How to Add Another Face ID on iPhone

This article explains how to create an Alternate Appearance on iPhone for devices that are running iOS 12 or later, including creating an alternate look of your own or adding a Trusted Friend as an alternate appearance.

How to Add an Alternate Appearance to iPhone

Everyone has days where they don't look like 'themselves.' This can happen for various reasons. For some, it's because you work in a job that requires you to wear a hat or other safety gear. Or maybe you wear glasses sometimes and use contacts other times. Whatever the reason, the way to try to get your iPhone unlocked under these conditions is to create an Alternate Appearance. Here's how.

1. Go to Settings.

2. Scroll down and select Face ID & Passcode.

3. Enter your passcode to be taken to your Face ID & Passcode settings.

4. Tap Set Up an Alternate Appearance

5. Read the screen that explains how to set up Face ID and then tap Get Started.

6. Follow the onscreen instructions for moving your head in a circle until your face has been captured from every angle.

   Alternate Appearance will not work when you're wearing anything that completely obstructs your face, including a breathing or protection mask. To create an alternate ID for those instances, you'll have to fold your mask in half and hold it against one-half of your face while making an Alternate Appearance, although this isn't super reliable.

7. When the first scan finishes, you'll see a message that says First Face ID scan complete. Tap Continue to begin taking a second scan.

8. Repeat the process of rotating your face around the circle provided so the camera can catch you from every angle.

9. When the second scan is complete, you'll receive a message that says Face ID is now set up. Tap Done to return to the Face ID & Passcode settings page. You can exit that, which will automatically activate your new Alternate Appearance.

Adding an Alternate Appearance for a Trusted Friend

You may want to give a spouse, partner, or friend access to your iPhone in some instances. If you have an emergency or if that person often accesses your phone, rather than having to use your Face ID to unlock it each time, you can add someone else as the Alternate Appearance.

You use the same steps as detailed above and have the other person scan their face instead of scanning yours. When you set up the Alternate Appearance, your friend, spouse, or partner will be able to access your phone using their face rather than yours.