The Sensor Array Vector
Modern iPhones equipped with Face ID utilize the TrueDepth camera system to constantly monitor your eyes, even when you aren’t actively unlocking the device. This feature, known as Attention Aware, allows the phone to dynamically lower the volume of your alarm clock if it sees you looking at the screen, or prevent the display from dimming while you are reading. However, this means the infrared camera array is constantly scanning your face, which consumes battery life and raises privacy concerns for some users.
How to Turn Off Attention Aware Features
You can instruct the iPhone to completely disable this passive facial tracking, forcing the device to rely solely on your physical touch interactions.
1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on Face ID & Passcode.
3. The operating system will immediately demand your PIN code to access this highly secure area. Enter it.
4. Scroll down until you locate the section specifically concerning attention.
5. Find the toggle switch labelled Attention Aware Features.
6. Tap the toggle to switch it to the Off position (the switch will turn grey).
Your iPhone will immediately cease all passive facial scanning. Your alarms will now ring at maximum volume until you physically dismiss them, and your screen will strictly obey the auto-lock timer in your display settings, regardless of whether you are looking at the device or not.