Face masks are essential these days but, they make using Face ID to unlock your iPhone impossible, until now.

If you're like me, you've missed the convenience of using Apple's Face ID on your iPhone this past year, since the feature doesn't work if the user is wearing a face mask. Now, with iOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4, you can unlock your iPhone using your Apple Watch while keeping your face mask on!
We've already gone over how to open your Apple Watch with your iPhone, how to lock and unlock an Apple Watch with a Water Lock, and how to unlock your iPad or iPhone if it's disabled. For more tips about how to unlock your Apple devices, check out our free Tip of the Day. Now, let's learn how to use your Apple Watch to open your iPhone while keeping your mask on.
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What You Need to Get Started
- An iPhone X or later with Face ID updated to iOS 14.5 (currently beta software)
- An Apple Watch Series 3 or later updated to watchOS7.4 (currently beta software)
- Your Apple Watch must be on your wrist, have a passcode, be unlocked, and be near your iPhone.
How to Enable Your Apple Watch to Unlock Your iPhone
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Face ID & Passcode.
- Enter your iPhone's passcode.
- Toggle on Unlock with Apple Watch.
How It Works
Wearing your face mask over mouth and nose, attempt to unlock your iPhone with your Apple Watch. Your iPhone will ask for your passcode. After this, you won't need to enter your passcode again, and when you use your Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone, you'll hear a click from your watch and see a notification that your Apple Watch has unlocked your iPhone.

You'll need to re-enter your iPhone passcode when you put it back on in the morning, and if you take your watch off during the day.