The global outbreak is impacting our lives on more levels than everyone expected. There is no doubt about that! One issue that many people are dealing with right now is that they can no longer use Face ID with a face mask. The problem here is that we all need to wear face masks when leaving the house and this renders Face ID useless.
Everyone started tweeting at Apple to release a new feature that makes Face ID functional with a mask ID and unfortunately, we didn’t get a response. However, this shouldn’t come as a surprise. The facial recognition software is not designed to work when a part of the face is covered. “Face ID is designed to work with your eyes, nose, and mouth visible,” according to Apple,” stated Apple.
On the bright side of things, there are a couple of alternative solutions that will help you unlock your iPhone while wearing a face mask. Without any further ado, let’s go ahead and check them out.
How to Use Face ID with Face Mask
Install iOS 13.5 ASAP
If there is one thing that all iPhone fans will agree about, then it has to be the fact that everyone should download all of Apple’s latest software as soon as possible. The reason behind this is that Apple uses software updates to introduce improvements, hotfixes and new features. The latest update available for iPhones sports the 13.5 version number. The update introduces a change that makes it easier to unlock devices with Face ID while wearing a mask.
According to the patch notes of the latest update, Apple is not tweaking Face ID to function while a significant part of the face is covered. Instead, the new update is going to automatically send users to the passcode screen. Users will still need to use the passcode but at least they don’t have to wait for five seconds for Face ID to fail anymore.
Is It Possible to Set Up Face ID While Wearing a Mask?
As many of you probably know, Face ID supports multiple users. Apple added support for more users in Face ID’s functionality so that iPhone users can share access to their devices with their family members. The question that remains is if people can use the “Set up an alternate appearance” option while wearing a face mask?
Theoretically, iPhone users should be able to register an alternate appearance while wearing a face mask. Unfortunately, multiple reports are showing that this doesn’t work. This is thanks to the face that Apple designed Face ID to scan the user’s face and mouth.
Should You Disable Face ID?
The short answer is no. Disabling Face ID is not recommended because doing this will increase the risks of your iPhone getting unlocked by someone without authorization. Not just that, but thieves will also have an easier time unlocking iPhones without Face ID. Therefore, not having this feature puts a target on your iPhone’s “back”.
On the other hand, you might want to consider disabling Face ID for Apple Pay. If you avoid carrying cash and you like to pay bills with your iPhone, then disabling Face ID when using Apple Pay might be a good decision. To do so, head over to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and turn off “Apple Pay” under “Use Face ID For.”