Wearing a mask has been common around the world thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic, with masks having been a requirement in many indoor locations for months. It might seem like Apple has taken slightly too long to come up with a solution to one of the biggest frustrations of the pandemic: having to use your pin to unlock your iPhone 18 Pro Max if you are wearing a mask.

When you turn on Face ID with a Mask, Face ID analyzes the unique characteristics around your eyes, and it works with all of the Face ID options you turn on in Settings > Face ID & Passcode.

We’ll explain how that works below.

How to use the Face ID with a Mask setting

Go to:

1. Settings > Face ID & Passcode
2. Enter your passcode.
3. You will then see some options including Face ID with a Mask – turn it on.

After switching the features on, you will be prompted to go through the Face ID setup process again. To do this position your face in the middle of the circle shown and slowly rotate your head to fill the indicators on the circle.

The iPhone will also do another scan of your face that uses more data points from the eye area and the upper part of the face and ignoring the lower part that a mask would cover.

You don’t have to wear a mask during this scan, but the scanner will assume you have one on.

There is also an option to Add Glasses (which will be handy for spectacle wearers!)

Apple points out that Face ID is more accurate if the settings are disabled.

How to unlock iPhone with Apple Watch

If you have an Apple Watch, there is a solution if you don’t want to have to enter your passcode every time you need to unlock your iPhone 18 Pro Max while wearing a mask.

The Unlock with Apple Watch option means you can unlock your iPhone while wearing a mask. The only requirement is that you will need an Apple Watch running watchOS 7.4 or later.

What you will need

• To use the unlock iPhone with Apple Watch feature you will, obviously, need an Apple Watch. That watch needs to be running watchOS 7.4.
• The Apple Watch needs to be on your wrist and unlocked.
• In addition you will need to have a passcode enabled on your iPhone (if you haven’t got a passcode go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Turn Passcode On).
• You also need to have Wrist Detection turned on.

How to use Apple Watch to unlock an iPhone

You need to turn on the Unlock with Apple Watch feature on your iPhone.

1. Open Settings
2. Face ID & Passcode
3. Enter your passcode
4. Scroll down, then turn on Apple Watch (below Unlock with Apple Watch).

If your Watch isn’t up to date you will see a warning “Software Update Required”.

Now, as long as your Watch is on your wrist and unlocked when you attempt to unlock your iPhone with Face ID, and your iPhone detects that you have a mask on, it will unlock automatically.

A message will appear on your Watch to alert you to the fact that your iPhone is unlocked and indicating that you can lock it again.

This is a great feature as long as you have a Watch. There are a few other disadvantages though. If you were hoping this would mean you wouldn’t have to enter your passcode to use Apple Pay in shops you will be disappointed: this method will unlock your iPhone but there are some limitations to what you can do with it in that state – and one thing you can’t do is pay using Apple Pay. Of course if you are wearing a Watch the sensible thing would be to pay using Apple Pay on your Watch.

When you have unlocked your iPhone this way you also won’t be able to access apps that should be securely unlocked, such as your banking app. In that case you will need to use Face ID unmasked or enter your passcode.

These disadvantages are obviously advantages from a security standpoint. It will mean that someone who wasn’t you couldn’t gain access to your finances.

Apple implements a few other security features for this service. For example the Face ID does actually still scan your eye area and your iPhone and Watch need to be close together. And of course you also get a tap and see that message on your Watch allowing you to lock your iPhone again.

Note: It’s not necessary to use Apple Watch to unlock iPhone when you’re wearing a face mask.

How to turn off Face ID

One option is to simply turn off Face ID as a means to unlock your iPhone.

1. Go to Settings
2. Face ID & Passcode
3. Enter your Passcode
4. Now you can deselect the sliders beside the options for iPhone Unlock etc.

Now your iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max will require a passcode every time you need to unlock it or identify yourself for Apple Pay and so on.

How to set iPhone to unlock with a mask on

Here we will share some tricks that will allow you to set up facial recognition on your iPhone so that it recognises you even with your face half covered by a mask. Before we run through the steps please note that we had to try this several times until we were able to set up reliable face recognition, but it is possible.

