How to Set Up Face Recognition on iPhone

Face ID turns your face into your iPhone's password

Face ID is Apple's facial recognition system that unlocks your iPhone, approves purchases, and signs you into apps by scanning your face. It works on iPhone X and newer models (except iPhone SE). Once you set it up, you won't need to type a passcode to unlock your phone — just look at the screen and swipe up.

The setup takes about two minutes and happens right in your phone's settings. Your face data stays encrypted on your device and never leaves it. You can add a second face (like a family member's) so multiple people can unlock the same phone, though only one face can be the primary unlock method.

Key Takeaways

Face ID works on iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 models, but not on iPhone SE or earlier phones.
You need to go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and enter your current passcode before you can set up facial recognition.
During setup, you rotate your head in a circle while your phone scans your face from multiple angles.
Face ID works even if you're wearing glasses, a hat, or a mask, though it may ask you to remove a mask the first time you unlock after setting it up.
You can add a second face in the same settings menu if another person needs to unlock your phone.

Check that your iPhone supports Face ID

Face ID is built into iPhone X and all newer models. If you have an iPhone 8 or earlier, or an iPhone SE of any generation, your phone uses Touch ID (fingerprint) instead and cannot use Face ID.

To find out which iPhone you have, open Settings, tap General, then tap About. Look for the Model name at the top of the screen. If it says iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16, you can set up Face ID. If it says iPhone SE or iPhone 8 and earlier, your phone does not support it.

Open Face ID settings and enter your passcode

Open the Settings app on your home screen. Scroll down and tap Face ID & Passcode. Your phone will ask you to enter your current passcode — this is the six-digit code (or longer code if you set one) that you use to unlock your phone right now. Type it in.

If you have never set a passcode, you must create one before you can use Face ID. Go back to Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode, and follow the prompts to create a passcode first. Face ID works alongside your passcode, not instead of it — you will still need the passcode if Face ID fails or if your phone restarts.

Scan your face during the setup process

After you enter your passcode, tap Set Up Face ID. Your phone will show you a circle on the screen and ask you to position your face inside it. Hold your phone about 12 inches from your face, roughly at eye level, and stay still while the camera scans you.

Your phone will ask you to rotate your head slowly in a circle — move your chin down, to the right, up, and to the left, completing one full rotation. This lets the camera capture your face from different angles. The scan takes about 15 seconds. When it finishes, tap Continue.

Your phone will then ask you to do a second scan using the same circular motion. This second scan improves accuracy. When both scans are complete, tap Done. Face ID is now active and will unlock your phone the next time you look at it.

Test Face ID and adjust settings if needed

Lock your phone by pressing the side button and the volume button at the same time (or just press the side button on older iPhones). Then look at the screen. Your phone should recognize your face and unlock automatically. Swipe up from the bottom to enter your home screen.

If Face ID does not recognize you, your phone will ask for your passcode instead. This can happen if the lighting is very dim, if you are wearing dark sunglasses, or if your face angle is too steep. Try again in better lighting or hold the phone more directly in front of your face.

While you are still in Face ID & Passcode settings, you can turn on Attention Aware Features. This makes Face ID require you to be looking at the screen to unlock — it adds a small security layer by preventing someone from unlocking your phone while you are sleeping or not paying attention. This setting is on by default.

Add a second face if another person needs to unlock your phone

Go back to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and enter your passcode. Scroll down and tap Set Up an Additional Face. Follow the same scanning process — position the second person's face in the circle and have them rotate their head slowly. Scan twice, then tap Done.

Your phone will now unlock for either face. Both faces have equal access, so either person can unlock the phone, approve purchases, or sign into apps. You cannot set one face as "primary" — both work the same way. If you want to remove the second face later, go back to Face ID & Passcode, tap the second face entry, and tap Delete Face.

Troubleshoot if Face ID is not working

If Face ID stops working or keeps asking for your passcode, first check that the camera lens on the front of your phone is clean. Wipe it gently with a soft cloth. If the lens is cracked or damaged, Face ID will not work until it is repaired.

If the lens is clean and Face ID still fails, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode, enter your passcode, and tap Reset Face ID. Then tap Set Up Face ID and scan your face again. This erases the old scan and creates a new one, which often fixes recognition problems.

If you recently had facial surgery, grew a beard, or changed your appearance significantly, Face ID may not recognize you at first. Your phone learns and adapts over time as you unlock it with your passcode, so it will gradually improve. You can also delete and re-scan your face to start fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Face ID work if I am wearing glasses or a mask?

Face ID works with glasses and sunglasses. It also works with most masks, though your phone may ask you to remove a mask the first time you unlock after setting up Face ID. Once it learns your masked face, it will unlock without asking. If you wear different types of masks regularly, you can add a second face scan specifically for your masked appearance.

What happens if someone else tries to unlock my phone with their face?

Face ID is designed to recognize only your face (or the additional face you added). If someone else looks at your phone, it will not unlock and will ask for your passcode instead. The system is secure enough that Apple has not found a practical way for someone else's face to fool it, though identical twins may have difficulty.

Can I use Face ID if my phone is in a case or screen protector?

Yes. The front camera and sensors work through most cases and screen protectors. If Face ID stops working after you add a case, make sure the camera lens area is not covered or blocked. Some very thick cases or dark screen protectors can interfere with the camera, so try removing the case to test.

Does Face ID work in the dark?

Face ID uses infrared technology, so it works in complete darkness. However, if the room is very dimly lit with regular light (not infrared), Face ID may struggle. Try moving to a brighter area or use your passcode instead. The infrared system is invisible to your eye but allows the camera to see your face without a visible light source.

What if I forget my passcode after setting up Face ID?

You will need to use your Apple ID and password to reset your passcode. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode, tap Change Passcode at the bottom, and select Passcode Options. If you cannot remember your Apple ID password, you can reset it on Apple's website using your recovery email or phone number.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.