This article covers a new beta option in iOS that allows you to unlock an iPhone with Face ID and Apple Watch combined, even if you are wearing a face mask. Read on to learn how it works.
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Apple introduced their Face ID face recognition system in November 2017 with the launch of the iPhone X, offering users an even simpler way to unlock their smartphone than traditional fingerprint recognition.
After the now mainstream use of face masks, however, Apple’s biometric feature has been implemented, forcing many users to enter their passcode to unlock their device when in public places.
Fortunately, Apple has addressed this change in our daily lives by introducing a new feature that will allow iPhone users with an Apple Watch to unlock their smartphone via Face ID via a partial face scan they are wearing a mask.
The process is similar to how it works when you open a Mac with an Apple Watch. When the solution occurs, the user gets a haptic yellow and a notification on the Apple Watch informing them that the solution approach has been successful. However, remember that you can only use your Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone while wearing a mask – it cannot be used to confirm Apple Pay or App Store purchases.
Before you can take advantage of the new feature, you need to make sure that you are running either developer beta or the public betas of iOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4. You need the iPhone and Apple Watch profiles from Apple’s beta test website, and after you install them, you can update iPhone by going to Settings -> General -> Software Update. To update your Apple Watch, install iOS 14.5 and then launch the Look app on your iPhone, tap on the My Guard tab at the bottom of the screen, then select General -> Software Update.
What you need
- IPhone X or later with Face ID
- Apple Watch Series 3 or later
- iOS 14.5 or later installed on iPhone
- watchOS 7.4 or later installed on Apple Watch
The iOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4 updates are currently available for both public beta testers and developers, with a public release expected in the spring.
How to Install iPhone Unlock with Apple Watch
- Launch the Circumstances app on your iPhone.
- Choose Face ID & Passcode.
- Enter your iPhone passcode.
- Scroll down to the section labeled “Unlock With Apple Watch” and pick up the switch next to it Apple Watch to the green position ON. (If the option is greyed out, 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, at your fingertips, unopened, and protected by a passcode. If you have not yet set a passcode, launch the Look app on your iPhone, select Passcode -> Turn Passcode on, then enter the passcode you want to use (you need to do this twice to confirm.)
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The first time you try to unlock your iPhone with an Apple Watch when wearing a mask, your iPhone will ask you to enter your passcode. Once you have done that, all subsequent attempts to unlock your iPhone while wearing a mask will be quick and unobtrusive, with each successful solution accompanied by a short haptic bucket on the wrist agad. You will need to re-enter your passcode if you remove your watch and the first time you set it up each day.