Method 1:

1. Fold your face mask in the middle and attach the two eyelets to the ear, hold the mask with one hand in your face so that it covers it exactly in the middle.
2. On your iPhone go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and enter your passcode.
3. Select the Set Up an Alternate Appearance option. (If you have already set up an alternate appearance you won’t have this option. You will need to reset your Face ID and set it up again.)
4. You will be invited to set up Face ID. You may see a warning that your face is covered, but in our experience after a couple of tries this message will disappear.
5. Follow the steps on screen to allow the TrueDepth camera to take its measurements and the circle appears guiding you to rotate your face in a circle.
6. Wait while it takes the first scan of your face.
7. Before the TrueDepth camera starts its second scans remove the mask and cover the other side of your face.
8. Once the second scan is completed you should be able to unlock your iPhone 18 Pro Max while wearing a face mask.

Method 2:

If it doesn’t work for you our tip is to reset your Face ID and start again, but this time create your first Face ID scan while holding the mask on one side of your face.

Then create the Alternate Appearance option while holding the mask on the other side of your face.

When we used the second method – which involved creating our Face ID from scratch while covering our face on one side and then covering our face on the other side to do an Alternate Option – we found that Face ID was capable of unlocking our iPhone while we were wearing a mask.

When we used the first method – just creating the Alternate Appearance option with a mask – we found it to be less accurate. It tended to work if the tip of the nose was visible – if the nose was completely covered we found it to be unreliable.

This tip was originally identified by students in the Tencent Xuanwu Lab.

If Face ID malfunctions or stops working correctly, you won’t be able to unlock your iPhone 18 Pro Max, authorize Apple Pay transactions, autofill passwords, approve downloads, or sign in to apps with a gaze.

If you can’t set up Face ID or the facial recognition feature stops working randomly, becomes unavailable, won’t recognize your face anymore, or prompts you to enter a passcode instead, our troubleshooting tips will help you fix it.

When Does Face ID Become Unavailable?

Before going straight to the fixes, Face ID will temporarily stop working on your iPhone 18 Pro Max in these situations:

• After five unsuccessful facial scans.
• You just turned on or restarted the device.
• The device wasn’t unlocked in more than 48 hours.
• You initiated the shutdown or Emergency SOS screen.
• The device was put in Lost Mode via the Find My app.
• The passcode hasn’t been used to unlock the device in the last six and a half days and Face ID hasn’t unlocked the device in the last 4 hours.

And now, let’s check out our Face ID fixes.

1. Check Your Face ID Settings

As the first order of business, check if Face ID has been set up and configured correctly:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap on Face ID & Passcode.
3. If you see the Reset Face ID option, Face ID is already set up on this device. Otherwise, choose Set up Face ID and follow the instructions.

   

4. With Face ID set up, turn on iPhone Unlock, iTunes & App Store, Contactless & Payments, Password AutoFill, and Other Apps underneath Use Face ID For.

2. Allow Face ID in Third-Party Apps

Your favorite third-party apps for banking, payment, instant messaging, etc., might use Face ID for login authentication. If you denied an app permission to use Face ID in the past, however, you’ll be prompted to enter your device’s passcode each time instead.

Here’s how to turn on Face ID for a compatible third-party app:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap on Face ID & Passcode.
3. At the bottom of the Use Face ID For section, touch Other Apps.
4. Ensure the switch for the concerned app, like WhatsApp, is set to ON.

Alternatively, tap the desired app in the root list of the Settings app (like Settings > Apps > WhatsApp) and verify whether Face ID has been switched on.

3. Clean the TrueDepth Camera Sensor

Over time, the TrueDepth camera lens could become dirty or greasy. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the sensor array at the top so nothing obscures it. On iPhone 18 Pro models, the TrueDepth camera is at the top of the device towards the left corner. Some rugged cases and thick screen protectors may slightly cover the sensors, throwing Face ID off, so consider removing them.

4. Avoid Blocking Your Face

For Face ID to perform smoothly, the TrueDepth camera needs a clear view of your eyes, nose, and mouth, so avoid obscuring this area with a veil or similar clothing. If you’ve set up Face ID with a mask, ensure your eyes aren’t blocked when using the feature.

