Face ID is Apple’s newest biometric authentication system. It replaces the previous Touch ID system which was integrated into the Home button. On the new iPhone X, Face ID is designed to work seamlessly. Just pick the phone up at an angle where you’re looking at it and the device will authenticate and unlock automatically.
While this might help you shave a couple of seconds every time you use your iPhone X (which is a good amount of time-saving), it is also a privacy issue. Apple has promised that there’s only one in a million chance someone other than you can unlock your iPhone X using Face ID (except if you have an evil twin).
Thankfully, just like you can disable Touch ID on your iPhone 8 before going through customs or when you’re in a new country, there’s a quick way to disable Face ID on the iPhone X. Once it’s disabled, you won’t be able to unlock your device until you enter the passcode.
How to Temporarily Disable Face ID
Just press the Volume Up + Volume Down + Side button at the same time to disable Face ID. You need to press three buttons at the same time but this can be done in one swell swoop by gripping the top half of the iPhone X, and squeezing the top of the device. This tip comes directly from Craig Federighi.
This method is especially useful when you feel like you’re in a situation where someone can forcefully authenticate your iPhone using Face ID. Before that happens, just grip your iPhone X from the top and press all buttons at once. You can even do this when your iPhone is still in your pocket or your purse.
Temporarily Disable Face ID on iPhone X using Emergency SOS Method
The iPhone 8’s Emergency SOS method should work on the iPhone X as well. If you have the Emergency SOS feature enabled (you should), quickly press the Side button 5 times and the page for Emergency SOS and Medical ID will show up. Tap on Cancel here and Face ID should be disabled.
What Do You Think of Face ID?
What are your thoughts on Apple’s newest biometric authentication system? Do you think it will surpass Touch ID when it comes to ease of use and adoption? Or is face authentication a bit too creepy? Share with us in the comments below.
