Face ID is one of the biggest highlights of iPhone X., it is a revolutionary feature and primed not just to make smartphone even smarter but also change the way blind and low vision users access facial recognition technology.
According to Apple, the odds that someone else’ fingerprint will unlock Touch ID are 1 in 50,000, while Face ID’s chance of another face matching is just 1 in 1,000,000.
As an additional protection, Face ID allows only five unsuccessful match attempts before a passcode is required. The statistical probability is different for twins and siblings that look like you and among children under the age of 13, because their distinct facial features may not have fully developed. If you’re concerned about this, Apple recommends using a passcode to authenticate.
Getting Started with Face ID:
If you are blind or low vision and need help using Face ID to unlock your iPhone X, authenticate purchases, sign in to apps, or if you’re asked to enter your passcode, then you can follow these steps:
Check for updates
Make sure that your iPhone X is updated to the latest version of iOS.
Check your Face ID settings
To check your Face ID settings, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode. Make sure that Face ID is set up and that the features you’re trying to use Face ID with are turned on.
Check that nothing is covering the TrueDepth camera in the front of the phone
Make sure that the TrueDepth camera on your iPhone X isn’t covered with a phone case or a screen protector. Also, check to see if there’s residue or dirt covering the TrueDepth camera.
Make sure that nothing is covering your face
Make sure that your eyes, nose, and mouth are fully visible to the TrueDepth camera.
Face ID works with many sunglasses
If you’re wearing sunglasses designed to block certain types of light, then your sunglasses might be blocking the infrared light used by the TrueDepth camera. Try using Face ID without your sunglasses.
Make sure that you’re facing the TrueDepth camera
Face ID only works when your iPhone X is in portrait orientation and you’re facing the TrueDepth camera. The TrueDepth camera has a similar range of view as when you take a selfie or make a FaceTime call. Whether your iPhone is lying on a surface or you’re holding it in a natural position, make sure that your iPhone X is an arm’s length or closer (10-20 inches) from your face. If you’re outside in bright sunlight, try repositioning your iPhone X so the sun isn’t directly behind you.
How to Set Up Face ID on Your iPhone X:
- Launch “Settings” on your iPhone X.
- Double tap “Face ID & Passcode.” Enter your passcode, if you are asked to do so.
- Double tap on “Set Up Face ID.”
- Position your face in front of your device and double tap “Get Started.”
- You will have to look straight into your iPhone without looking away and place your face inside the frame.
- With your head at the upright position rotate your head as if you were drawing a circle with your nose to complete the circle while staring at the camera at all times.
If you can’t move your head, select “Accessibility Options.” - Once you have completed, the first Face ID scan, double tap “Continue.” You need to move your head again to complete the circle for a second time.
- When you have successfully set up Face ID, select “Done.”
Note: If you haven’t set a passcode, you will need to create one to use as an alternate way to verify your identity.
How to Unlock iPhone X Using Face ID:
- Pick up your device to wake the screen if you have enabled it (Settings > Display & Brightness > Raise to Wake, or press the side button.)
- Look at the screen. Make sure to keep your eyes open while unlocking the device.
Resetting Face ID:
If you still need help, reset Face ID, then set it up again. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and double tap Reset Face ID. Then double tap Set up Face ID to set it up again.
If you can’t enroll your face, take your device to an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider, or contact Apple Support at 1-877-204-3930
How to Purchase with iPhone X Using Face ID:
Face ID lets you authenticate any purchases made in iTunes Store, App Store or iBooks Store, which permits you to buy apps and media with a simple glance.
- Launch Settings on your iPhone X.
- Double tap Face ID & Passcode in the list.
- When prompted, type in your passcode.
- Double tap “iTunes & App Store” to turn on.
- When prompted, type in your Apple ID password.
This will let you use Face ID to authenticate purchases with Apple Pay and in Apple’s content stores: iTunes Store, App Store and iBooks Store.
- Now launch the iTunes Store, App Store or iBooks app on your device and navigate to the content you’d like to buy, then double tap its price or the Get button for free apps and content.
- When prompted to pay, double-click the Side button on the right side of the device then look at the TrueDepth camera of your iPhone X to finish the transaction.
NOTE: You might be asked to enter your Apple ID password for the first purchase you make in the iTunes Store, App Store or iBooks Store.
If all goes well, you’ll hear a chime tone.
You must enter your passcode for additional security validation when:
- The device has just been turned on or restarted.
- The device hasn’t been unlocked for more than 48 hours.
- The passcode hasn’t been used to unlock the device in the last six and a half days and Face ID hasn’t unlocked the device in the last 4 hours.
- The device has received a remote lock command.
- After five unsuccessful attempts to match a face.
- After initiating power off/Emergency SOS by pressing and holding either volume button and the side button simultaneously for 2 seconds.
- If your device is lost or stolen, you can prevent Face ID from being used to unlock your device with Find My iPhone Lost Mode.
- If the device’s battery is below 10%.