“You might need to hold your iPhone higher or to try moving your iPhone higher and closer if you’re wearing a face mask,” Apple notes. Thankfully, Apple Watch owners can unlock an iPhone with their Apple Watch while wearing a mask.

5. Try Using Face ID Without Sunglasses

Face ID uses infrared light invisible to the human eye. Apple designed the feature to work with hats, scarves, glasses, contact lenses, and many sunglasses. Unfortunately, most polarized sunglasses and lenses interfere with infrared light. If your device doesn’t unlock with Face ID while wearing a pair of shades, take them off and try again.

6. Hold Your iPhone Correctly

To use Face ID properly, hold your iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max at a comfortable distance, not too far away or close to your face. Face ID works best at arm’s length or closer (10-20 inches or 25–50 centimeters). If you cover or obstruct the Face ID sensors with something like your finger, you’ll see a “Camera covered” message with an arrow pointing at the TrueDepth camera.

Face ID works in both portrait and landscape. As for the Face ID with a mask feature, it only works in portrait mode, as per Apple’s website.

7. Restart Your iPhone 18 Pro Max

A restart is the most basic fix for any issue. It involves two steps. Firstly, turn off your iPhone in Settings > General > Shut Down. And secondly, wait about a minute before turning the device back on. Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.

The Face ID components that stopped functioning should now work perfectly. But for security reasons, you must enter your passcode to re-enable Face ID after a restart.

8. Update iOS to the Latest Version

Apple regularly updates iOS to fix bugs, patch vulnerabilities, and improve its software. If Face ID doesn’t work, the problem may be at a deeper software level. In that case, update your iPhone 18 Pro Max to the latest version of iOS by heading over to Settings > General > Software Update.

9. Set Up an Alternate Appearance

Setting up an additional Face ID appearance may help the facial recognition feature perform better, especially if you wear glasses or have facial hair that grows fast.

Follow these steps to set up an alternate Face ID appearance:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone 18 Pro Max.
2. Choose Face ID & Passcode from the root list.
3. Choose the Set Up an Alternate Appearance option, then follow the onscreen prompts.

Face ID continuously learns and updates its mathematical representation of your face as your appearance changes and evolves. But if you suddenly look vastly different (i.e., after shaving a full beard), configuring an alternate appearance will ensure Face ID still recognizes you.

10. Reset Face ID

If you still need help, reset Face ID, then set it up again. Go to Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode, then tap Reset Face ID. Next tap Set up Face ID to set it up again.

Face ID is a fast and secure way to unlock your iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max, but you may not know that you can actually set up more than one face to use the feature.

This second face could belong to a loved one, enabling your partner or child to access your phone without requiring your smiling mug to unlock it. But it could also be a slightly different version of yourself: you with a beard, say, or sunglasses – but sadly not the must-have fashion accessory that broke on to the scene in 2020, the face mask.

Here’s how to set up an alternate appearance on Face ID.

Can I use a face mask for one of my Face ID appearances?

You can use Face ID to unlock your phone while you wear a face mask (or other covering that blocks your mouth and nose). Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode, then turn on Face ID with a Mask.

How to set up an alternative appearance in iPhone 18 Pro Max

Setting up facial recognition for a second appearance or person is pretty much the same process as when you originally configured Face ID. Here are the steps you need to take.

1. Open Settings and select Face ID & Passcode.
2. Enter your passcode.
3. Tap Set Up an Alternate Appearance.
4. Read the instructions, then tap Get Started.

   

5. Scan your face as normal, or have your partner scan theirs.
6. When the first scan is complete, tap Continue.
7. Scan your face a second time, then tap Done to complete the process.

Summary

• The “SIM not provisioned” error occurs when your SIM card is no longer able to share information between your iPhone 18 Pro Max and your provider.
• The “SIM not provisioned for voice” error means you cannot make voice calls. This is usually caused by your line becoming disconnected from your carrier account.
• Toggling airplane mode, reinserting the SIM card, and updating carrier settings on your phone are usually effective in fixing this error.

