iOS 14.5… Face ID unlocking is now possible while wearing a mask

Apple has applied iOS 14.5 and WatchOS 7.4 update, so if you have an Apple Watch, you can unlock it with iPhone Face ID while wearing a mask.

To use this feature, you must first update your iPhone and Apple Watch to iOS 14.5 or later and WatchOS 7.4 or later, respectively. After the update, items such as Face ID, password, and Apple Watch unlock are added in the iPhone settings. If you turn on the toggle switch in this menu, you can unlock the Apple Watch by wearing a mask.

In addition, there are several conditions to use this function. First, the Apple Watch must be within range of the iPhone and it must be attached to the arm. Anyone who takes it off while working and puts it next to the keyboard needs to be careful. You also need to lock the Apple Watch passcode and unlock the Apple Watch. This is to prevent someone from stealing your Apple Watch and unlocking your iPhone.

A notice is displayed when the function is activated. Specifically, if it looks like a mask, you can unlock it other than yourself. If you unlock it using this function, an alarm will be sent to the Apple Watch, so if it is unintentionally unlocked, you can lock it with the Apple Watch. In addition, after the function is activated, if the lock is unlocked with a normal Face ID other than the mask, the alarm does not come.

In addition, even if it is not a mask, it is judged that the mouth is covered with a hand as a mask. Conversely, if you hide the eye area, both Face ID and Apple Watch unlock will not be recognized. Of course, you may be concerned about authentication issues when unlocking the Apple Watch or paying for Apple Pay, but you can’t use it here. To the last, only unlocking the iPhone using the Apple Watch replaces Face ID. If you pay for something at the cashier, you’ll need to continue using your password or mask down to authenticate with Face ID. Related information can be found here.