iOS 15.4 lets you unlock your iPhone's Face ID even when wearing a mask — here's how to set it up

• With iOS 15.4, you can now unlock your iPhone's Face ID even while wearing a mask.
• To set up Face ID with your mask, head to the Settings app and tap "Face ID & Passcode."
• You'll need to have an iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 model to enable the new Face ID options.

Face ID is designed to let you unlock your iPhone quickly and without any fuss. But if you've ever tried to unlock your iPhone while wearing a face mask, you know that there's always a bit of fuss involved.

Luckily the new iPhone software update, iOS 15.4, includes a new feature that helps Face ID recognize you even when you're wearing a mask. This feature is only available on iPhone 12 and 13 models, which include the iPhone 12‌‌, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max.

Here's how to set up Face ID so it recognizes you with your mask.

How to set up Face ID with a mask

First, make sure that you've updated your iPhone to iOS 15.4. This is the update that includes new Face ID features.

When you turn on your phone after installing the update, it might offer you the chance to set up your new Face ID right away. But if it doesn't:

1. Open your iPhone's Settings app and tap the Face ID & Passcode option. You'll have to enter your passcode too.

2. Toggle on the Use Face ID With a Mask switch, then tap Use Face ID With a Mask.

3. Scan your face with the iPhone, just like you did when you first set up Face ID. You don't need to be wearing a mask while you do this, since it's mostly scanning your eyes.

If you also wear glasses, head back to the Face ID & Passcode page and tap Add Glasses. This will save what your glasses look like too, so you can unlock your iPhone while wearing both them and a mask. You'll have to scan every pair of glasses that you plan on wearing beforehand, or Face ID won't recognize them.

Quick tip: If you don't have an iPhone 12 or iPhone 13, you're not totally out of luck. Using an Apple Watch, you can unlock your iPhone no matter what's on your face. Check out our guide on how to unlock your iPhone with an Apple Watch for more details.