Using Face ID with a Mask

Face ID was introduced with iPhone X (10) and allows users to unlock their iPhones using the camera for personal recognition. On iPhone 12 and later models, you can use Face ID with a mask that covers your mouth and nose.

Go to Settings  > Face ID & Passcode, then do any of the following:

• Allow Face ID to work while you wear a face mask: Turn on Face ID with a Mask, then follow the onscreen instructions.
  Note: If you usually wear glasses, you can improve the accuracy of Face ID by wearing a pair of transparent glasses (not sunglasses) when you turn on Face ID with a Mask.
• Add a pair of transparent glasses (not sunglasses) to your appearance: Tap Add Glasses, then follow the onscreen instructions.
• Don’t allow Face ID to work while you wear a face mask: Turn off Face ID with a Mask.

Alternatively, you can use Apple Watch (Series 3 and later) with all models of iPhone that support Face ID to unlock the iPhone while you wear a face mask. This is the only method available if you have an iPhone X or 11.

1. Go to Settings  > Face ID & Passcode.
2. Scroll down to Unlock with Apple Watch, then toggle on the Apple Watch.