Face ID

Many iPhone users have struggled with Face ID unlocking while wearing a mask. Apple Watch owners already can unlock their iPhone from their wrists, even with a mask on. It becomes more difficult when Face ID has trouble recognizing your features because half of your face is obscured. Although some have already had success training Face ID to work with a mask, the feature is now officially supported by Apple.

There are two requirements needed to unlock the iPhone using Face ID with a mask:

Exciting changes are in store for upcoming iPhone models. If the latest leaks are to be believed, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has bold predictions for the future of Face ID. Changes start with the iPhone lineup this fall, which noticeably shrinks the width of the display notch. The black display notch houses necessary components for Face ID, including the TrueDepth camera.

Wearing a mask means that iPhone owners may run into problems unlocking their devices with Face ID. While its possible to train Face ID to work with a mask, your mileage may vary. There are other ways to quickly bypass Face ID, or configure an iPhone to ask for a passcode by default. Any of these tips can speed access to an iPhone without taking off a protective mask.