Tech Reference

How to set up Face ID on your iPhone to increase the security of your device and data

women using smart cell phones at home on couch
Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images
Read in app

Many recent iPhone models, starting with the iPhone X, can use their front camera as a biometric security device. With Face ID, you can sign into your iPhone and authorize purchases just by looking at your phone. And it takes just a few moments to set up. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Apple)

How to set up Face ID on an iPhone 

1. Start the Settings app and then tap "Face ID & Passcode." You might need to enter your passcode. 

2. Tap "Set Up Face ID." (If you've set up Face ID before, tap "Reset Face ID."

How_to_set_up_Face_ID_on_iPhone 1
If you've never set up Face ID before, it will say "Set Up Face ID" instead of "Reset Face ID."  Dave Johnson/Business Insider

3. Hold your phone in portrait, or vertical, orientation and tap "Get Started."

4. Make sure your face is positioned inside the circular frame and move your head in a small circle so the camera can see the sides of your face all around. 

How to set up Face ID on iPhone 2
Move your head in a small circle so the camera can see the sides, top, and bottom of your face.  Apple

5. When the iPhone has scanned your face sufficiently, it will want to scan your face again. Tap "Continue" and follow the directions to scan your face a second time. 

6. Tap "Done."

That's it – Face ID is now set up. You can control exactly how Face ID works by returning at any time to the "Face ID & Passcode" page in Settings. Here, you can choose to use Face ID to unlock your phone, to make purchases in the App Store, to use Apple Pay, and more. 

It's also a good idea to make sure that "Requires Attention for Face ID" is turned on. This makes sure that your face can't be faked with something like a photograph. 

How_to_set_up_Face_ID_on_iPhone 3
For extra security, turn on the option for "Requires Attention for Face ID."  Dave Johnson/Business Insider

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

Insider Inc. receives a commission when you buy through our links.

Read next

Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider.