You Can Now Keep Your Mask On When Unlocking Your iPhone Using Apple Face ID

Apple is back with another round of updates, and this time, they have added a welcomed new feature that allows users operating Face ID to keep their masks on.

The highly anticipated iOS 15.4 has begun rolling out and gives users a slew of new innovations to improve their Apple experience. One of the favorite updates is the Face ID, which now unlocks users’ phones when they are wearing a mask. This is done by having the phone identify “unique features around the eye area to authenticate.” As of now, this element does not work with sunglasses.

To begin using this feature, make sure iOS 15.4 has finished installation. Once completed, you’ll see a splash screen to set up Face ID With a Mask on iPhone 12 or 13. Follow the instructions to re-register Face ID for use with a face covering. If you’re wearing glasses during the initial scan, iOS will request you to take them off for the second. If you’re not currently wearing glasses but do occasionally, you may select Add Glasses after completing the feature set-up.

In addition to the mask feature, iOS 15.4 also introduces 37 new emojis, the ability to change Siri’s voice, a new Apple Pay authentication screen, AirTag anti-stalking improvements, and more.