Typing your passcode every time you pick up your iPhone gets old quickly. Face ID and Touch ID are Apple’s ways of making unlocking fast and effortless, while still keeping your phone secure.

Here’s what they are and how to set them up.

What’s the difference?

Face ID is on newer iPhones (iPhone X and later). It uses a small camera in the notch at the top of the screen to recognise your face. Hold your phone up, look at it, and it unlocks in about a second.

Touch ID is on older iPhones with a round Home button (iPhone 8, SE, and earlier). You press the Home button with your registered finger to unlock.

Both do the same job, the difference is just which iPhone you have.

Setting up Face ID

Go to Settings → Face ID & Passcode. Enter your passcode, then tap Set Up Face ID.

You’ll be asked to hold your phone at normal viewing distance and move your head in a slow circle (twice). The phone scans your face in 3D, it takes about 20 seconds. Once done, Face ID is ready.

Tips:

You can set it up with glasses on, and without, Face ID will adapt
If Face ID fails twice, it asks for your passcode instead. That’s normal
Go back to the same screen to add an Alternate Appearance, useful if your appearance changes significantly (e.g. you wear a hat indoors sometimes)

Setting up Touch ID

Go to Settings → Touch ID & Passcode. Enter your passcode, then tap Add a Fingerprint.

You’ll be asked to rest and lift your finger on the Home button repeatedly, about 10 to 15 times. The phone learns the full print. It takes about a minute.

Tips:

Add both thumbs, it’s useful to unlock the phone either way up
You can store up to five fingerprints
Touch ID can struggle with wet fingers. If it fails, dry your hand first, or it will ask for your passcode after a few failed attempts

What else can you use them for?

Both Face ID and Touch ID work for more than just unlocking:

App Store and iTunes purchases, confirm downloads and subscriptions without typing your Apple ID password
Apple Pay, pay in shops without entering a PIN (double-click the side button for Face ID, or place your finger on the Home button for Touch ID)
Saved passwords in Safari, autofill website passwords with a look or a touch
Third-party apps, banking apps, password managers, and many others use Face ID or Touch ID to log you in securely

If your phone won’t recognise you

Face ID: make sure you’re holding the phone at a normal reading distance, with your face fully visible (not covered by a scarf or dark glasses). It works in most lighting conditions but struggles in very bright sunlight sometimes.

Touch ID: make sure your finger covers the Home button fully, including the edges. Dry fingers or a screen protector that covers the button can reduce accuracy.

If either stops working reliably, go back to Settings, delete the existing Face/fingerprint data, and re-register from scratch.

Can someone else unlock my phone with your face or finger?

It’s extremely unlikely. Face ID is designed to distinguish you from other people, including family members who look similar. Touch ID requires a physical fingerprint match. For extra security, your passcode is also required after:

The phone restarts
You haven’t unlocked it for 48 hours
Five failed Face ID/Touch ID attempts

Not sure which iPhone you have, or need help setting up Face ID or Touch ID? Get in touch with Hebden Tech Tutors, we’ll walk you through it.