Does your iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max show the “SIM not provisioned MM2” error suddenly or right after inserting a new SIM? Don’t fret; here’s what the error message means and what you can do to fix it for good.

What Does “SIM Not Provisioned” Mean?

The “SIM not provisioned” error typically indicates that your phone is unable to communicate with your carrier’s network. This particular error can occur for several reasons. If it’s a new SIM card, the carrier may not have activated it yet. If you recently switched phones or reinserted the SIM, it might not be seated correctly. This error can also appear if there’s a problem with your carrier’s server or your SIM is blocked.

If your phone displays the “SIM not provisioned for voice” error, it means you cannot make voice calls. The most common reason for this is that your line has become disconnected from your carrier account.

If you’re using a dual-SIM phone, this error may specify a number, such as “SIM 1 not provisioned” or “SIM 2 not provisioned.” Similarly, you might encounter an “eSIM not provisioned” error if you switched from a physical SIM to an eSIM that hasn’t been activated yet.

1. Enable and Disable Airplane Mode

One of the simplest ways to fix the “SIM not provisioned MM2” error is to toggle airplane mode on and off. This temporarily disables the mobile network and the internet, allowing your phone to reset its connections and potentially resolve the issue.

Head to Settings and use the Airplane Mode toggle to enable and disable it.

Wait for your phone to make a fresh connection with the mobile network. If all goes well, the “SIM not provisioned MM2” error should no longer appear.

2. Restart Your iPhone 18 Pro Max

It may seem unlikely, but simply turning your phone off and back on can sometimes resolve the “SIM not provisioned” error. Hence, it’s worth a try. Simultaneously press and hold the side button and either volume button until the sliders appear, then drag the Power Off slider. Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.

Once your phone turns back on, check if the issue is resolved.

3. Correctly Insert the SIM Card

This step applies only to iPhone 18 Pro Max models with a SIM tray. Models sold in the US, Canada, Japan, Mexico and a few other countries use eSIM only, so if you have one of those, skip to the next step.

Have you recently switched to a new phone or reinserted the SIM card? If so, it’s possible that the SIM card isn’t seated properly, which could be causing the error.

Power off your phone and use a SIM ejector tool to remove the SIM card. Insert the tool into the small hole next to the SIM tray to eject it. Once the SIM card is out, blow on it gently and wipe it with a lint-free cloth to remove any dust or debris.

Carefully reseat the cleaned SIM card in the tray, ensuring it’s positioned correctly. The angled corner determines the correct orientation. After reinserting the SIM, turn your phone back on and check if you still get the “SIM not provisioned” error.

4. Activate Your SIM Card

In most cases, your carrier should activate the SIM card within 24 hours of it being inserted into a new phone. However, if this doesn’t happen, there are usually three options available to enable activation:

• Call an automated number.
• Send an SMS.
• Log in to the activation page on the carrier’s website.

All of these options are quick and straightforward, but their success depends on whether your carrier supports them. Once you activate the SIM, the error should disappear.

If your SIM was already active, there’s a chance that the problem lies with the SIM card itself. In that case, your best option is to get a new SIM from your carrier. You could call your network for assistance, but you’ll probably find it quicker to visit the carrier’s outlet in person.

5. Update Carrier Settings

You can check for carrier settings updates by heading to Settings > General > About. If an update is available, you’ll see a “Carrier Settings Update” prompt. Tap Update to begin the installation.

6. Contact Your Carrier or Network Provider

If nothing else works, you can consider contacting your carrier’s customer support team. Explain the error message and the steps you’ve taken so far to them. They should be able to guide you through the steps to identify any issues with your device, location, or account and suggest solutions for fixing the underlying problem.

Your phone’s primary function is to help you communicate with the world. However, errors like the “SIM not provisioned MM2” can sometimes interfere with that and cause problems. Fortunately, it’s nothing you can’t fix with the steps mentioned above.

Bluetooth is an indispensable part of any modern iPhone. The short-range wireless protocol allows an iPhone to communicate with a wide variety of different accessories—everything from the Apple Watch to wireless headphones and more.