Unlock iPhone X with Face ID even when your eyes are closed:
Face ID is one of the most talked-about features of iPhone X. Thanks to the TrueDepth camera, it works securely; allowing you to unlock your device with ease. While unlocking your device with Face ID, you need to keep your eyes opened and look at your device. It won’t unlock your phone if you have your eyes closed or don’t look at your device. But what about blind or low vision users?
Apple has ensured that people with physical limitations are also able to use the facial recognition system. If you don’t want Face ID to require that you look with your eyes open at your iPhone X, you can turn off Require Attention for Face ID. One thing you need to know that it’s automatically turn off if you enable VoiceOver during initial set up.
People with physical limitations (for instance, the ones who can’t move their head) need to select “Accessibility Options” while enrolling their face. It won’t require full range head motion to capture different angles. Though it’s still secure to use, it needs more consistency in how you look at your device. Additionally, they can also make Face ID require less attention to be able to unlock the iPhone X with ease.
How to Disable “Require Attention” for Face ID on iPhone X:
- Launch Settings on your iPhone X.
- Double tap on “General.”
- Double tap on “Accessibility.”
- Double tap “Face ID and Attention.”
- Double tap “Require Attention for Face ID” to turn off.
From now on, you can unlock your iPhone X using Face ID even with your eyes closed. If you ever want the facial recognition system to require the full range of focus, follow the same steps mentioned above and turn on Require Attention.
How to Disable “Face ID” on Your iPhone X:
There are some situations when you may need to temporarily turn off Face ID to prevent anyone from forcing you to unlock your device to take your personal information.
There are several options through which you can turn off Face ID on your device.
Launch Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Double tap Reset Face ID. It will delete Face ID data, including mathematical representations of your face, from your device.
Note: If you don’t want to use Face ID to unlock your device, open Settings app > Face ID & Passcode > Use Face ID and then turn off iPhone Unlock.
Face ID FAQs:
Q: Will Face ID work for blind users, if eyes are closed or for people who have various eye conditions?
A: By default, Face ID has a Require Attention feature that includes reading your eyes, nose and mouth. There may be situations where a customer with blindness or certain vision conditions may not be able to use the Require Attention feature, which requires your eyes and other facial features to be focused in the direction of the phone in order to authenticate your face. In such situations, Face ID will still work when Require Attention is disabled. To turn off Require Attention, you can open Settings > General > Accessibility, and disable Require Attention for Face ID.
Q: Will Face ID work for someone with prosthetic eyes?
A: For someone with prosthetic eyes, Face ID may still work, but may vary case-by-case. Depending on the prosthetic and how their eyes look to the camera, they may or may not need to disable Require Attention. To turn off Require Attention, you can open Settings > General > Accessibility, and disable Require Attention for Face ID.
Q: But won’t Face ID be less secure when Require Attention is turned off?
A: According to Apple the data protection provided by Face ID is exactly the same even without Require Attention enabled — including the chance of a false random match at one-in-one-million, which is more rigorous than the already strong protections afforded by Touch ID (TouchID is 1 in 50,000). What’s different is how the device gauges your intent without Require Attention so when you’re in range, Face ID will function even if you aren’t looking straight at the device, your eyes are closed, or the device can’t detect your eyes. Essentially, there are more instances when Face ID would authenticate your face if Require Attention is turned off.
Q: How will Triple Click work in the absence of a physical Home button?
A: The Accessibility Shortcut on iPhone X has moved to the Side button. VoiceOver and other accessibility features can still be turned on with a triple click (both during set up and via Settings).
Q: What about someone who has physical/motor limitations and for whom pressing side button is difficult?
A: In iOS 11, you can customize Control Center to include your Accessibility Shortcuts (like AssistiveTouch and Switch Control), Guided Access, Magnifier, and Text Size. Additionally, you can also use AssistiveTouch to access the Accessibility Shortcut.
Q: Could someone accidentally trigger SOS by tapping the side button 5 times?
A: Accessibility shortcuts can be added as a button in Control Center in iOS 11, which may help solve for the potential issue with conflicting button presses on the side button. Siri can also be used to enable or disable VoiceOver as well as other accessibility features. Also, in the Emergency SOS settings, you can turn off 5 clicks with SOS, or hold the side button and either volume button to make an emergency call.
Q: Will Face ID work with VoiceOver?
A: Hell yeah! Face ID will still work, but Require Attention is automatically turned off if you enable VoiceOver during the device’s initial set up.
Q: What about new VoiceOver gestures for iPhone X for multitasking, control centre, etc?
A: Standard iPhone gestures such as a swipe up from the bottom to go to the Home Screen or App Switcher are augmented for VoiceOver users by providing additional haptics and audio feedback.
Q: What are the accessibility features of iPhone X? What about someone w/limited mobility who can’t turn their head?
A: iPhone X is designed with accessibility in mind and supports a range of accessibility features like VoiceOver, Switch Control, AssistiveTouch, and more. Face ID is fully integrated with VoiceOver, which lets you know when to adjust your face when scanning. There’s also an option during Face ID setup to bypass multiple head turns for people who are not able to turn their head. Select “Accessibility Options” at the bottom of the Face ID Enrollment phase.
If you have any problems that you are unable to troubleshoot, take your device to an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider, or contact Apple Support at 1-877-204-3930
