This article discusses a new beta option in iOS that allows you to unlock an iPhone with a paired Face ID and an Apple Watch, even if you’re wearing a face mask. Read on to find out 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 offers users an even easier way to unlock their smartphone than traditional fingerprint recognition.
Although after widespread use of face masks, Apple’s biometric feature has been reduced, leaving many users to enter their password to unlock the device in public spaces.
Fortunately, Apple has responded to this change in our daily lives by introducing a new feature that allows “iPhone” users who wear an Apple Watch to unlock their smartphone using Face ID using a partial face scan, when wearing a mask. .
The process is similar to how it works when you unlock an Mac with an Apple Watch. When the unlock occurs, the user receives a haptic buzz and a notification on the Apple Watch informing them that the unlock procedure has been completed successfully. However, keep in mind that you can only use your Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone with a mask; cannot be used to authenticate purchases from Apple Pay or the App Store.
Before you can take advantage of the new feature, you’ll need to make sure you’re running a beta for developers or the public version of iOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4. You need the “iPhone” and Apple Watch profiles from Apple’s beta testing website, and once you’ve installed them, you can upgrade them to “iPhone” by going to Settings -> General -> Software Update. To update your Apple Watch, install iOS 14.5, and then start the file I’ll see on your iPhone, tap the button My watch 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 later
- iOS 14.5 or later installed on iPhone
- watchOS 7.4 or later installed on Apple Watch
IOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4 updates are currently available for both public beta testers and developers, with a public release scheduled for this spring.
How to set up unlocking your iPhone with Apple Watch
- Start it Configuration to your iPhone.
- Select Face identification and password.
- Enter the password for your PiPhone.
- Scroll down to the section called “Unlock with Apple Watch” and turn on the switch next to it. Apple Watch in the green ON position. (If the option is grayed out, you’ll need to upgrade the watchOS version to your Apple Watch).
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How to unlock iPhone with Apple Watch
To use your Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone, your watch must be close at your wrist, unlocked, and password protected. If you have not yet set a password, start the file I’ll see on your iPhone, select Password -> Activate the password, then enter the password you want to use (you will need to do this twice to confirm).
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The first time you try to unlock your iPhone with your Apple Watch when you wear a mask, your PiPhone will ask you to enter your password. Once this is done, all subsequent attempts to unlock your PiPhone when you wear a mask will be quick and perfect, with each successful unlock accompanied by a brief haptic buzz on your wrist. You will need to re-enter your password if you remove the watch and set it for the first time each day.