But just like with any other modern technology, Bluetooth isn’t perfect. For whatever reason, you may have issues with a connection. Let’s take a look at some iPhone 18 Pro Max Bluetooth pairing tips and solutions when your connection isn’t working.

How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to iPhone

Bluetooth headphones are a great way to enjoy music without the hassle of wires or dongles. They are especially useful when working out.

Before using most Bluetooth headphones, you need to pair them with your iPhone. The first step is to place the headphones into pairing mode. How to do that varies by model, so check the instruction manual if you’re not sure. Once in pairing mode, open Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone.

From there, scroll down to the bottom of the page and find the Other Devices section. Tap the name of the headphones to complete the process. The headphones will move up into the My Devices section, which shows if a device has a current connection to your iPhone.

Pairing is a one-time process and you won’t have to do it again unless you change devices or specifically remove the device from the paired list.

Fortunately, with any model of Apple’s AirPods, you won’t need to go through this process. Just follow the on-screen instructions to follow the simplified pairing process.

How to Connect iPhone to Car Bluetooth

The process to connect a car entertainment system to your iPhone is similar. Make sure to start the pairing process on the car system first, which will vary based on model.

Then head to your phone’s Bluetooth settings as described above and select the car stereo. Many times, when pairing to car Bluetooth, you may need to enter or confirm a 4-digit code on the screen of the entertainment system. That’s an extra security precaution.

How to Change Bluetooth Name on iPhone

If you have many Bluetooth devices, changing the name of the accessories to something more recognizable can be a big help. Just note that only some accessories allow a name change.

The first step to changing a Bluetooth device name is making sure the device is powered on and paired with your iPhone. Then head to Settings > Bluetooth.

Select the More Info button at the far right of the device’s name. Scroll down to the Name section and enter a custom name.

It’s also possible to change the name of your iPhone that appears on other Bluetooth devices, like a car entertainment system. That comes in handy to minimize confusion when there are multiple iPhones paired to one system. Go to the Settings > General > About and then select Name to customize.

iPhone 18 Pro Max Bluetooth Not Working: Troubleshooting Tips

Bluetooth technology is mature and usually works well. But chances are you’ll have a hiccup eventually.

Here are some steps to fix a problematic iPhone Bluetooth connection.

1. Update iOS Software

Keeping your iPhone software up-to-date is important for a number of reasons. It’s vital for security and adds all the latest iOS features to your iPhone. If you’re having Bluetooth issues, the first place to head is Settings > General > Software Update.

You’ll either be prompted to update or see that your iPhone is using the most recent iOS software available.

2. Toggle Your iPhone Bluetooth and Restart iPhone

The next step for solving Bluetooth issues is to toggle your iPhone’s Bluetooth connection and then hard restart it. For Bluetooth, go to Settings > Bluetooth and then disable the switch at the top of the page. An even faster way is to simply say “Hey Siri, turn off Bluetooth.” Apple’s virtual assistant will take care of the rest.

Then you can hard restart your iPhone. Press and quickly release the volume up button. Press and quickly release the volume down button. Press and hold the side button. When the Apple logo appears, release the side button.

3. Disconnect From a Bluetooth Device

Another step to try is disconnecting and reconnecting to a problematic Bluetooth device. Once again, head to Settings > Bluetooth. Tap the More Info button next to the specific Bluetooth device and then choose Disconnect.

After that, it’s best to turn off the Bluetooth device and then turn it back on to see if it will reconnect.

4. Forget a Device and Pair Again

If that doesn’t help, a more advanced fix is to have your iPhone completely forget the Bluetooth device and then go through the pairing process once again.

In the Settings > Bluetooth menu, tap the More Info button next to the device. On the next page, choose Forget This Device. Tap Forget Device to confirm. Then go through the pairing process with the Bluetooth device again.

5. Try to Pair the Bluetooth Device to Another iPhone

A good way to determine whether your Bluetooth issue lies with the iPhone or the accessory is trying to pair the device to another iPhone. If that isn’t successful, it’s safe to assume that the issue lies with the Bluetooth device instead of your phone.

