Apple’s Face ID Gets Mask‑Made Defect
Mask on or off? The key to unlocking
Apple’s Face ID has been the “bionic” secret to slipping into iPhone X and 11 without a fuss. Pandemic‑era face masks, however, turned this magic trick into a foggy nightmare.
You can still use the old six‑digit passcode, but it feels like dialing back into the 1990s.
Enter Tencent Xuanwu Lab’s dark‑horse remedy
Researchers at Tencent Xuanwu Lab have found a way to train Face ID to recognise users even when a mask is on. The technique worked for me after a round of trial‑and‑error.
Below is a simple rundown of the steps I followed and what I learned:
- Step 1: Collect masked‑face data. Gather as many masked selfies and random crowd‑shots as you can.
- Step 2: Train the neural network. Feed the model the data until it knows what a masked face looks like.
- Step 3: Test on a real iPhone. Unlock the phone and see if Face ID reacts.
At first the results were a bit “all‑over‑the‑place,” but after a handful of attempts, the technology learned to vibe with the mask.
Bottom line?
- Face ID + mask = not impossibly hard.
- With the right training, you can ditch the six‑digit code without a splash of sweat.
Give it a try, and the next time someone pulls out their phone, you’ll be the one with the “mask‑friendly” Face ID swagger.
Steps to unlocking your iPhone with the mask on
Face ID + Mask: Unstoppable Combo!
Ever tried unlocking your iPhone while sporting that ever‑present face mask and felt your Face ID just… fumbled? Don’t worry, we’ve got a trick up our sleeve. Follow these steps and let your phone recognize you, even in full mask mode.
1⃣ Access the Settings
- Open Settings*, then tap Face ID & Passcode.
2⃣ Pick Your Battle Plan
- Reset Face ID – your first line of attack.
- Alternatively, you can choose Alternate Appearance later if needed.
3⃣ Mask Folding Mastery
- Fold your mask exactly in half vertically.
- Hold it up so it covers just half of your face. Aim for the nose tip only – we’re not looking for a full face coverage.
4⃣ First Face ID Scan
- Follow on‑screen cues: rotate your head as instructed.
- When the green indicator lights up, you’ve nailed the first scan.
5⃣ Tidy Up and Scan Again
- Rotate the mask so it now covers the other half of your face.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 for your second scan.
6⃣ Time for the Test
- Place your mask in its normal, everyday position.
- Try unlocking the phone with your Face ID. If it works, you’re good to go!
Stuck? What to Do Next
- Try the Alternate Appearance option and repeat the scans.
- If that still gives a thumbs‑down, hit Reset Face ID again and start fresh.
And that’s it! Now you can rock that mask and keep your iPhone happy and unlocked. Happy scanning!
Try and try again
Finally cracked the Face ID puzzle—six attempts later!
So, you’re wearing a mask and still can’t be recognized?
Picture this: You’ve spent the last six… yes, six… attempts trying to get Face ID to “see” you, but it keeps playing the classic “I’m not sure who you are” game.
Turns out the secret is all about mask positioning. You need to make sure the mask covers the top of your nose—that’s the key spot Face ID squints at. Stick it there, and voilà, the magic works.
Mask test: Cloth or disposable? Both pass!
I put the trick to the test with two different masks: a government‑issued cloth face mask and a standard disposable face mask. Neither gave me a hard time; both let Face ID happily confirm my identity.
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Original article appeared in The Straits Times. Please seek permission before reproducing.
