Many iPhone users deal with Face ID acting strange. It works perfectly one moment. Then it suddenly fails again and again. This usually happens when your look changes or when you hold the phone at an odd angle.
Apple already has a setting made to fix this issue. Most people just do not know about it.
The feature is called Alternate Appearance. It lets Face ID scan your face a second time. This second scan is done under different conditions. Instead of using only one facial scan, Face ID compares two full scans. This helps it recognize you more easily in daily use.
This feature is not meant to let someone else unlock your phone. It is meant for you. It works best if your appearance changes often. Makeup, glasses, facial hair, or even how you usually hold your phone can affect Face ID.
Setting it up is simple. Open the Settings app. Go to Face ID and Passcode. Enter your passcode. You will see an option to add an alternate appearance.
Once you tap it, the setup looks familiar. You place your face in the frame and slowly move your head. The phone captures different angles. Apple suggests holding the phone about 25 to 30 centimeters from your face.
For best results, scan your face the way it usually looks when Face ID fails. Wear your glasses. Apply makeup. Hold the phone the way you normally do when it struggles to unlock.
There are a few other options to try as well. If you often wear a mask, iOS has a Face ID with Mask feature. It focuses on your eyes instead of your full face.
If Face ID still feels unreliable, Apple recommends resetting it completely and setting it up again from scratch.
The Alternate Appearance feature does not change how Face ID works behind the scenes. But for many users, it makes a big difference. It can turn Face ID from frustrating to reliable in everyday use.
