You can now use Face ID while wearing a mask – here’s how

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The last two years of mask-wearing has given Apple some hard choices to make with its Face ID recognition system. Now you can use it to unlock your iPhone, while still wearing your mask, and without needing to buy an Apple Watch.

Included in iOS 15.4, Apple has added a new section to the Face ID settings. When enabled, it “recognize[s] the unique features around the eye” to make Face ID work while you’re masked up.

That means no more entering your passcode, and no more needing to own an Apple Watch.

How to set up Face ID with a face mask

You’ll need to be on iOS 15.4 for this to work (here’s how to update your iPhone to iOS 15.4). You’ll also need to have an iPhone 12 or newer, as Face ID with a Mask seems limited to newer devices. The option doesn’t appear on our iPhone 11 Pro.

Open the Settings app

Scroll down to Face ID & Passcode

Enter your passcode when asked

Scroll down to Use Face ID With a Mask and toggle it on

Follow the Face ID scanning prompts

Once completed, you will have Use Face ID With a Mask set up

That’s it, now your iPhone is all set to use Face ID while you’re wearing a mask. Apple does note that Face ID is “most accurate” when it’s set to full-face recognition.

Still, that’s the trade-off for not having to tap your passcode in to unlock your iPhone while wearing a mask.

The new feature is only available in iOS 15.4. You’ll need an iPhone 12 or newer, as earlier iPhone models don’t appear to be supported. The new feature also isn’t supported on any iPad models.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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Joe Rice-Jones

Maker, meme-r, and unabashed geek with nearly half a decade of blogging experience at KnowTechie, SlashGear and XDA Developers. If it runs on electricity (or even if it doesn't), Joe probably has one around his office somewhere, with particular focus in gadgetry and handheld gaming. Shoot him an email at joe@knowtechie.com.