Why is my phone requiring a passcode for Face ID?

The passcode is needed as a backup in case Face ID fails. If for some reason your Face ID isn't working, the passcode is the way to access your phone. Also, remember that the data on your phone is encrypted with the passcode, adding a level of security that Face ID alone can’t provide.

Face ID requires a passcode, so it’s not something you can bypass. It's really there for your security to ensure you can always access your phone in case something goes wrong.

You can’t set up Face ID without having a passcode. It acts as a security measure in situations where Face ID might not work, like if you’re wearing a mask or if your phone has been restarted. When you first set up Face ID, it asked you to create a passcode for these reasons. Removing it means you wouldn’t have another way to unlock your phone if needed.

If you’re using Face ID with Apple Wallet, you can’t get rid of the passcode. It's designed this way to keep your sensitive information secure, especially for banking and payment apps.