Add another face to Face ID: complete guide, security, and models

If you've ever wanted your iPhone to recognize another person or identify you in less common situations, you've come to the right place. Here, you'll find a clear and straightforward explanation of how to add another face to Face ID, what limits Apple imposes, how it works with a mask, and what alternatives you have with the Apple Watch. The goal is for you to master all the Face ID options without leaving anything out..

In addition to guiding you step-by-step, we'll review the access Face ID grants within the system, which models can be unlocked while wearing a mask, and some safety considerations to keep in mind. We will also clarify why iPhone does not allow more than two appearances and how this differs from what many do. Android.

Face ID today: what it is, what it's for, and why add another face

Since it arrived with the iPhone X in 2017, Face ID became the star biometric system on iPhones, leaving the leading role to facial recognition and relegating Touch ID to specific models such as the iPhone SE family. Apple has been polishing the reliability Face ID, but there are situations (new glasses, makeup, masks) where it may be helpful to register an alternative.

That's where the "Set an alternate appearance" option comes in. In practice, this means you can register a second appearance: it can be your own face in different conditions (for example, with and without glasses) or the face of another trusted person. It is a very useful feature if you occasionally share your iPhone with your partner or children..

Over time, Face ID has also received specific improvements, such as mask mode for certain models and the ability to add “clear glasses” as a recognized accessory. These small innovations make daily life easier, especially in contexts where the face varies or part of the face is covered..

It's worth mentioning that the system has not been without its share of criticism and attention-grabbing headlines, with debates about its "downside" and cases in which Apple acknowledged potential flaws in very specific circumstances. Even so, Face ID remains the default option on the vast majority of modern iPhones due to its speed and convenience..

Before we get into the details, a bit of background on privacy: the biometric data used by Face ID is stored on the device itself, within the Secure Enclave, and is not uploaded to external servers. This means that if you reset your iPhone, you'll have to set up Face ID again from scratch because that information doesn't travel with your backup..

What access does Face ID grant on the iPhone?

Registering a face (or an alternate appearance) isn't just for unlocking your iPhone. Face ID opens the door to a host of features that rely on your identity for protection. When you add a second face, that person will have the same level of access to everything that relies on Face ID..

These are the areas which you can access Once your face is verified with Face ID, as it applies to current iPhones:

• iPhone unlock without entering the access code.
• App Store Purchases and purchasing music on iTunes.
• Subscription sign-up through the App Store.
• In-app purchases (additional or in-game content).
• Access to Wallet and whatever you have configured in it.
• Payments with Apple Pay both online and in stores.
• Connecting to vehicles with CarPlay and use of its functions.
• Viewing emails and passwords saved.
• Password autofill in apps and websites.
• Access to apps that require Face ID (for example, banking apps).
• Change the iPhone code and related settings.
• View the Notification Center with the iPhone locked.
• Access to the Control Center while the iPhone is locked.
• View Widgets on the Lock Screen without entering code.
• Live activity tracking on the lock screen.
• Run commands with Siri according to active permits.
• Controlling home devices with the Home app.
• Return missed calls with the terminal locked.

Despite all this, there are particularly sensitive actions (for example, changes to your Apple ID, certain iCloud settings, or Search) that will require your password. Face ID makes everyday life easier, but Apple maintains several additional barriers for high-risk operations..

How to add a second face (or “alternate appearance”) to Face ID

The process is very similar to when you first set up Face ID. You do it from your iPhone's settings, and if prompted, you'll need to enter the unlock code for security. Recording the second appearance is completed in two scans of the face, moving the head gently.

So that there are no doubts, These are the steps, rewritten to be lossless:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Go to “Face ID and code”.
3. Enter the iPhone passcode if requested.
4. Tap “Set up an alternate appearance.”
5. Press “Start” when it appears on the screen.
6. Follow the instructions for the first facial examination by moving your head in a circle.
7. Click “Continue.”
8. Complete the second exploration.
9. Confirm with “OK” and that’s it.

If the person you're enrolling has any physical limitations or difficulty performing the full head movement, tap "Accessibility Options" during the process to make capturing easier. And if you are blind, there is an option to disable “Require Attention for Face ID” (in Settings > Accessibility) so that you don't need to keep your eyes open..

Important: With Face ID, you can only have two active appearances in total (your primary appearance and an alternate appearance). It is not possible to add a third face, unlike Touch ID, which does allow multiple fingerprints. And, if you're wondering, registering the same face twice doesn't provide any additional security, like the old advice of "add your fingerprint multiple times." With Face ID, you don't need to duplicate your own face because the system is already accurate enough..

What if you want to change one of the appearances? There's a clear limitation here: you can't delete just one face. To start over you'll need to tap "Reset Face ID" and re-register both appearances from scratch..

Face ID with a mask: how it works and how to activate it

On iPhone 12 and later, you can use Face ID while wearing a mask, which analyzes unique features around your eyes to verify your identity. This mode coexists with the rest of the Face ID options and you can activate or deactivate it whenever you want..

To manage it, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and you will find several relevant actions:

• Activate “Face ID with mask” and follow the instructions on the screen.
• Add “glasses” to your appearance (only clear glasses, not sunglasses).
• Disable “Face ID with mask” if you no longer want to use it.

