Face ID

By Misty Dawn, 17 May, 2023

Forum
iOS and iPadOS

I was wondering if anyone had any tips and tricks to make Face ID easier and, indeed, more convenient for us blind folk to use. I understand that it probably will never compare to Touch ID, but I’d at least like to be able to get closer, if I can, to that level of accessibility, convenience and efficiency.

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Comments

By Wenwei on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 - 23:40

I have a kickstand on my phone, which makes it easier to hold the phone straight like I'm actually looking at it

By tripolice on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 - 23:40

As long as I am in a position to hold the phone with two hands from both sides, and slightly slanted towards my face, I get 99.99 per cent results.

By Holger Fiallo on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 - 23:40

Aurora. As I stated in the blind group list about face ID. I discover if you take a good scan of your face, face ID works very well. I had issues in the past with it in my iPhone x s, 11 pro max and 12 pro. This time with the 13 pro, I took my time and figure out a good way to scan my face. It took me 5 tries. I am fully blind and doing it is hard. However if you can see helps. I had not use my 6 numbers in several weeks. I use face ID walking, resting on the couch or in bed.

By Dominic on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 - 23:40

I tried on my iPhone 12, in 2020.
I got so frustrated.
I will never do that again.
And even if I have to use a six digit passcode for the rest of my life, that’s something I’m willing to do.

By Holger Fiallo on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 - 23:40

Jonathan Mosen did a podcast on it. Do not recall what number but he did a nice job. I mostly put the phone about 12 inches from my face. Use your nose as a point of reference. I do believe that having a good scan makes a big different. No issues with face ID working be it resting on the couch, bed or left or right side. For those who do not want it, maybe has more to do with issues with the scan. Yes I did ask Bella so if you do not want to hear do not read more. Bella did not help. I wonder if face ID could get her face as ID if I could get her to do so.

By Igna Triay on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 - 23:40

As long as you get your face scanned correctly, you should be good. When using face ID, try to hold your phone in front of your face, at a close range, about less than a arms length. Also, something that could help is the, require atention, is turned off in settings, accessibility. It should already be turned off by default if using voiceover, but double check. That should make face ID be a bit easier to use.

By Andy Lane on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 - 23:40

Hey Bella, indeed a good scan seems to be the key and a little secret is you can do 2 scans of the same face which I hear improves things. Start with the phone held about 12 - 16 inches from your face, directly in front of your nose then keeping your hand in the same place not rotating look up 3 - 4 inches then rotate clockwise slowly to let the scanner see your face from every possible angle. It will make a bleeping sound to tell you you’re going round the clock face. I think the key is to look up right down and left in a smooth circle, not too exaggerated but also letting the camera see every angle it would need to to recognise you from any angle the phone is at to your face. The rotation will take about 15 seconds and approximately 3 - 4 inches from centre seems to do really well. Then when you try to use Face ID you’ll notice that it’s unlocked usually even before you’ve had time to line it up with your face. It really is very good and versatile. It probably feels like a big change though. My experience was it was well worth while as it even works when my hands are wet which Touch ID wouldn’t. Honestly Face ID is that good that little details like that matter to differentiate the 2. Now Bellas face is in Holga’s phone It will ensure she’ll get lots of walks Whenever Holga needs to use Apple Pay. Lol. If that happens to help Dawn then I guess thats ok but obviously the advice was mainly for the cat.

By Holger Fiallo on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 - 23:40

Yes. I believe Jonathan describe it as face clock. Bella does not cooperate with scanning her face. Maybe a guide dog would be more helpful with face ID than a cat. People do the best scan you can, and you will not have so many issues with it not working. Like I stated, face ID is great and had not use my 6 number code for a long time. Makes a big big differents.

By Andy Lane on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 - 23:40

Now I’m imagining ways of getting a cat to do the face rotation clock face thing for Face ID. I wasn’t actually being serious to start with but I bet you could work some magic with a piece of salmon. Only downside might be all the amazon deliveries of cat Nip if Bella had access to your iPhone.

By Holger Fiallo on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 - 23:40

I do have an iPad so I suppose I could scan her paw?