Face ID makes unlocking an iPhone quick, but there are good reasons to stop using it. You may prefer entering a passcode, want to remove another person’s facial enrollment, or need to prevent facial unlocking for a short period. The right method depends on whether you want to erase your stored face data or simply turn off a feature.
This post shows you how to remove Face ID on iPhone. Let’s read on!
1. How to Remove Face ID on iPhone in 3 Scenarios
How to remove Face ID on iPhone depends on your goal: erase enrolled faces, disable one function, or require a passcode for the next unlock.
Turn Face ID Off Completely
The most thorough way to remove Face ID on iPhone is Reset Face ID. It clears enrolled facial data (not your photos, messages, or apps).
- Open Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
- Enter your current iPhone passcode.
- Tap Reset Face ID.
- Leave Face ID disabled, or select Set Up Face ID later to enroll again.
Now you know how to remove a Face ID on iPhone without resetting the entire device. The steps are generally the same across models. For example, how to remove Face ID on iPhone 13: Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Reset Face ID.
But what happens after you reset Face ID? Both the primary and alternate facial appearances are deleted, while your device passcode remains active. Face ID will not unlock the phone or authorize supported actions unless you re-enroll.
Turn Off Face ID Without Resetting It
A reversible way to remove Face ID on iPhone is to turn off facial unlocking while keeping the saved enrollment.
- Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and enter your passcode.
- Under Use Face ID For, turn off iPhone Unlock.
- Keep or disable other options, such as Wallet & Apple Pay or Password AutoFill, according to your preferences.
Your iPhone now requires a passcode to unlock, although Face ID can still work for options you left on. Re-enable iPhone Unlock anytime. No new face scan is needed.
Disable Face ID Temporarily
For immediate privacy, to remove Face ID temporarily, you’ll need a passcode at the next unlock.
- Hold the Side button and either Volume button together for about two seconds.
- Once the power-off and emergency sliders appear, press the Side button to lock the phone. Do not activate a slider.
- Enter your passcode the next time you unlock the iPhone.
When does Face ID become available again? It automatically resumes after that successful passcode unlock. This shortcut is not how to remove Face ID on iPhone permanently, because no enrollment or settings are deleted.
>>> Read more: How to Lock Photos on iPhone With Face ID within Just 3 Steps?
2. What If You Can’t Reset or Remove Face ID?
If the usual instructions for removing Face ID on iPhone don’t work, check for security restrictions.
Stolen Device Protection May Add Extra Requirements
Stolen Device Protection can require successful Face ID authentication and a one-hour security delay before adding or removing facial enrollment. These safeguards normally apply away from familiar locations, or everywhere if Always is selected.
Review Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Stolen Device Protection. Knowing the passcode may not be sufficient. If facial authentication fails and you’re blocked, contact Apple Support.
When Face ID Settings Are Restricted
Screen Time can prevent changes to Face ID.
If you administer the device, check Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allow Changes To > Passcode & Face ID and select Allow, when permitted. The path can vary with iOS and family settings.
Managed-device policies can affect removing Face ID. Inspect Settings > General > VPN & Device Management and ask your administrator about restrictions.
Also, Accessibility > Face ID & Attention adjusts attention behavior, not stored facial enrollment. That distinction matters when following any instruction on how to remove Face ID on iPhone.
3. Can You Remove Someone Else’s Face From Your iPhone?
Yes, but removing Face ID when another person has access means resetting every enrolled appearance. Unlike a multi-user login, Face ID provides no control for deleting just one face.
Face ID supports a primary enrollment and an optional alternate appearance. To learn how to remove second Face ID on iPhone, reset Face ID and enroll only the person who should have access.
- Open Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
- Enter your passcode and tap Reset Face ID.
- Select Set Up Face ID to register your face again, if you still want facial unlocking.
- If another person knows your passcode, select Change Passcode and choose a private replacement.
Resetting clears both appearances. After changing your passcode, consider Expire Previous Passcode Now where available, so the old code cannot be used during Apple’s temporary recovery window.
4. What Changes When You Stop Using Face ID?
Once you know how to remove Face ID on iPhone, three everyday changes are worth knowing:
- Unlocking: The passcode becomes your primary unlock method.
- Payments and apps: Apple Pay may accept your passcode, while some apps require passwords or other authentication. Stolen Device Protection may still mandate biometrics for sensitive actions.
- Normal use: Calls, photos, messages, and browsing continue to work.
The steps to remove Face ID and the passcode on iPhone are different. To disable the passcode as well, use Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Turn Passcode Off, provided the option is available and allowed. This reduces device security and may disable passcode-dependent features.
Before removing Face ID and passcode on iPhone, remember that Face ID requires a passcode. Keeping a strong passcode is safer than disabling both.
>>> Read more: How to Turn Off Lock Screen iPhone and Remove the Passcode
5. FAQs
Can I use my iPhone without Face ID?
Yes. You can unlock it with a passcode and use most features normally. Removing Face ID on iPhone without deleting facial data is simple: disable iPhone Unlock instead of resetting enrollment.
Can an iPhone have two different Face IDs?
An iPhone supports one primary face enrollment and an alternate appearance. The alternate can recognize another person, but Face ID is not a multi-user account system.
How to remove second Face ID on iPhone?
Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Reset Face ID, then enroll only your own face if desired. Both appearances are cleared together. You cannot selectively delete the second one.
Can twins unlock each other’s Face ID?
Possibly. Apple estimates that the probability of a random person falsely matching Face ID is less than 1 in 1,000,000 with one enrolled appearance, but the likelihood is higher for twins, similar-looking siblings, and children under 13.
Face ID with a Mask raises that likelihood further for those groups.
Can I turn off Face ID for Apple Pay but keep it for unlocking?
Yes. In Settings > Face ID & Passcode, turn off Wallet & Apple Pay and leave iPhone Unlock on. Apple Pay can use a passcode where supported.
Can someone set up Face ID again if they know my passcode?
Usually, yes, if they have physical access. Stolen Device Protection can add biometric checks and a security delay, making the passcode alone insufficient. Change your passcode if another person knows it.
6. Conclusion
How to remove Face ID on iPhone comes down to three options: Reset Face ID to erase saved appearances, disable iPhone Unlock to stop facial unlocking without losing enrollment, or use Side + Volume for a one-time passcode requirement. Keep your passcode secure, especially when someone else previously had access. None of these methods requires erasing the entire iPhone.
Find more practical advice for your phone, service, and everyday connectivity on the AirTalk Wireless blog.