Covid-19 Update: Can Face ID recognise your face with a mask on?

The new era calls for social distancing and strict mask-wearing in all settings. But what does this mean for technology, and facial recognition in particular as a way to unlock smartphones?

The familiar Face ID feature available on the latest versions of Apple's iPhone is an advanced software technology that uses a TrueDepth camera to capture precise facial data by projecting and analysing over 30.000 invisible dots. This creates a depth map and captures an infrared image of the face.

The technology behind Face ID is sophisticated enough to adapt easily to changes in your face, for example when wearing make-up or growing a beard. But can it work when someone is wearing a mask?

Many users searched during the coronavirus pandemic for clever ways to unlock their phones with Face ID while wearing a protective mask. The solution came from security company Xuanwu Lab, which, after exploring the iPhone settings, recommended that users set up their face again in Face ID, but this time with half their face covered by a mask.

If you would like to give it a go, simply follow the steps below:

Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Reset Face ID > Set Up Face ID

At this stage, use a mask folded  in half and cover half your face. Repeat the process for both of the 2 sides of your face. The trick may not work on the first attempt, so you may need to try scanning your face again. Once completed successfully, the message “The scan was successful”. will appear. Now all you need to do is try unlocking your phone while wearing your mask!

Alternatively, for the first step, you can follow this path:

Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Set Up an Alternative Appearance

The process above has worked for many users, but many others have been unable to “fool” Face ID. This may be due to the camera angle or the type of mask they are using.

In any case, Apple is working on an official solution to the problem, as Face ID recognition with a mask is already available on the company's developer portal.