Fixed: iPhone Unlock with Mask Not Working Problem

Larissa Lee | Mar 25,2022 8 min read

It is good news that iPhone users can use Face ID to unlock their smartphones while wearing masks. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19, we have to wear masks in public to protect our safety. But it also brings us inconvenience because iPhone has canceled its fingerprint unlock function. If we want to unlock iPhone, we must use Face ID or enter the password. 

So unlocking an iPhone with Face ID while wearing a mask brings a lot of conveniences and saves time.

unlock iphone while wearing a mask

However, with the appearance of this new function, some problems also arise accordingly. Based on some iPhone users' feedback, their iPhones can't recognize their eyes and unlock phones smoothly. 

Well, don't worry, you are in the right place. We will help you analyze the reasons for this problem and introduce two ways to solve this issue in this passage.

Why iPhone Unlock with Mask Not Working?

Before diving into the solutions, we need to learn why you can't unlock your iPhone while wearing a mask doesn't work. 

  • System Requirement: The fact is that not all versions of the iPhone can use the feature of unlocking with Face ID while wearing a mask. This function is only available for the updated version of iOS 15.4 or later. If your iPhone is X or older system, you can’t use this function.
  • The Angle and Distance Between iPhone and Face: In using Face ID to unlock iPhone, your face needs to keep an appropriate angle distance from the phone. Too far or too close will affect the recognizing effect.  
  • Whether to Wear Glasses: If you didn’t wear a pair of glasses when entering facial recognition, it might not recognize you if you are wearing glasses while using. So take off your glasses and try again. 
  • Obstacle Blocks Sight: While using Face ID to unlock iPhone, it may not work if there is an obstacle in front of the camera. Make sure there is no obstruction to block the sight.

How to Fix iPhone Unlock with Mask Not Working

If you have ruled out the above reasons, you could try the following methods. Here we find three available ways to solve the problem.

Method 1: Reset Your Face ID on iPhone

Using this method, you'll need to re-enter your Face ID while wearing a mask to allow the iPhone to recognize your facial features better and more clearly. Here are the steps:

rest your Face ID

Step 1: Open the "Setting" app on your iPhone. 

Step 2: Scroll down the screen to find the "Face ID & Password", tap it, and enter the password you set previously.

Step 3: Find and click the "Reset Face ID" in the displaying interface.  

find Reset Face ID

Step 4: Do according to the instruction to finish the facial scan.

While scanning, let's camera scan every angle of your face and avoid obstacles. After resetting, try again to check if your iPhone can recognize your face while wearing a mask.

You can also read: How to Unlock iPhone While Wearing A Mask 

Method 2: Use Apple Watch to Unlock Your iPhone

It could be helpful if have an Apple Watch because it can unlock your iPhone without taking off masks. 

use Apple Watch to unlock iPhone

Tip: If you don't own an Apple Watch, skip to method 3.

The premises of using Apple Watch to unlock iPhone:

  • The system of your iPhone is iOS 14.5 or later. Apple Watch belongs to Series 3 or later, with watchOS 7.4 or later.
  • The Apple Watch Watch is matched with your iPhone.
  • Turn on the WiFi and Bluetooth modes of your iPhone and Apple Watch.
  • The Apple Watch needs to have a password, and wrist detection must be turned on.
  • Wear Apple Watch on your wrist and keep it unlocked.

Step 1: Open the "Setting" app on your iPhone. 

Step 2: Scroll down the screen to find the "Face ID & Password", tap it, and enter the password.

Step 3: Scroll down to find the "Unlock with Apple Watch", and turn it on.

In this way, you have set "Unlock with Apple Watch" successfully. Next time when you are wearing a mask, just lift your iPhone and glance at it, your iPhone will unlock automatically with Apple Watch. 

Method 3: Contact Apple Support

If you have tried all the solutions mentioned above but still didn't work, it's time to contact Apple Support. The Apple company or its service provider will help you if the problem is with the device itself.

Visit Site to contact Apple Support.

Sum Up

Apple has been trying hard to improve its functions and features to satisfy more users. Unlocking iPhone while wearing a mask makes it more convenient to use iPhone in public places. If you have the problem of unlocking iPhone with mask not working, you can try the above solutions according to your situation. We sincerely hope it will be helpful for you.

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