Can I use Face ID for Apple Wallet?

Yes, you can use Face ID to authenticate Apple Wallet purchases and payments on supported iPhone and iPad models. Apple Wallet allows you to store credit cards, store cards, tickets, passes, and keys, and you can use Face ID as a quick and secure way to access these items.

How Does Face ID Work with Apple Wallet?

Face ID is powered by the TrueDepth camera system found on newer iPhone and iPad Pro models. It uses advanced technologies like dot projector, infrared camera, and flood illuminator to capture and analyze over 30,000 invisible dots projected onto your face. This creates a depth map and infrared image of your face to authenticate your identity each time you glance at your device.

When setting up Face ID, the TrueDepth camera scans your face to create a mathematical model that is stored securely in the device’s secure enclave. Your facial information is not accessible by Apple or any third parties. Each time you attempt to access Apple Wallet, Face ID compares a fresh image of your face to this stored mathematical model to verify it’s really you.

Compatible Devices

Here are the iPhone and iPad models compatible with Face ID and Apple Wallet as of October 2022:

So if you have one of these iPhones or iPad Pros, you can set up and use Face ID with Apple Wallet. Older models like iPhone 8 and below rely on Touch ID instead.

Setting Up Face ID

Setting up Face ID is quick and easy:

1. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode on your compatible iPhone or iPad.

2. Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your face. Move your head slowly in a circle to capture all angles.

3. Tap Continue and follow prompts to set up Face ID permissions, passcode, and other options.

Once set up, Face ID automatically works with Apple Wallet. You’ll just need to glance at your device to authenticate when paying with a credit card or accessing a transit pass.

Using Face ID with Apple Wallet

Here are examples of how you can use Face ID with Apple Wallet:

Paying with Credit Cards

– Add your credit or debit cards to Apple Wallet on your iPhone or iPad.

– When checking out, double-click the side button and glance at the screen to authenticate with Face ID.

– Hold your iPhone or iPad near the payment terminal to complete the purchase using Apple Pay. Face ID helps ensure only you can make payments.

Boarding Flights and Entering Events

– Add your boarding pass to Apple Wallet when checking in for a flight.

– At airport security, glance at your iPhone or iPad to bring up your boarding pass. Face ID will verify it’s you.

– Do the same when scanning your phone at the gate to board your flight.

– Face ID also works with event tickets, building access cards, and hotel room keys added to Apple Wallet. Glance and authenticate to get through.

Accessing App Privacy Features

– When paying with Apple Pay inside apps and websites, double-click then glance to use Face ID. This helps keep payment info private without having to manually sign in.

– Face ID also secures authentication through Apple’s Private Relay and Hide My Email features, keeping your personal info private.

Benefits of Using Face ID with Apple Wallet

There are several benefits to using Face ID with Apple Wallet:

– Convenience – With just a quick glance, Face ID provides fast and easy access to cards and passes in Wallet. There’s no need to enter passwords or pin codes.

– Security – Face ID uses advanced biometrics to help prevent unauthorized access to your Wallet items and payment methods. It’s much more secure than simple passwords.

– Privacy – Your facial biometric data stays private and is never accessed by Apple or third parties. Face ID also enables enhanced privacy features like app login and private relay.

– Accessibility – Face ID works hands-free, so it’s simple for people with disabilities to use Apple Wallet. Vision impairments can also be accommodated.

– Integration – Face ID works seamlessly with Wallet and Apple Pay across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS for a unified experience.

For these reasons, Face ID provides the most convenient, private, and accessible way to unlock the full potential of Apple Wallet on your Apple devices.

Considerations When Using Face ID

While Face ID makes using Apple Wallet a breeze, keep a few things in mind:

– Face ID requires you to be actively looking at your device to authenticate. This makes payments at terminals that don’t accept mobile pay a bit tricky.

– Face ID won’t work if your face is partially obscured by masks, sunglasses, scarves, etc. You may need to temporarily disable it.

– Twins and other people who look alike may be able to fool Face ID in rare cases. Extra passcode security is still encouraged.

– Face ID sensors can have issues with certain lighting conditions. Have a backup passcode ready just in case.

– Unlike Touch ID, Face ID only works when your iPhone or iPad is awake and you’re looking at the screen. This impacts some use cases.

– For extra security, you can require Face ID authentication immediately after your device wakes up or after a certain time period.

Face ID Alternatives for Apple Wallet

If Face ID isn’t practical for you, Apple Wallet supports these alternative authentication methods:

Touch ID

– Use your fingerprint to unlock Apple Wallet on older iPhone and iPad models with a Home button. Still very fast and secure.

Passcode

– Set a standard 6-digit passcode to unlock your Wallet items whenever Face ID is not available.

iPhone Unlock

– You can skip Face ID and simply unlock your iPhone first, then immediately access Wallet. Provides less security overall.

Apple Watch

– Use your Apple Watch with Wallet to make payments without needing Face ID on your iPhone nearby. Ultra-convenient.

Express Transit Cards

– Transit cards can optionally skip Face ID for fast access at transit readers. The trade-off is less security for your virtual passes.

So in summary, while Face ID is the preferred biometric authentication method for Apple Wallet, you have workable alternatives depending on your priorities and individual needs.

Conclusion

Face ID delivers seamless, secure, and private access to all your Apple Wallet items on supported iPhone and iPad models. With just a quick glance, you can pay with credit cards, access transit passes, use tickets and keys, and unlock enhanced privacy features.

While no authentication is perfect, Face ID strikes a great balance of convenience, security and privacy for accessing Apple Wallet. Just be aware of its limitations in certain situations when shopping, traveling or attending events. With a robust passcode backup in place, you can tap into the many benefits of Face ID while keeping your Wallet secure.