Here’s how to set up and use Face ID on your Apple devices.
Which Apple Devices Support Face ID?
Not every iPhone or iPad works with the Face ID feature. Here’s a list of the all devices that do:
iPhone X iPhone XR, XS, or XS Max iPhone 11, 11 Pro, or 11 Pro Max iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, or 12 Pro Max iPad Pro from 2018 or later
If your device is not listed here, then it doesn’t support this feature. But instead, you can use Touch ID, which also is a great way to keep your iPhone or iPad secure.
How to Enable Face ID on Your Device
When you turn on your device for the first time after purchasing it, it will ask you whether you want to turn on Face ID. You can set it up right away or choose to do it later.
If you chose not to set up Face ID at first, but after some time decided that you want to use it, follow these simple steps to set it up:
Open the Settings app on your device and tap on Face ID & Passcode. If a passcode protects your iPhone or iPad, you’ll need to enter it to access these settings. Tap Set Up Face ID. If you already have this feature enabled, you can add another face by tapping on Set Up an Alternate Appearance. Make sure that you are located in a well lit-up environment and that you can clearly see your face in the camera. Also, take off anything that might be covering your face, such as a mask. Tap Get Started. Position your face fully inside the frame. Then turn your head slowly around the circle until you complete your first scan. Tap Continue. Do the second scan in the same way. When you finish the scan, tap Done.
Now every time you want to unlock your iPhone or iPad, it will try to detect your face. If someone else tries to do it, or if it doesn’t recognize you, the device will ask you to enter the passcode instead.
You may need to hold your iPhone or iPad out in front of your face for Face ID to accurately scan you.
How to Use Face ID for Apps on iPhone or iPad
You can enable Face ID not only to unlock your device but also to open apps without the necessity of entering a passcode. However, this feature isn’t available for all of the apps. Here’s how to check which apps on your device support this feature and how to turn it on:
Head to Settings > Face ID & Passcode. Type in your device’s passcode to enter. Tap Other Apps. Here you can find a list of the apps that you already have downloaded to your device and that support this feature. To enable Face ID for a specific app, turn it on with the toggle.
Face ID is also available for iTunes, the App Store, Apple Pay, and Password AutoFill. To turn it on for these apps and services, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and toggle on the feature or app that you want to use.
Protect the Information Stored on Your Device With Face ID
Face ID is a great replacement to Touch ID—a feature that kept older iPhone models secure. It is simple to set up and convenient to use. You can turn it on not only to unlock your iPhone or iPad but also to access apps, automatically enter passwords on chosen websites, make purchases, and much more.
