How good is Face ID on the iPhone 17 Pro Max? Does it work with masks and sunglasses?

Watch This Product

Get an alert when the price drops or it comes back in stock.

Ask Agent About This Product

Face ID on the iPhone 17 Pro Max provides fast, secure biometric authentication that works in most conditions.

How Face ID Works

The TrueDepth camera creates a detailed 3D map of your face using an infrared flood illuminator, a dot projector with over 30,000 invisible dots, and an infrared camera. All data is processed and stored securely in the Secure Enclave on your device.

Security

Face ID has a 1 in 1,000,000 false acceptance rate, compared to 1 in 50,000 for Touch ID fingerprint sensors. The system adapts to gradual changes in your appearance and requires attention to verify you are actively looking at the phone.

Works With Sunglasses

Face ID works with most sunglasses, including many polarized lenses. If you have eyewear that consistently blocks Face ID, you can disable 'Require Attention for Face ID' in Settings to allow authentication without eye detection.

Works With Masks

Face ID can authenticate while you wear a mask by scanning unique features around your eyes.

To set up:

1. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode
2. Tap 'Set Up Face ID with a Mask'
3. Follow the on-screen prompts

Mask recognition works best when you also wear glasses, which provide additional reference points.

Performance in Various Conditions

Face ID works in complete darkness, bright sunlight, while wearing most sunglasses, while wearing a mask (if set up), when lying in bed at angles up to approximately 45 degrees, and with a wet face.

Face ID vs Fingerprint Sensors

Face ID advantages: Works with wet, dirty, or gloved hands. Generally faster in most conditions.

Fingerprint advantages: Works with the phone flat on a table. Does not require looking at the phone.

Face ID delivers reliable, secure authentication for daily use.