This wikiHow teaches you how to add a Face ID verification to your iPhone X, XS, XS Max, or XR, as well as the iPad Pro 2018. Face ID is not available on iPhone 8 and down and iPads manufactured prior to 2018.

Steps

  1. Tap the Settings app icon, which resembles a grey box with gears on it.
  2. You'll find this about a third of the way down the Settings page.
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  3. Type in the four- or six-digit passcode you use to unlock your device. This will open the Face ID & Passcode menu.
    • If you haven't set up a passcode for your device, skip this step.
  4. If you don't already have a passcode for your device, you'll need to add one by doing the following: [1]
    • Scroll down and tap Turn Passcode On .
    • Type in a six-digit passcode (you can tap Passcode Options and select a different length first if needed).
    • Re-type your passcode when prompted.
  5. You'll find this near the middle of the menu.
  6. It's a blue button at the bottom of the screen. [2]
  7. When the scan circle appears, rotate your face in a circular motion while keeping your eyes focused on the camera. Once the grey ticks around the circle have all turned green, you can proceed. [3]
    • Make sure you're scanning your face while not wearing things like sunglasses or clothing which obscures your face.
    • You may have to rotate your face several times before the scan is complete.
  8. It's at the bottom of the screen.
  9. You'll do this by rotating your face while looking at the camera again.
  10. Doing so saves and applies your Face ID.
  11. At the top of the Face ID & Passcode page, tap the "iPhone Unlock" switch if it's white; this will cause the switch to turn green, thus indicating that Face ID can now be used to unlock your device.
    • You can also turn on Face ID for iTunes and App Store purchases, Apple Pay, and Password Autofill here.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I get Face ID on an iPhone 7?
    Aasim
    Top Answerer
    Face ID uses infrared and LIDAR sensors. As a result, Face ID is unavailable on iPhone 7.
  • Question
    When I tap "Get started" on my iPhone XR, I do not get a circle that scans my face, just a square that tells me to get in the frame and/or closer. What happened?
    Aasim
    Top Answerer
    If iPhone does not detect your face, then adjust lighting conditions so that it can better recognize you. The first time you set up Face ID, the environment should be bright enough for your iPhone to see you. Also, there cannot be more than two faces in front of your camera or it will get confused.
  • Question
    How do I set up Face ID on an iPhone 8+?
    Community Answer
    Face ID uses infrared and LIDAR sensors. The iPhone 8 does not have this technology; therefore it doesn't have this capability. You can use fingerprint touch to unlock the iPhone 8.
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      Tips

      • In most cases, Face ID will be able to recognize your face even after getting a new haircut or wearing corrective (clear) glasses. If it doesn't, it will prompt you to enter your passcode then to set up an alternate appearance.
      • You can unlock your iPhone with Face ID by making sure the Lock Screen is on and then looking at the iPhone's camera.
      • Face ID needs to be set up with the device in Portrait mode. Make sure that the Face ID camera is positioned at the top of the device and that Rotation Lock is not enabled.
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      Warnings

      • Face ID may not work correctly if you put on sunglasses, face-wear, or other obstructions which weren't present when you set up Face ID.
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