Additionally, Apple added unlocking with Apple Watch, valid for all iPhones compatible with Face ID and intended as a relief when wearing a mask. If you're wearing your watch, it's unlocked, and you meet the software requirements, your iPhone will open with a haptic confirmation on your wrist..

Requirements for unlocking with a watch: iOS 14.5 or later on iPhone and watchOS 7.4 or later on Apple Watch. To set it up: Settings > Face ID & Passcode > turn on “Unlock with Apple Watch”If you detect that someone has accessed your device without permission, you'll see the "Lock iPhone" option on your watch to immediately request the passcode.

Models compatible with Face ID with a mask

Starting with iOS 15.4, mask unlocking works on a select list of models. If your iPhone doesn't appear here, you can still use the Apple Watch method, but not partial mask recognition directly on the iPhone.:

• iPhone 12mini
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13mini
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 14, 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 16e

Keep in mind that Apple warns that this feature is less secure than “full” Face ID. Analyzing only the eye area slightly reduces the level of protection, which is logical given the lower level of facial information..

Security, questionable tricks and good practices

Although many people have done so in specific situations, lowering the mask to reveal the nose can expose you to health risks, especially in crowded settings or on public transportation. It is not recommended, and the sensible thing to do is to keep your distance if you need to remove the mask even a little..

There's also an "unofficial" method some people have tried to train Face ID to recognize faces with part of their face covered. It involves resetting Face ID, setting your face to normal, and, as an alternative, repeating the process with about a quarter of your face covered with a piece of paper. You should be aware that this reduces security and increases the likelihood that someone else can unlock your iPhone without your permission..

From a practical standpoint, if you're looking for comfort while wearing a mask, it's best to activate mask mode when your iPhone is compatible, or rely on unlocking with your Apple Watch. Both options are designed by Apple and offer a reasonable balance between comfort and protection..

Finally, remember that Face ID can be adjusted to be more accessible. In Settings > Accessibility, you'll find "Require Attention for Face ID" and other options that make it easier for people with specific needs to recognize it. These features make Face ID usable by more people without sacrificing basic security..

Why doesn't Apple allow more than two skins? Differences from Android

Many Android phones allow you to register multiple faces without any complications, and also combine facial unlocking with a fingerprint reader (sometimes under the screen). The comparison is self-evident: on the iPhone, Apple limits Face ID to two appearances and has not incorporated Touch ID under the screen in its main ranges.To see how other biometric systems work, see the Comparison with Windows Hello.

This decision reflects their philosophy: fewer and more controlled variables to maintain a high level of security. Currently, you can't add a "third face" on the iPhone, nor can you use Face ID and Touch ID at the same time on the same device (except for specific models that only have Touch ID). This can be frustrating if you share your iPhone often and it takes a few seconds for the system to display the passcode keyboard..

If that's your situation, consider saving the alternate appearance for the person you share the iPhone with or, if you use iPad, resort to profiles and restrictions where appropriate. Each platform has its rules, and in Apple's case, the design focuses on limiting the number of appearances in favor of security..

Turn Face ID on, off, and adjust: Useful shortcuts

In addition to the alternative look, you'll want to keep the most frequently used quick settings handy: turning Face ID on or off with a mask, adding your glasses, and controlling unlocking with Apple Watch. Everything is concentrated in Settings > Face ID & Passcode, so there's no need to dive too deep..

If you frequently wear new glasses, the "Add Glasses" feature is a godsend. Apple recommends clear glasses (not sunglasses) for easier recognition. This way you avoid recurring failures every time you change mounts..

Is Face ID failing you more often than usual? You can reset it and set it up again, or check if "Require Attention" is enabled, because wearing very dark sunglasses or certain filters can make it harder for it to read your eyes. Small adjustments make the difference between a Face ID that works perfectly and one that forces you to enter the code every now and then..

Privacy, local storage, and the role of cookies

Returning to privacy, it's key to remember that Face ID doesn't upload your facial model to the cloud. Biometric information is encrypted and remains in the iPhone's Secure Enclave.. Therefore, when you format the device, everything has to be set up again.

On another note, when you visit websites with guides like this one, it's normal for you to see a cookie notice to improve your experience and remember your preferences. These cookies live in your browser, help recognize you when you return, and help understand which sections are of most interest to you.They are not related to Face ID, but it's important to differentiate them so as not to conflate different privacy concepts.

Face ID with Apple Watch: Setup and Usage Steps

If you meet the requirements (iOS 14.5+ and watchOS 7.4+), enabling watch unlock is quick: Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Unlock with Apple Watch. From that moment on, when you go to unlock with a mask and have the watch on and unlocked, you will notice a touch on your wrist..

This touch alerts you that your iPhone has been unlocked without entering the passcode. If it detects it wasn't you, the watch will display "Lock iPhone" to force the phone to lock immediately. It is a safe and very convenient way to bypass the code in times when full Face ID cannot work..

Related article:

Windows Hello: Complete Guide to Face, Fingerprint, and PIN Setup

Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.