How to Remove a Face from Face ID on iPhone | Full Guide

Can You Remove a Second Face from Face ID?

If you’re searching for how to remove a face from Face ID, especially a second person’s face you added, the direct and crucial answer is: No, you cannot selectively remove just one face.

This is a fundamental design of Apple’s Face ID system. Whether you set up one primary face or added another through the “Set Up an Alternate Appearance” option, the iPhone stores this information as a single, secure facial model in its Secure Enclave. There is no menu to view and delete individual faces separately.

Therefore, the only way to remove someone else’s face from Face ID is to perform a complete Face ID reset. This action erases all stored facial data, after which you can set up Face ID again with only your own face.

Method 1. How to Fully Reset Face ID (When You Know Your Passcode)

If you have access to your device's passcode, this is the straightforward method to remove all facial data and start fresh.

Step 1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

Step 2. Tap Face ID & Passcode, and enter your device passcode to proceed.

Step 3. Tap Reset Face ID. This action immediately and permanently deletes all enrolled facial data- both primary and alternate.

Step 4. Return to the previous screen and tap Set Up Face ID to register only your face.

Note:✎...

After resetting, you will need to manually re-enable Face ID for specific functions like iPhone Unlock, Apple Pay, and app logins within the Settings menu.

Method 2. Remove Face ID by Erasing Your iPhone (If You Forgot the Passcode)

When you don’t know the device passcode, you cannot access the Settings. The only official path is a full device erase, which also removes Face ID.

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to a computer and open Finder (macOS) or iTunes (Windows).

Step 2. Force restart your iPhone to enter Recovery Mode (the button sequence varies by model).

Step 3. When prompted on the computer, choose Restore. This installs the latest iOS and completely erases the device and its settings.

Step 4. Set up your iPhone as new. You can now create a new passcode and set up Face ID from scratch.

Method 3. Use Dedicated Software for a Guided Reset (For Locked Devices)

For a more user-friendly and guided process to remove Face ID without a passcode, professional tools are an effective alternative, especially for managing second-hand or fully locked devices.

We recommend FoneTool Unlocker. It simplifies the technical process of removing a screen lock- the very barrier preventing you from resetting Face ID, with clear, step-by-step instructions.

Step 1. On PC, download FoneTool Unlocker, launch it, and select the “Remove iOS Screen Passcode” function.

Step 2. Follow the on-screen instructions, click Next, and enter Recovery Mode. The software will detect your device model.

Step 3. Download the firmware package as prompted.

Step 4. Click “Remove Now”.Once complete, you can set up your iPhone and configure a new Face ID.

★Important:

Both Method 2 and 3 perform a complete factory reset, erasing all your data, settings, and Face ID information. Use them only if you have an iPhone backup or have accepted the data loss.

Frequently Asked Questions on Face ID Removal

Summary

To remove a second face from Face ID, you must perform a complete reset. If you know your passcode, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Reset Face ID. If you’re locked out, you must erase the device via a computer or a dedicated tool like FoneTool Unlocker, which provides a streamlined process to remove the passcode lock, allowing you to set up a fresh and secure Face ID.