Tired of your iPhone unlocking every time it sees your face? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. It’s pretty straightforward to disable Face ID on your iPhone, and I’ll show you how to do it in a few easy steps. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the info you need to keep your iPhone locked until you decide to unlock it manually.
You can also check out this video about how to disable Face ID unlocking on an iPhone for more on this topic.
iOS 17: How to Stop Unlocking iPhone with Face ID Tutorial
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to understand what we’re doing here. We’re going to change a setting on your iPhone that tells it not to use Face ID for unlocking. It’s a simple process, and once you’ve done it, you’ll need to use your passcode to unlock your iPhone instead.
Step 1: Open Settings
Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
The Settings app is where you can tweak and change all sorts of options on your iPhone. It’s the go-to place for adjustments.
Step 2: Access Face ID & Passcode
Tap on “Face ID & Passcode” in the Settings menu.
You might need to enter your passcode to access these settings. It’s just an extra layer of security to make sure it’s really you making the changes.
Step 3: Disable iPhone Unlock
Switch off the toggle next to “iPhone Unlock.”
When you turn off this setting, your iPhone won’t use Face ID to unlock anymore. Instead, you’ll need to type in your passcode.
After completing these steps, your iPhone will no longer unlock with Face ID. Instead, you’ll need to enter your passcode every time. This might be a bit more time-consuming, but it gives you control over when your iPhone unlocks.
Tips for iOS 17: How to Stop Unlocking iPhone with Face ID
- Make sure you remember your passcode, as you’ll be using it a lot more once Face ID is turned off.
- Consider changing the setting for Apple Pay and password autofill if you also want to stop using Face ID for those features.
- Keep in mind that Face ID is more secure than a passcode, so weigh your options before disabling it.
- If you’re wearing a mask or something that changes your appearance significantly, Face ID might not work anyway, so having a passcode is handy.
- You can always re-enable Face ID for unlocking your iPhone by following the same steps and switching the toggle back on.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enable Face ID again?
To enable Face ID, go back into your “Face ID & Passcode” settings and turn the “iPhone Unlock” toggle back on.
Turning Face ID back on is as easy as disabling it, so don’t sweat it if you change your mind later.
What if I forget my passcode?
If you forget your passcode, you might need to reset your iPhone, which can lead to data loss if you haven’t backed up.
To avoid this, make sure your passcode is something you’ll remember or write it down and keep it safe.
Can I still use Face ID for other things if I disable it for unlocking?
Yes, you can still use Face ID for other features like Apple Pay and password autofill even if you disable it for unlocking.
Just make sure those settings are still turned on in the “Face ID & Passcode” section.
Is there a way to temporarily disable Face ID?
Yes, you can quickly disable Face ID by pressing and holding the side button and either volume button simultaneously for two seconds.
This is a handy trick if you’re in a situation where you don’t want Face ID to work temporarily.
Can someone else unlock my iPhone with Face ID?
Face ID uses advanced technology to create a detailed map of your face, so it’s very unlikely someone else could unlock your iPhone with their face.
However, identical twins or siblings with very similar features might be able to fool it, so keep that in mind if you have a doppelgänger running around.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Access Face ID & Passcode
- Disable iPhone Unlock
Conclusion
Disabling Face ID on your iPhone is a simple process that gives you more control over your device’s security. While Face ID is a convenient feature, there are times when you might not want your iPhone to unlock automatically with just a glance. Whether you’re concerned about privacy, security, or just prefer the old-fashioned way of typing in a passcode, the steps provided in this article will help you achieve that.
Remember that while Face ID is a cutting-edge technology, it’s not infallible. There may be circumstances where it’s not the best option for you. Disabling it doesn’t mean you can’t use it for other things like authorizing purchases or autofilling passwords, so you can still enjoy the benefits of the technology without compromising your preferences on unlocking your phone.
It’s important to be aware of the trade-offs and to choose the settings that work best for you and your lifestyle. Keep your passcode safe and secure, and remember that you can always switch back to Face ID unlocking if you change your mind. With iOS 17, you have the power to customize your iPhone’s security settings to your liking. So go ahead, make the changes that suit you, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having control over how and when your iPhone unlocks.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.