to Settings, and then Face ID & Passcode.

Step 2. Tap the Set Up an Alternative Appearance button, and follow the instructions to add another Face ID.

On iOS 15.4 and later, tap Set Up Face ID with a Mask for Alternate Appearance. Decide to Use Face ID with a Mask or Don’t Use Face ID with a Mask. Then add another Face ID.

If you wear sunglasses, tap Add Glasses, press Continue, and scan your face.

How to Use Face ID

When unlocking your iPhone, downloading an app in the App Store, or logging in to an app or website, look at your iPhone to use Face ID to automatically fill in your login information.

Part 5: How to Disable Face ID on iPhone

There are two ways to disable Face ID on your iPad or iPhone. You can temporarily disable Face ID on the power-off screen, disable Face ID for specific apps, or completely disable Face ID on your device.

How to Temporarily Disable Face ID

Keep pressing the Side button until the power-off screen pops up. Then tap the Cancel button at the bottom, and unlock your device with your passcode. That temporarily disables Face ID.

How to Disable Face ID for Specific Apps

Step 1. Go to Settings, and Face ID & Passcode.

Step 2. Tap Other Apps, and toggle off the apps to disable Face ID for them.

How to Completely Disable Face ID

Step 1. Head to Settings, and Face ID & Passcode.

Step 2. Toggle off iPhone Unlock and other options under the Use Face ID For heading.

Part 6: How to Reset Face ID

There are a few reasons why you need to reset your Face ID. If Face ID is not working, you can fix it by resetting it. Plus, you have to reset your Face ID if you get a used iOS device from your family.

Step 1. Run the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2. Go to Face ID & Passcode, and enter your passcode.

Step 3. Tap the Reset Face ID button and the current Face ID and alternative Face ID will be wiped.

Part 7: How to Unlock iPhone If Face ID not Working

Once you set up Face ID on your iPad or iPhone, you can unlock your device with your face. However, the advanced biometric technology may stop working due to software or hardware issues. If you purchase a second-hand iOS device, it may be locked by Face ID and passcode. In such cases, Apeaksoft iOS Unlocker can help you resolve this problem.

How to Unlock an iPhone If Face ID Not Working

Step 1. Link to your iPhone

Run the best Face ID removal tool after installing it on your PC. There is another version for Mac. Choose the Wipe Passcode mode. Then link your iPhone to your PC with a Lightning cable.

Step 2. Download firmware

Click the Start button, and check the device information. Next, click the Start button to download the necessary firmware.

Step 3. Remove Face ID

When the download is done, click the Unlock button, input 0000, and hit Unlock to confirm removing Face ID. This program can also remove Screen Time when you forget Screen Time passcode.

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