There’s no question Face ID is a convenient feature of the iPhone. It’s a far more seamless experience than entering a passcode every time you want to pay for something or open your phone quickly. But there are situations where you may want more control over how your iPhone is unlocked.
Here’s how to turn off Face ID, and when and why it might make sense to do so.
- How to turn off Face ID
- How does Face ID work?
- Is Face ID safe?
- When to turn off Face ID
- What to use instead of Face ID
How to turn off Face ID
There are three main options for turning off Face ID on your iPhone — permanently, temporarily, or for specific functions.
How to turn off Face ID permanently (Reset Face ID)
1. On your iPhone, go to Settings.
2. Select Face ID & Passcode and enter your passcode.
3. Select Reset Face ID.
On iOS 17.3 and above, you may need to temporarily disable Stolen Device Protection in the same menu before you can reset Face ID.
How to turn off Face ID temporarily
1. Hold down the side button and either of the volume buttons for 2 seconds.
2. Tap Cancel or press the side button again.
Face ID will be disabled until you unlock your iPhone with your passcode.
How to turn off Face ID for specific functions
You can disable Face ID for certain functions or apps, such as unlocking your iPhone or contactless payments.
1. On your iPhone, go to Settings.
2. Select Face ID & Passcode and enter your passcode.
3. Under Use Face ID For, toggle off the functions and apps you don’t want to use Face ID with.
How does Face ID work?
Face ID uses Apple’s facial recognition technology to capture face data by creating a depth map and infrared image of your face. This data is transformed into a mathematical representation, which is then compared with your face every time you unlock your phone.
By default, Face ID only unlocks your phone if your eyes are open and your attention is directed towards the device, making it extremely difficult for someone to unlock your device if you’re asleep or unconscious.
Is Face ID safe?
When considering the safety and security of Face ID as a whole, here are some factors to keep in mind:
Biometric data: Apple stores biometric data locally on your device and encrypts it, which significantly reduces the risk of remote theft. However, some users prefer not to rely on biometric data at all, since unlike a password, they can’t be changed.
Technical security: For the average user, Face ID is often more secure than a passcode. People frequently reuse passwords, and passcodes can be observed by shoulder surfers in public places. Because of the complexity involved in Apple’s facial recognition technology, it’s not possible to trick Face ID with a print or digital image, nor will silicone masks work.
Legal considerations: Legal precedents vary by country and jurisdiction, but while passwords and passcodes are generally protected as testimonial evidence, courts have increasingly ruled that looking at a camera or touching your finger to a device is a physical act, not testimony. This means that although law enforcement generally can’t compel you to give them your password or passcode, they can potentially force you to use biometric data to unlock your devices.
When to turn off Face ID
There are specific situations where you should consider turning off Face ID. If you’re going somewhere where you have a higher chance of interacting with officials or law enforcement, you might want to ensure that your phone can’t be accessed without your explicit consent.
When traveling abroad. Turn off Face ID before going through customs, especially in countries where social media posts, some apps, or private communications might be treated as a red flag or even a crime. It’s much easier for officials to force you to look at your phone than to reveal your passcode.
When attending protests or sensitive events. Turn off Face ID before attending a protest; if your phone is seized by law enforcement, you’re more likely to be able to avoid opening it. You may also want to consider putting your phone in a Faraday bag to avoid inadvertently connecting to stingray devices(fereastră nouă).
If you’re a high-profile individual or in a high-risk profession. Activists, immigrants, journalists, and politicians are at higher risk of surveillance than the average person, and may want to avoid using Face ID or Touch ID on their phones and laptops. In January 2026, the FBI raided the residence of Washington Post journalist, Hannah Natanson. Their warrant(fereastră nouă) specifically authorized agents to force her to use biometrics — either by pressing her finger or holding the device in front of her face — to unlock her devices.
What to use instead of Face ID
For individuals who are aware they might be targeted by sophisticated cyber attacks, Lockdown Mode(fereastră nouă) is an option. Your phone is harder to use in this mode, and some features and apps may function differently, although calls and plain text messages will continue to work.
In general, the best Face ID alternative to lock access to your device and apps is to use a passcode and passkeys. A password manager like Proton Pass lets you store and autofill passwords, passkeys, and sensitive data with end-to-end encryption. It’s a simple way to keep all your accounts secure online — and you can try it for free today.
