Although Face ID has been around for a few years now, it is still the most convenient and secure feature when unlocking an iPhone. As indicated by Apple, the system is up to 20 times more secure than Touch ID, and therefore it never hurts to explain how to configure it to get the most benefits from this technology.
How to set up Face ID on an iPhone
Setting up Apple’s security system is easy. When you turn on your compatible iPhone for the first time, it will ask you to configure Face ID as part of the basic initial process. This involves slowly turning your head in circles so that the mechanism can capture the various angles and contours of your face.
The process must be done twice, being a simple and quick step that should not take too long or cause you difficulty. The important thing at the moment is to make sure that nothing obstructs your face while the iPhone scans you. In the case that you use contact lenses or glasses (not sunglasses), there is no problem, but anything else, including a face mask, will interfere in the process.
In the case that you have selected not to configure facial recognition during the startup process, you can activate it by yourself. For this, go to the Settings> Face ID and access code section . Then you will have to enter your password. When you have done this, go to Configure Face ID and then place your face in front of the iPhone and keep it in an upright position. Then press the Start button.
As indicated above, you should move your head slowly and in circles as many times as required by the system. Once you have done this, you can unlock your iPhone using facial recognition technology.
How to use Face ID on an iPhone
If the process of setting up Face ID on your iPhone was not complex, using it will be even easier. Just pick up or touch the screen of your device to wake it up and then look at the phone. On your screen you will see the small icon of a padlock opening. When this feature is complete, swipe up from the bottom of the panel to enter the mobile menu.
However, if your iPhone doesn’t recognize you (for whatever reason), you can still complete the unlock process by entering your access code or password. Just swipe up from the bottom of the screen, and if the face reading doesn’t work properly, your phone will ask you to enter the code.
You can usefully use this technology to confirm purchases made over the Internet. If you have activated the Apple Pay service configured on your iPhone, for example, you can use Face ID for this service. To activate it, go to Settings> Face ID and Access code and then make sure that the company’s payment services are activated.
This same process can be done for iTunes and App Store purchases: go to Settings> Face ID and password again and from there slide the control to green for both paid applications.
With facial recognition technology activated for payments and purchases in the App Store, you will be asked to double-tap the side button of your device when accessing different applications (for a fee). The same happens with purchases made with Apple Pay , although in this case you will have to keep the iPhone near the payment terminal after having unlocked it with Face ID.
Alternative appearances and care
There are some adjustments that you can make in the configuration of Face ID to make it work more effectively and intuitively, accommodating your needs.
The first thing you can do is choose to disable the Require attention for Face ID option. Turning this off means you won’t have to look directly at your iPhone to unlock it. If this process sounds useful to you, you can activate it by going to Settings> Face ID and access code . Then tap the slider on the option to turn it off.
With respect to the above, you can also choose to deactivate the attention function. These use iPhone security technology to activate a series of automatic functions, such as expanding a notification on the lock screen when you look at your phone. To do this, go to Settings> Face ID and access code in case you want to disable or enable this.
Lastly, you may want to set up an alternative look for Face ID. This will allow someone else to use Face ID to unlock your iPhone. It will also be useful in the event that you constantly grow – or cut – your beard.
To activate it you must enter the Configuration> Face ID and access code section , where you will find the option called ” configure an alternative appearance “.