As society begins to re-integrate, one of the most common things you will be wanting to do is unlock your phone. But how do you perform this simple function safely in a COVID world? If you wear face masks and/or gloves are you going to have issues? Thankfully there are options to keep yourself and others safe while using your phones (Apple or Android).

iPhones[1]:

Some of you may have heard of iPhone’s new ability to recognise your face while still wearing your face mask, this is a very good feature and we will aim to answer the most common questions:

• Is it safe?
  • This is just as safe as a passcode/PIN on your device
• What iOS version do I need?
  • You will need iOS version 15.4 to take advantage of this feature
    • Currently supported iPhones: 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro Max, 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max.
  • Where do I go to activate this?
    • In your Settings menu, go to ‘Face ID & Passcode’ and enter your current passcode, you will see there is an option to enable ‘Use Face ID with Mask’ – enable this and then follow the on-screen instructions

Note: This also works when you are wearing your glasses!

 Android[2]:

Android phones are certainly more varied in capabilities, there are still options that may be available to you. These options should help reduce the amount of times you need to remove your mask, they include:

• Using a wearable as a trusted device
  • The phone will unlock when you’re nearby and the devices are ‘talking’ over Bluetooth
• Using an Iris scanner
  • You will be able to use your eyes for this, it’s mainly on Samsung S8 – S9 ranges but is very useful and quick
• Ultrasonic fingerprint scanner
  • If you have one of the later Samsung devices that has the ‘Under screen fingerprint sensor’.
• Enable on-body detection
  • This can be enabled in the settings menu, it will detect that it has been on your body since it was last unlocked and should not ask you for a PIN or password (although you may need to enter your PIN/Password once before you put the phone in your pocket)
    • This option is a good one if you do not have a wearable device

[1] source: Unlock Your iPhone While Wearing a Mask Using Face ID. Here’s How (cnet.com)

[2] Source: Unlock Your iPhone While Wearing a Mask Using Face ID. Here’s How (cnet.com)

Windows Hello:

For those who have started using ‘Windows Hello’ for authentication into their personal device, Microsoft have not yet included the ability to authenticate a user wearing a mask.  This is however in their roadmap for a future release.

Note:

As always, you should ensure you keep yourself safe and adhere to University of New England advice which can be located here: https://www.une.edu.au/staff-current/people-and-culture/health-and-wellbeing/wellbeing-during-covid-19