How to Set Up Face ID on Your iPhone and iPad

Apple introduced Face ID, a facial recognition system, in September 2017 along with the launch of the iPhone X. Since its debut, Face ID on the iPhone has made unlocking an Apple device easier than ever—all it takes is a glance.

The most common use of Face ID is unlocking an iPhone or an iPad; however, you’ll find it can be used for a variety of things in order to ensure your personal information remains secure. Any time you see the Face ID logo at the bottom of your screen, it’s actively trying to scan your face. Here are a few things Face ID on your iPhone may be used for:

• Authorize a purchase using Apple Pay
• Approve purchases in the App Store, iTunes, iBooks
• Auto-fill passwords in Safari
• Sign into third-party apps, such as banking apps

To choose the features you’d like to use Face ID with or to reset Face ID, go to Settings > Face ID and Passcode.

Curious about how Face ID on the iPhone and iPad works? If you look closely at the top of your device, you’ll see a camera, as well as a couple of sensors. These components make up Apple’s TrueDepth camera, which projects 30,000 infrared dots onto your face, which creates a face map. This 2D image is now the master key to your device.

Setting Up Face ID on Your iPhone and iPad

Now, it’s time for set up. When setting up Face ID, be sure there isn’t anything covering the camera or your face. However, feel free to keep your glasses on if you wear them, as Face ID is designed to work with glasses.

1. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode. If asked, enter your passcode.
2. Tap Set Up Face ID.
3. Hold your device in portrait orientation, position your face in front of your device and tap Get Started.
4. Position your face inside the frame and gently move your head to complete a circle. If you’re unable to move your head, tap Accessibility Options.
5. When you finish the first Face ID scan, tap Continue.
6. Move your head to complete the circle for the second time.
7. Tap Done.

You’ll now be prompted to create a passcode if you haven’t already, as an alternate way to verify your identity.

How to Use Face ID on an iPhone or iPad

1. Raise to wake or tap to wake your device.
2. Swipe up from the bottom of the lock screen.
3. If you’re using an iPhone, make sure you’re holding it in portrait orientation, then glance at it. If you’re using Face ID on an iPad, you can hold it in landscape or portrait orientation.

Setting up Face ID on your iPhone or iPad is as simple as that. For tips, tricks and how-to guides like this, be sure to check out more on the Trademore blog.

Trademore has no connections, affiliations, partnerships or sponsorship agreements with the companies, entities, services and/or products mentioned in this blog post. The opinions, thoughts, views and expressions made within this blog post are independently created by and attributable to Trademore authors and/or contributors.