Got a new iPad Pro? Here’s how to set up Face ID!

To unlock the iPad Pro with biometrics, you need to set it up Face ID. You can set up, change, and customize Face ID at any time.

Ever since Apple got rid of the Home button and Touch ID on the best iPhone (since the iPhone X) and best iPad models (since the 2018 iPad Pro), it’s been replaced with Face ID. With Face ID, it’s a biometric facial identity scanner that allows you to unlock the iPad Pro, as well as iPhones that support it, such as the iPhone 12.

Face ID can also be used to get into apps that require some security measure before you can access it, such as password managers and notes. You can also use Face ID for authenticating your Apple Pay purchases, the App Store, and more. Here’s how to set up Face ID on iPad Pro, and any other Face ID supported device.

How to set up Face ID on iPad Pro

Setting up Face ID is similar to setting up Touch ID, except with your face! When you first set up your iPad Pro, you’ll be asked to set up Face ID, but you can do it at any time from the Settings app.

1. Launch the Settings app on your iPad Pro.

2. Tap Face ID & Passcode.

   

3. Enter your Passcode.

4. Tap Set Up Face ID.

   

5. Tap Get Started.
6. Position your face inside the circle.

7. Move your head, slowly, in a circle.

   

8. Tap Continue.
9. Move your head, slowly, in a second circle.

10. Tap Done.

    

How to turn off Required Attention for Face ID on iPad Pro

Required Attention means that Face ID won’t unlock your iPad Pro or authenticate any logins or purchases without you looking directly at your iPad Pro. If, for any reason, you can’t or don’t want to look directly at your iPad Pro to trigger Face ID, turn off Required Attention.

1. Launch the Settings app on your iPad Pro.

2. Tap Face ID & Passcode.

   

3. Enter your Passcode.
4. Toggle the Require Attention for Face ID switch off.

5. Tap OK to confirm that you want to turn off Require Attention for Face ID.

   

Should you change your mind about this setting, you can turn it on again by following the same steps as above.

How to turn on Attention Awareness for Face ID on iPad Pro

With or without Required Attention on, you can enable Attention Awareness, which checks for your direct attention before dimming the iPad Pro display or lowering the volume of alerts. This is better for both battery consumption and loud alerts when you’re right next to your iPad Pro.

1. Launch the Settings app on your iPad Pro.

2. Tap Face ID & Passcode.

   

3. Enter your Passcode.

4. Toggle the Attention Awareness Features switch on.

   

How to add a second person to Face ID on iPad Pro

Apple added the ability to set up an Alternative Appearance to devices with Face ID. It’s recommended for people that temporarily have a significantly different look and bone structure, like from surgery or another reason that might alter your appearance, like glasses or a new hairstyle. But you can also use it to set up a second person, like your significant other in case of emergencies, to unlock your iPad Pro with Face ID.

1. Launch the Settings app on your iPad Pro.

2. Tap Face ID & Passcode.

   

3. Enter your Passcode.

4. Tap Set up an Alternate Appearance.

   

Follow the instructions the same way you would to set up Face ID.

How to reset Face ID on iPad Pro

If Face ID stops working for some reason, like your face has changed enough that the scan doesn’t recognize you on the first try, you can reset Face ID at any time.

I should take a moment to explain that Face ID learns your appearance over time. So even if it’s a bit slow to learn at first, it will eventually recognize you when you’ve got puffy eyes from just waking up in the morning, as you grow older, when you’re resting your face on your hand, and even when you’re sneezing (I’ve tried it, it works). You should rarely have to reset Face ID.

1. Launch the Settings app on your iPad Pro.

2. Tap Face ID & Passcode.

   

3. Enter your Passcode.

4. Tap Reset Face ID.

   

Be warned that there is no confirmation before you reset Face ID. So if you do this by accident, you’ll need to get it set up again, and have the iPad or iPhone relearn your face over time. Seriously, why is there still no confirmation before you wipe out your Face ID?

Questions about Face ID on iPad Pro?

As you can see, Face ID has been around since 2017 with the iPhone X, so here at iMore, we’re pretty familiar with how it works and the things that it can do. If you have more questions about setting up Face ID on an iPad Pro or iPhone, let us know in the comments.