How to update or replace your Face ID

You can change the face that unlocks your iPhone by deleting your current Face ID and setting up a new one. This takes about two minutes and uses the same Face ID settings where you first set it up. You might do this if someone else will use the phone, if your appearance has changed significantly, or if Face ID stops recognizing you reliably.

The process works the same on all iPhones with Face ID — iPhone X and newer. You do not need a computer, a passcode reset, or any special tools. You just need access to your phone's Settings app and your face in front of the camera.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode, enter your passcode, then tap Reset Face ID to delete the old one.
  • After resetting, tap Set Up Face ID and follow the on-screen prompts to scan your face twice — once in portrait and once in landscape.
  • Position your face in the center of the circle on screen and move your head slowly in a circle until the animation completes.
  • If Face ID still does not recognize you after setup, check that your TrueDepth camera is not blocked by a case, screen protector, or dirt.
  • You can set up an alternate appearance in the same Face ID settings if two people will use the phone, or if you wear glasses and want a maskless option too.

Step-by-step: Delete your old Face ID

Start by opening the Settings app on your home screen. Scroll down and tap Face ID & Passcode. Your phone will ask you to enter your passcode — this is the six-digit code (or longer) you use to unlock your phone if Face ID fails.

Once you enter your passcode, you will see a list of Face ID options. At the bottom of this list, tap Reset Face ID. A confirmation message will appear asking if you are sure. Tap Reset again. Your old Face ID is now deleted. The phone is ready for a new one.

Step-by-step: Set up your new Face ID

You are still in the Face ID & Passcode settings. Now tap Set Up Face ID. Your phone will show you a screen with a large circle and instructions to position your face in the center. Hold your phone about 10 to 12 inches from your face, at eye level or slightly below.

Tap get your free guide. The phone will ask you to move your head slowly in a circle — up, down, left, and right — until the animation fills completely. This usually takes 15 to 20 seconds. Keep your face centered in the circle and move steadily. If you move too fast, the app will ask you to slow down.

When the first scan finishes, the phone will ask you to do it again. This second scan captures your face from a different angle and makes Face ID more reliable. Repeat the same circular head movement. Once both scans are complete, tap Done. Your new Face ID is now active.

Troubleshooting: Face ID does not recognize you after setup

If you set up Face ID but it keeps failing to unlock your phone, the problem is usually a blocked camera or poor lighting during setup. The TrueDepth camera sits in the notch at the top of your screen. Check that no case, screen protector, or dirt is covering it. Wipe the notch gently with a soft cloth.

Try setting up Face ID again in a well-lit room — not in direct sunlight, but not in dim light either. Avoid setting it up while wearing sunglasses, a hat, or a heavy scarf, because Face ID learns what you look like in those conditions and may fail when you are not wearing them. If you wear glasses, you can set up Face ID with them on, and the phone will work with or without them.

If Face ID still fails after a second setup, restart your phone. Hold down the volume button and the side button together until the power-off slider appears. Slide to power off, wait 10 seconds, then hold the side button to turn it back on. Then try setting up Face ID one more time.

Setting up an alternate appearance for two people or different looks

If two people will use the same phone, you can set up two separate Face IDs. Go to Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode, enter your passcode, then tap Set Up an Alternate Appearance. The second person follows the same circular head movement as before. Both faces will now unlock the phone.

You can also use an alternate appearance for yourself if you want the phone to recognize you with and without glasses, or with and without a mask. Set up your primary Face ID first, then add an alternate appearance with your glasses on or your mask on. This gives you more reliable unlocking across different situations.

What happens to apps and data when you change Face ID

Changing Face ID does not affect your apps, photos, messages, or any other data on your phone. It only changes which face unlocks the device. Your passwords, payment methods, and all stored information stay exactly the same.

If you use Face ID to unlock apps like your banking app or password manager, those apps will continue to work with your new Face ID without any extra steps. The phone automatically links your new Face ID to all the places your old one was used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have Face ID and a passcode at the same time?

Yes. Your passcode is always active as a backup. If Face ID fails or you want to unlock your phone without using your face, you can enter your passcode instead. You cannot turn off your passcode if Face ID is turned on.

What if I forget my passcode and need to change Face ID?

You will need your passcode to access Face ID settings. If you forgot it, you will need to reset your iPhone using a computer with Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows), or use iCloud's Find My iPhone feature. This erases the phone and lets you set it up fresh with a new passcode and new Face ID.

Does changing Face ID affect Face ID payments or Apple Pay?

No. Your Apple Pay and payment settings stay the same. Your new Face ID will work with Apple Pay and any other apps that use Face ID for payments without any changes on your part.

Can I change Face ID if I do not remember setting it up the first time?

Yes. You can reset and set up a new Face ID anytime you have access to your phone and know your passcode. You do not need to remember the original setup — just follow the steps to reset and start fresh.