Face ID has been the default for Apple's smartphone security since its debut. However, if you'd like to share your iPhone with a partner, friend, or child, unlocking might be a little difficult. Luckily, just like Touch ID allows you to save multiple fingers, there is a way to allow another face to unlock your iPhone. We'll show you how to add another Face ID.

Why You'll Love This Tip

Learn how to add another Face ID to your iPhone to allow other family members or friends to unlock your device in case of emergency.
If someone is sharing an iPhone, they need to know how to add a second Face ID to the iPhone, so both users can use it.

How to Add a Second Face ID to Your iPhone

System Requirements

This tip was performed on an iPhone 17 running iOS 27 beta, which will be shipped universally in September 2026. Find out how to update to the latest version of iOS.

Before we get started, it is important to note that the Alternate Appearance option is a feature that is intended to allow one to still use Face ID and Apple Pay even while wearing glasses, sunglasses, facemasks, hats, etc. However, it is possible to use this feature to add the face of a partner, friend, or child so that they can unlock your phone. Now, here's how to add a second Face ID by adding an alternate appearance:

Open the Settings app, and select Face ID & Passcode. You will be prompted to enter your passcode to continue.
Tap Set Up an Alternate Appearance.
You may get a notification that you won't be able to use your alternate appearance to present ID. This is to prevent another person who may have access to your phone from trying to use your ID. Tap OK. If you don't see this notification, just skip to step 4.
Tap Get Started and follow the on-screen prompt to add a second face to Face ID.
If you don't see the Set Up an Alternate Appearance button, you may already have an alternate appearance saved. The only way to remove an alternate appearance and add a new one is to tap Reset Face ID. When resetting Face ID, you will need to set up your own face again before adding another Face ID.

That's how to add another Face ID to your iPhone. Once you have set up an Alternate Appearance for Face ID, the second person should have no problem using Face ID to unlock your device. This can be incredibly useful in the event of an emergency in which you are unable to unlock your phone yourself. Be aware that if you have locked any apps with Face ID, any other faces that you have saved to your alternate appearances will also be able to unlock them. Alternate faces will also be able to make purchases with Face ID.