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How to Set Up Face ID on iPhone 12: A Masterclass

Setting up Face ID on your iPhone 12 is a breeze, unlocking a world of convenience and security. It’s not just about unlocking your phone; it’s about secure payments, app access, and a smoother digital life. Here’s the definitive guide:

How to Set Up Face ID on iPhone 12

Open Settings: Navigate to the Settings app on your iPhone 12. You’ll recognize it by the grey gear icon.
Find Face ID & Passcode: Scroll down until you see “Face ID & Passcode.” Tap on it.
Enter Your Passcode: You’ll be prompted to enter your iPhone’s passcode. This is a necessary security measure. If you haven’t set up a passcode, you’ll be guided to create one first.
Tap “Set Up Face ID”: Look for the “Set Up Face ID” option. This might be “Reset Face ID” if you’ve already set it up before. Tap it to begin the process.
Position Your Face: The screen will display a frame. Hold your iPhone 12 approximately 10-20 inches from your face. Make sure your face is clearly visible within the frame.
First Scan: Slowly move your head in a circular motion, as indicated on the screen. The iPhone will start scanning your face. Complete the first scan circle.
Second Scan: You’ll be prompted to perform a second scan. Again, slowly move your head in a circular motion. Try different angles for a more robust and accurate Face ID.
Face ID is Now Set Up: Once both scans are complete, you’ll see a message saying “Face ID is now set up.” Tap “Done.”
Customize Face ID Settings: You’ll be taken back to the “Face ID & Passcode” menu. Here you can customize how Face ID is used. You can enable or disable it for:
- iPhone Unlock: To unlock your iPhone.
- Apple Pay: To authorize payments with Apple Pay.
- iTunes & App Store: To download apps and make purchases.
- Password Autofill: To automatically fill in passwords in apps and websites.
- Other Apps: Many third-party apps also support Face ID for authentication.

Congratulations! You have successfully set up Face ID on your iPhone 12.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Face ID on iPhone 12

1. Why is Face ID not working on my iPhone 12?

Several factors can interfere with Face ID. Ensure that:

Nothing is obstructing the TrueDepth camera: This includes dirt, smudges, or screen protectors that cover the notch.
Your face is clearly visible: Face ID might struggle if you’re wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth (unless you have enabled the “Face ID with a Mask” feature).
You’re looking directly at the TrueDepth camera: Face ID requires a direct line of sight.
You’re in a well-lit environment: Extremely bright or dark environments can affect Face ID performance.
Restart your iPhone: A simple restart often resolves minor software glitches.
Update to the latest iOS version: Apple regularly releases updates that include performance improvements and bug fixes for Face ID.

If the problem persists, consider resetting Face ID and setting it up again. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Reset Face ID.

2. How do I set up Face ID with a mask on iPhone 12?

Apple has introduced a feature that allows you to use Face ID while wearing a mask. To enable it:

Update to iOS 15.4 or later.
Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
Toggle on “Face ID with a Mask.“
Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your face while wearing a mask.

It’s important to note that using Face ID with a mask may be less secure than using it without a mask. You can also add glasses during this setup.

3. Can I have multiple faces registered on my iPhone 12?

No, Face ID only allows for one face to be registered at a time. However, you can set up an “Alternative Appearance” to improve recognition in different situations, such as wearing glasses or having different hairstyles. This isn’t registering a completely different face, but rather variations of your own.

To set up an Alternative Appearance, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Set Up an Alternative Appearance.

4. How do I reset Face ID on my iPhone 12?

If you’re experiencing issues with Face ID or want to reconfigure it, you can reset it:

Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
Enter your passcode.
Tap “Reset Face ID.”

This will delete your existing Face ID data, and you can then set it up again from scratch.

5. What is the TrueDepth camera used for?

The TrueDepth camera system is a sophisticated set of sensors located in the notch at the top of your iPhone 12 screen. It’s responsible for:

Facial Recognition: Projecting and analyzing over 30,000 invisible dots to create a detailed depth map of your face.
Animoji and Memoji: Tracking your facial expressions to animate characters.
Portrait Mode Selfies: Creating a depth-of-field effect for artistic selfies.
Augmented Reality (AR) experiences: Enhancing AR apps and games.

6. How secure is Face ID?

Face ID is considered highly secure, much more so than Touch ID (fingerprint scanning). Apple claims that the probability of a random person unlocking your iPhone 12 with Face ID is approximately 1 in 1,000,000. This probability is higher (1 in 50,000) for Touch ID.

However, no security system is foolproof. Factors like identical twins or close family members with similar facial features might increase the chances of unauthorized access. Also, keep in mind that Face ID may be less reliable for children under the age of 13, as their facial features are still developing.

7. Can Face ID be fooled by photos or videos?

Apple has implemented sophisticated anti-spoofing measures to prevent Face ID from being fooled by photos, videos, or even 3D masks. The system requires a live, three-dimensional representation of your face. This is why it’s much harder to bypass Face ID compared to older facial recognition systems.

8. Does Face ID store my facial data?

Apple takes privacy very seriously. Your Face ID data is encrypted and stored securely on your device within the Secure Enclave. It is not stored on Apple’s servers or shared with third parties.

9. Why is Face ID not working in landscape mode on my iPhone 12?

Face ID works in both portrait and landscape mode on the iPhone 12. Ensure the TrueDepth camera is not obstructed and you are positioned in a way that your face is clearly visible to the camera. If you’re still having issues, try resetting Face ID.

10. What should I do if my iPhone 12 is stolen and has Face ID enabled?

If your iPhone 12 is stolen, you should immediately:

Use Find My iPhone: Use the Find My app on another Apple device or log in to iCloud.com to locate, lock, or erase your iPhone remotely.
Mark as Lost: In Find My, mark your iPhone as lost. This will remotely lock your device with a passcode and suspend Apple Pay.
Report the theft to the police: Provide them with your iPhone’s serial number.
Contact your mobile carrier: Report the theft and have them disable your SIM card to prevent unauthorized calls and data usage.

Even with Face ID enabled, a thief cannot access your data without your passcode. Remotely wiping the device will erase all your data, including Face ID data.

11. Can I use Face ID for app authentication?

Yes! Many apps support Face ID for authentication, replacing the need to enter passwords. When an app supports it, you’ll usually be prompted to enable Face ID the first time you open the app. This simplifies login processes and enhances security. In the Face ID & Passcode settings, you will see all the Apps that are requesting access to use Face ID.

12. How do I disable Face ID?

If you want to temporarily or permanently disable Face ID, you can do so in two ways:

Disable specific Face ID features: Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and toggle off the features you want to disable, such as iPhone Unlock, Apple Pay, or iTunes & App Store.
Completely disable Face ID: Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and tap “Reset Face ID.” This will delete your Face ID data and disable it entirely. You will then need to use your passcode to unlock your iPhone.