This article covers a new beta version in iOS that lets you unlock an iPhone with Face ID and an Apple Watch together, even if you’re wearing a face mask. Read on to learn how it works.
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Apple introduced its Face ID facial recognition system in November 2017 with the launch of the iPhone X, which makes it even easier for users to unlock their smartphone than with traditional fingerprint recognition.
However, after the now mainstream use of face masks, Apple’s biometric functionality has become disabled, requiring many users to enter their passcode to unlock their device in public areas.
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 via a partial face scan, when wearing a mask.
The process is similar to how it works when unlocking a Mac with an Apple Watch. When unlocking takes place, the user will receive a haptic buzz and a notification on the Apple Watch stating that the unlock procedure was successful. However, keep in mind that you can only use your 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, make sure you are using a developer beta or the public betas of iOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4. You will need the iPhone and Apple Watch profiles from Apple’s beta testing website and after installing them you can update on iPhone by going to Settings -> General -> Software Update. To update your Apple Watch, install iOS 14.5 and then launch it Watch app on your iPhone, tap the My watch tab at the bottom of the screen and select General -> Software update.
What you need
- IPhone X or later with Face ID
- Apple Watch Series 3 or higher
- iOS 14.5 or higher installed on iPhone
- watchOS 7.4 or later installed on Apple Watch
The iOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4 updates are currently available to both public beta testers and developers, with a public release expected this spring.
Setup Unlock the iPhone with Apple Watch
- Launch it Settings app on your iPhone.
- Select Face ID and Passcode.
- Enter the passcode of your iPhone.
- Scroll down to the section labeled “Unlock with Apple Watch” and toggle the switch next to Apple Watch to the green ON position. (If the option is gray, you need to update the version of watchOS on your Apple Watch.)
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How to unlock your iPhone with Apple Watch
To use your Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone, your watch must be nearby, on your wrist, unlocked, and protected with a passcode. If you haven’t set a passcode yet, run it Watch app on your iPhone, select Passcode -> Enable Passcodeand then enter the passcode you want to use (you’ll need to do this twice to confirm.)
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The first time you try to unlock your iPhone with Apple Watch while wearing a mask, your iPhone will ask you to enter your passcode. Once you’ve done that, all subsequent attempts to unlock your iPhone while wearing a mask will be quick and seamless, with each successful unlock accompanied by a short haptic buzz on your wrist. You must re-enter your passcode every day when you remove your watch and the first time you set it up.