Last updated on June 21st, 2020
Image Credits: TechCrunch.
Apple tweaked its facial recognition system to make it easier to unlock your iPhone while wearing a mask. The tweak included in iOS 13.5 is subtle. Users with up-to-date software will now see an opportunity to enter their passcode or password when they swipe up and FaceID doesn’t work.
How to unlock your iPhone using Passcode with a mask on
Your iPhone will now jump immediately to the passcode screen if it is updated to iOS 13.5 when you swipe up instead of waiting several seconds for Face ID to try and work again.
- When you’re wearing a mask, swipe up from the bottom of your iPhone while holding it as you would unlock it with Face ID.
- Your iPhone should jump immediately to the passcode screen.
- Enter your passcode.
How to set the iPhone to unlock with a mask on
- Fold your mask in the middle and attach the two eyelets to the ear, hold the mask with one hand in your face so that it covers it exactly in the middle.
- On your, iPhone go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode enter your passcode.
- Tap on the Set Up an Alternative Appearance option.
- It takes you to the How to Set Up the FaceID screen. Tap Get Started.
You may see a warning that your face is covered. This message will disappear after a couple of tries. - The circle appears guiding you to rotate your face in a circle. Wait while it takes the first scan of your face.
- Before it starts the second scan remove the mask and cover the other side of your face.
- Once the second scan is completed you should be able to unlock your iPhone while wearing a face mask.