Tips to Make Face ID Work Every Time on the iPhone X

With the flood of iPhone X first impressions, we're getting a good idea of how good Face ID really is. Can the technology really justify the removal of the Home button we've come to know and love? Short answer; for the most part. But there are things to keep in mind if you want Face ID to unlock your iPhone X every time.

1.Disable Attention Detection

"Attention Detection" is a specific iPhone X setting that prevents Face ID from unlocking your iPhone until you face it directly. The setting needs your full face — eyes included — in order to unlock your device.

While first impressions show Face ID is relatively consistent, at least in certain conditions, this setting may occasionally give you some grief. Disabling it allows your phone to unlock even when you aren't looking directly at it, decreasing the chance of failure.

2.Your Face Should Stand Out

Face ID works best when your face is the only thing to focus on. The TrueDepth camera system sends 30,000 light beams onto your face to identify you before unlocking your iPhone X. This works well where there is a greater contrast between your face and your surroundings, such as being indoors or even in the dark. When your face can be the focus, you'll find the most success.

Where you might run into trouble is outside in bright sunlight or in buildings with certain lighting conditions, where the camera will have trouble differentiating you from the surrounding objects or lighting.

3.Be Still

Face ID's 30,000 IR light beams work best when they are hitting a stationary target. If you're on the move, it's going to be harder for the system to recognize your face, and, as such, it might take multiple attempts to get your iPhone X unlocked.

For optimal results, don't move — early reviewers claim Face ID feels as fast as Touch ID, so you won't have to stop for long.

4.Avoid the Shades

Sunglasses and Face ID might not make the best pair. Some sunglasses seem to work fine with Face ID, however, if you have a particularly dark pair, you might be stopping those IR light beams from "seeing" your eyes, which will result in a lockout.

Consider pushing up your shades for a second while unlocking your iPhone — you can resume being cool directly afterward.