This article may contain affiliate links. Learn more on our Partner Program page.
For many people, Face ID has been a sobering experience for the past two years because it doesn't work with a face mask. But that's changing with iOS 15.4, an update that's currently available in beta.
iOS 15.4 introduces “Face ID with a Mask,” allowing you to unlock your iPhone with Face ID even if your face is partially covered.
How Face ID works with a mask
If the lower half of your face is obscured by a mask, Face ID scans your eye area to confirm your identity. According to Apple, Face ID with a mask detects the "unique features" around the eye area, rather than looking at your entire face when you're wearing a mask. Face ID with a mask works essentially the same as without a mask. Face ID with a mask is identical to standard Face ID in almost every way. There are, however, a few additional setup steps you'll need to complete. Incidentally, it won't work with sunglasses. There are also a few more restrictions on unlock angles because Face ID with a mask needs to clearly see your eyes before it can unlock.
Setting up Face ID with a mask
If you're upgrading to iOS 15.4, you'll be prompted to set up Face ID with a mask. It's identical to the original Face ID setup process, so you'll be asked to complete a 3D face scan. If you skip this process, you can always do it later. Open the Settings app, tap Face ID & Passcode, authenticate with a passcode, and enable the "Use Face ID with a mask" option. If you wear glasses, you'll need to go through a second setup process.
Adding glasses
Because Face ID with a mask uses a scan of the eye area, the glasses you're wearing must be added individually. If you wear multiple pairs, you'll need to perform a scan for each pair. To add your glasses, open the Settings app, tap Face ID & Passcode, authenticate with a passcode, and tap "Add Glasses." After that, you'll need to put on your glasses and perform an additional Face ID scan. This is identical to any other Face ID scan, where you rotate your head in a circle to scan from multiple angles.
No support for sunglasses
While regular Face ID works when you're wearing sunglasses, Face ID with a mask doesn't. Face ID with a mask requires direct eye contact to work, and sunglasses prevent exactly that.
Face ID with a mask authentication
When you wear a mask, Face ID works the same as Face ID without a mask. You can unlock your iPhone, authenticate purchases with Apple Pay, and use Face ID instead of a passcode for third-party apps. This is in stark contrast to the "Unlock with Apple Watch" feature Apple added in iOS 14.5 last year, which can't authenticate transactions.
device limitations
But: The feature is only available for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models. It is compatible with the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max. It does not work with earlier iPhones or the iPad. Apple has not commented on whether there is a hardware limitation that prevents Face ID mask unlocking from working with earlier versions of the iPhone.
security aspects
Apple says Face ID is "most accurate" when set to recognize only the entire face. It remains unclear whether partial facial analysis has any security implications. Apple hasn't released detailed information about how the feature compares to regular Face ID. Looking for new accessories? Then take a look. in our Amazon Storefront - there you will find numerous products from leading suppliers, also for HomeKit and Co.! (Photo by hadrian / Bigstockphoto)
