Why Face ID doesn’t always work with sunglasses—and how to fix it

Face ID® is a fast and secure way to unlock your iPhone®, pay with Apple Pay®, and sign in to apps. But if you wear sunglasses, you may have noticed that your phone doesn’t always recognize your face. So what’s going on—and can you fix it?

Asurion Experts help our millions of customers protect and unlock all of the features of their favorite gadgets. Here’s our guide to how to use Face ID with sunglasses.

Does Face ID work with sunglasses?

It usually does—but not always. Whether or not it works depends on how your sunglasses interact with Face ID’s infrared sensors.

How Face ID detects your face

To understand why sunglasses might interfere, it helps to know how Face ID works.

Face ID uses a TrueDepth® camera to scan your face with infrared light and project thousands of tiny dots to map your features. It works in low light, with hats, and even if your hairstyle changes.

When sunglasses can interfere

So what happens when Face ID doesn’t recognize you? In some cases, your sunglasses might be the reason.

Some sunglasses block infrared light or hide your eyes too much, which can cause Face ID to fail—especially if the Require Attention setting is turned on. That setting makes sure you’re looking at your screen before unlocking, which improves security but can cause problems with certain sunglasses.

How to use Face ID with sunglasses

If Face ID isn’t recognizing you while wearing shades, there are a few ways to improve its performance.

Check your Face ID settings

Start by making sure Face ID is set up properly:

1. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
2. Enter your passcode.
3. Make sure Face ID is turned on for iPhone Unlock and other features you use.

If everything is set up correctly but still not working, try the next steps.

Try removing Attention Detection

Turning off the Require Attention for Face ID setting can help:

1. Open Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
2. Enter your passcode.
3. Turn off Require Attention for Face ID.

This lets Face ID unlock your phone even if your eyes are hidden behind dark lenses. Just remember, turning this setting off may reduce security slightly.

Make sure your sunglasses are not too dark

Face ID works best with sunglasses that allow infrared light through. If yours block that light—or are polarized or mirrored—they may cause issues. Try unlocking your phone with your sunglasses off first. If it works right away, your glasses could be the problem.

What to do if Face ID still doesn’t work

If you’ve checked your settings and Face ID still isn’t unlocking your phone with sunglasses on, there are other options to try.

Set up an alternate appearance

If you wear sunglasses often, try setting up an alternate appearance:

1. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
2. Tap Set Up an Alternate Appearance. Follow the steps while wearing your sunglasses.

This helps your iPhone learn to recognize you with and without sunglasses.

Try unlocking without sunglasses first

Sometimes Face ID improves the more you use it. If you unlock your phone a few times without sunglasses, it may get better at recognizing you when you put them back on.

Use your passcode as a backup

If Face ID fails, your iPhone will ask for your passcode. It’s a good idea to memorize it just in case your phone doesn’t recognize your face.

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FAQ

Does Face ID work with all sunglasses?

No. Some sunglasses block the infrared light Face ID uses to detect your eyes, especially if the lenses are too dark or polarized.

Why won’t Face ID recognize me with sunglasses on?

Your sunglasses may be blocking Face ID’s sensors or your eyes may be too hidden. Try turning off Require Attention or setting up an alternate appearance.

Can Face ID work with regular glasses?

Yes. Face ID is designed to work with most prescription glasses and reading glasses. If you’re having trouble, try setting up an alternate appearance or adjusting the Require Attention setting.

Can I turn off Attention Detection for Face ID?

Yes. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode, and turn off Require Attention for Face ID.

What’s the best way to fix Face ID issues?

Try removing Require Attention, using lighter sunglasses, or setting up an alternate appearance. If nothing works, visit a repair expert.

Will Face ID work with a mask on?

If you have an iPhone 12 or newer running iOS 15.4 or later, you can turn on Face ID with a Mask:

1. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
2. Turn on Face ID with a Mask and follow the prompts.