This article covers a new beta option in iOS that allows you to unlock an iPhone with Face ID and an associated Apple Watch, even if you’re wearing a face mask. Read on to find out how it works.
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Apple introduced its Face ID facial recognition system in November 2017 with the launch of iPhone X, offering users an even easier way to unlock their smartphone than traditional fingerprint recognition.
However, following the current use of face masks, Apple’s biometric feature has been disabled, leaving many users to enter the passcode to unlock the device in public.
Fortunately, Apple has responded to this change in our daily lives by introducing a new feature that allows iPhone users wearing an Apple Watch to unlock their smartphone via Face ID through a partial face scan when wearing a mask.
The process is similar to how it works when you unlock an Mac with an Apple Watch. When unlocked, the user receives a haptic buzz and a notification on the Apple Watch informing them that the unlock procedure has been successful. However, keep in mind that you can only use the Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone while wearing a mask – it cannot be used to authenticate Apple Pay or App Store purchases.
Before you can take advantage of the new feature, you’ll need to make sure you’re running either a developer beta or the public version of iOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4. You’ll need the “iPhone” and Apple Watch profiles on Apple’s beta testing website, and once you’ve installed them, you can update on your iPhone by accessing Settings -> General -> Software Update. To update your Apple Watch, install iOS 14.5 and then launch Clock from iPhone, tap My watch at the bottom of the screen, then select General -> Software Update.
What you will need
- IPhone X or later with Face ID
- Apple Watch Series 3 or later
- iOS 14.5 or later installed on “iPhone”
- watchOS 7.4 or later installed on the Apple Watch
IOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4 updates are currently available for both public beta testers and developers, with a public release expected this spring.
How to set up unlock iPhone with Apple Watch
- Launch Settings application on “iPhone”.
- Select Make ID and access code.
- Enter the iPhone de access code.
- Scroll down to the section labeled “Unlock with Apple Watch” and switch the switch next to Apple Watch in the green ON position. (If the option is grayed out, you need to upgrade your watchOS version to Apple Watch.)
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How to unlock your iPhone with Apple Watch
To use the Apple Watch to unlock iPhone, the watch must be nearby, on the wrist, unlocked and password protected. If you haven’t set a password yet, launch Clock from oniPhone, select Access code -> Activate the access code, then enter the password you want to use (you will need to do this twice to confirm).
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The first time you try to unlock your iPhone când with your Apple Watch when you wear a mask, iPhone will ask you to enter your password. Once you have done this, all subsequent attempts to unlock iPhone when wearing a mask will be quick and hassle-free, each successful unlock accompanied by a short haptic hum on your wrist. You will need to re-enter your passcode if you remove the watch and set it up for the first time each day.