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Face ID with a Mask works on iPhone 12 and later running iOS 15.4 or newer. It can unlock the phone and authenticate supported apps and Apple Pay, but it needs a clear view of the eyes and works only in portrait orientation. Appleโs iPad Face ID instructions do not list this mask setting, so donโt assume it works on iPad Pro.
At a glance: does your device support it?
| Device | Face ID with a Mask? | What to use |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12 or later | Yes, with iOS 15.4 or later | Enable the setting in Face ID & Passcode |
| iPhone X, XS, XS Max, XR or 11 | No. These models support ordinary Face ID, not mask mode. | Enter the passcode or, if eligible, set up Apple Watch unlock |
| Face ID-equipped iPad Pro | Apple does not document iPhone-style Face ID with a Mask for iPad. | Use the passcode or another authentication option available on your iPad |
Appleโs current compatibility guidance sets the mask-mode cutoff at iPhone 12; it is not enough for a phone simply to have Face ID. Check Appleโs Face ID with a Mask requirements if you need to confirm a model. Newer iPhone generations remain within the rule, but the model and software requirements matter more than whether a device is new. For the broader list of Face ID devices, see Appleโs Face ID device compatibility page.
How to turn on Face ID with a Mask
First make sure a passcode is set on the iPhone. Then:
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- Open Settings.
- Tap Face ID & Passcode and enter your passcode.
- Turn on Face ID with a Mask.
- Tap Use Face ID with a Mask if prompted, then follow the scan instructions.
Do the scan with the mask sitting where you normally wear it, while keeping your eyes and the area around them visible. The setting appears only on an eligible iPhone running iOS 15.4 or later. If it is missing, check the phone model and update iOS at Settings > General > Software Update; iOS 15.4 is the minimum, not a recommendation to stay on that version.
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What mask mode canโand cannotโdo
Rather than matching the whole face, mask mode uses the unique characteristics around your eyes. Apple supports it for iPhone unlocking, authentication in apps that use Face ID, and Apple Pay. It is a specific Face ID option, not a guarantee that every workflow using Face ID will behave identically.
- Keep both eyes clear. A mask worn too high, goggles or other coverings around the eyes can interfere.
- Use portrait orientation. Face ID with a Mask does not work in landscape. Ordinary Face ID can work in landscape on certain newer iPhones with supported software, but that does not change the mask-mode limitation.
- Remove sunglasses. Mask mode is not designed to work with sunglasses.
- Keep the sensor area clear. Hold the phone so the TrueDepth camera can see you, without a finger, grime, case or screen protector blocking it.
For ordinary transparent prescription glasses, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Add Glasses, tap Continue, and follow the scan. Apple allows up to four pairs to be added. Add the clear glasses you actually wear; sunglasses are not a substitute for that setup. Apple notes that full-face recognition is the more accurate configuration.
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Why Face ID with a Mask may fail
| What you notice | Likely reason | Try this |
|---|---|---|
| The mask option is missing | The iPhone is earlier than iPhone 12, iOS is below 15.4, or Face ID is not set up. | Confirm the model, update iOS and check Face ID & Passcode. |
| It works without a mask but not with one | Mask mode is off, the mask is too high, or the eye area is partly covered. | Enable mask mode and lower the mask enough to expose both eyes and their surrounding area. |
| It fails only when the phone is sideways | Mask mode is portrait-only. | Turn the iPhone upright or enter the passcode. |
| It fails with glasses | The glasses may obscure the eye area or have not been added. | Try clear glasses and add them using Add Glasses. |
| It fails with sunglasses | Sunglasses are not supported for mask mode. | Remove them or use the passcode. |
| It fails despite a clear face | The TrueDepth camera may be dirty or obstructed by a case, screen protector or finger. | Clean the camera area and check that accessories do not cover it. |
| It asks for the passcode once | This may be a normal security requirement, not a fault. | Enter the passcode and try Face ID again. |
Appleโs general Face ID guidance recommends holding the iPhone about 10โ20 inches (25โ50 cm) from your face. Keep the phone at a comfortable viewing distance, face it directly, and make sure the TrueDepth camera has an unobstructed view. See Appleโs Face ID troubleshooting guidance for further checks.
Work through these fixes before resetting Face ID
- Check compatibility: Confirm the phone is iPhone 12 or later and has iOS 15.4 or newer.
- Check the setting: Open Settings > Face ID & Passcode and confirm Face ID with a Mask is enabled.
- Clear the eye area: Remove sunglasses, lower a high mask, and look toward the phone.
- Clear the camera: Wipe the TrueDepth camera area and check whether the case or screen protector overlaps it.
- Use portrait orientation: Mask mode cannot authenticate while the phone is in landscape.
- Restart and try again: Restart the iPhone, enter the passcode when asked, then retry Face ID.
- Re-enrol if needed: Add clear glasses through Add Glasses if they are part of your normal setup.
- Reset Face ID only as a later step: Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Reset Face ID, then choose Set Up Face ID and configure mask mode again.
If Face ID cannot be set up at all, or the TrueDepth system appears damaged, contact Apple or a trained service provider. Apple warns that improper repair or non-genuine components in the laser system can affect its safety mechanisms. Do not treat a reset as a fix for suspected hardware damage; see Appleโs Face ID service and troubleshooting information.
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Why an iPad Pro is different
Some iPad Pro models have Face ID, but having the same broad biometric feature does not mean every iPhone Face ID option is available on iPad. Appleโs iPad Face ID setup guide covers Face ID setup and use without documenting a Face ID with a Mask toggle. If you are wearing a mask, plan to use the iPad passcode or another authentication method your model supports. Donโt buy an iPad expecting it to provide iPhone-style mask recognition.
Can an Apple Watch help?
Yes. Apple documents an Apple Watch option to unlock a Face ID-equipped iPhone when you are wearing a mask. It can be useful with older Face ID iPhones that do not support mask mode, provided the watch is paired and configured and you meet Appleโs requirements. This is an iPhone-unlock alternativeโnot a way to add Face ID with a Mask to the phone, and not a replacement for every app or Apple Pay authentication flow. Check Appleโs Apple Watch unlock instructions for setup and eligibility details. Otherwise, use your passcode.
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Passcodes, security and privacy
Face ID is not meant to remove the passcode permanently. The iPhone can require the passcode after a restart or software update, after certain security conditions or repeated unsuccessful Face ID attempts, and when changing Face ID or passcode settings. A passcode prompt by itself does not mean mask mode has stopped working. Apple lists examples in its passcode requirement guidance.
Mask mode identifies a smaller facial area than full-face Face ID, and Apple says full-face recognition is the more accurate configuration. Do not assume the two configurations are equally accurate in every situation. Apple says Face ID matching takes place in the Secure Enclave, with Face ID data encrypted, kept on the device and not saved to iCloud. Keep a strong passcode as a fallback. You can also temporarily disable Face ID by holding the side button and either volume button for about two seconds, then locking the phone; Face ID will require the passcode before it works again. More about Appleโs documented design is available in its Face ID security overview.
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Quick check before you try again
- Is your phone an iPhone 12 or later?
- Is it running iOS 15.4 or newer, and is mask mode enabled?
- Are both eyes and the TrueDepth camera area unobstructed?
- Are you in portrait orientation and not wearing sunglasses?
- If Face ID asks for the passcode, have you entered it and retried?
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