6. Reset Network Settings

If you suffer from continued Bluetooth issues, you can also try to reset network settings. Just to note, before taking this step, along with completely wiping all Bluetooth information on your iPhone, this will erase other network settings including known Wi-Fi networks and VPN configurations.

To start, select Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset. On that page, select Reset Network Settings and enter your passcode. Your iPhone will automatically turn off and restart. After that, try to pair a Bluetooth device once more.

7. Restore as a New iPhone

A final step to take is restoring your device, which is essentially a factory reset of your iPhone. This will erase all content and settings to restore your iPhone like it was out of the box.

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone and choose Erase All Content and Settings. Your iPhone passcode is required to start the process. Make sure you’ve backed up any important information to iCloud.

8. Time to Call Apple

If these steps don’t help your iPhone 18 Pro Max Bluetooth issues, it’s time to call Apple to discuss repair options.

If your device is within the usual one-year warranty period, or you’ve purchased AppleCare+, a fix should cost little to nothing. A great way to contact Apple for tech support is the Apple Support app.

The situation is murkier with an older device that is no longer covered by warranty, as a repair from Apple could be costly. Another option is a third-party repair center. Many times, they offer less expensive repairs for a variety of issues, including Bluetooth problems.

Wireless Bliss With iPhone Bluetooth

While it’s never fun to troubleshoot, hopefully these tips and tricks will help get your iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max Bluetooth connection back to working condition.

Smartphones like iPhones are designed to be an all-in-one device for your needs, even if those needs relate to the iPhone itself. So if you need help with your iPhone 18 Pro Max, you don’t need to go searching the internet for a solution, just open the Apple Support app instead.

Discover what the Apple Support app is below and how it can help you with your iPhone woes.

What Is the Apple Support App?

Apple Support is a dedicated app that provides all the support you might need for your Apple devices. If you need to download the Apple Support app, find it in the App Store.

The app lists all the devices registered to your Apple Account and keeps a record of your model, warranty, and OS for each of them. This can be beneficial for people who need to check their iOS version.

The devices you own are listed at the top, under My Devices.

You’ll also see personalized content based on the devices you own to make it easier to find the support you need. The app offers a wide range of guides on how to use various features and instructions on how to troubleshoot common problems.

How to Get Help With the Apple Support App on Your iPhone 18 Pro Max

You can use the Apple Support to help you with concerns like resetting your Apple Account password, fixing Bluetooth issues, or troubleshooting connectivity concerns. Open the Apple Support app, tap on your iPhone, and select from the listed topics.

If you find it difficult to find a helpful article for your concern, the app allows you to explain your problems in your own words. Just tap Describe Your Issue, then type your concern. It will list articles based on keywords from your description.

If you still can’t find the article you need to help resolve your issue, you can chat or call an Apple technician. Most topics give you the option to contact Support. You should see a Message or Call option under Contact.

When you tap Call, you’ll be asked to select a schedule by which an Apple technician will contact you. If you choose Message, you’ll be redirected to Messages, where you can instantly chat with an Apple technician.

Schedule a Repair

Apple Support might ask you to go in for a repair. This is often the case if your concern is related to hardware or if your software issues persist even after following the relevant instructions.

To schedule a repair:

1. Select the topic that best describes your issue, then tap Find Authorized Locations.
2. You might be asked to select your carrier from the available options.
3. Tap Allow Location Access to turn on Location Services for the app so that it can find your location and suggest nearby service providers. Alternatively, you can type a location in the search bar.
4. Select a provider from the list.
5. Select a schedule and a time, then tap Reserve.

Seek Support for Your Apple Subscriptions

The Apple Support app also shows your Apple subscriptions for services like Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple Arcade, and iCloud. You can find articles on common issues and concerns about the services.

You can also update your payment method for any of these services. Just tap Update Payment Method, then follow the onscreen instructions to change your preferred payment method.

Get Instant Help for Your iPhone

It’s frustrating when you can’t use your iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max because of technical issues. Save yourself time and stress by using the Apple Support app to quickly find a helpful article or immediately connect with an Apple technician to fix it.