Face ID Not Working on iPhone? Here’s How to Fix It!

Face ID is central to the modern iPhone experience, enabling secure unlocks, payments, and on-device authentication with minimal friction. So when it stops working, the interruption is immediately noticeable. You might see Face ID disabled after a drop, inconsistent recognition in daily use, or setup failures that appear without warning. The underlying cause is usually easy to diagnose, and in most cases, you can restore Face ID at home without taking it to a service center.

This post details the most effective fixes and common scenarios that trigger Face ID issues, so you can get your iPhone back to its normal, seamless flow.

Why is Face ID Not Working on iPhone?

Face ID relies on a tightly integrated system of sensors, dot projection, infrared imaging, and machine-learning models. When any part of that chain is disrupted, Face ID stops working or becomes inconsistent. Common triggers include accidental obstruction of the TrueDepth camera, incorrect lighting conditions, or changes in your appearance that the system has not yet learned to recognize. Software glitches after updates, settings conflicts, or temporary lockouts can also interrupt Face ID.

Physical damage also plays a role. A drop that leaves no visible marks can still misalign components in the TrueDepth array, causing the system to disable Face ID entirely. Cases, screen protectors, and debris around the notch can also interfere.

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How to Fix Face ID Not Working on iPhone

I have listed the most effective methods for fixing Face ID on my iPhone. One of the fixes below should resolve the issue.

1. Restart Your iPhone

A quick restart can potentially resolve many issues on an iPhone. When you restart, all apps and processes will restart, fixing any minor glitches. Additionally, it is recommended to restart your device periodically.

To restart your iPhone,

1. Press and hold the Volume Up or Down and the Power Button simultaneously
   
2. Release the buttons when you see Slide to power off on the screen. Follow the instructions and power off your iPhone.
3. Now, wait for some time (15 seconds), and press and hold the Power Button to restart your iPhone.

2. Ensure Face ID Settings are Configured Correctly

Check your Face ID settings to confirm they’re correctly configured. If it’s failing with specific apps, it’s likely a setup issue. Do the following:

1. Go to Settings → Face ID & Passcode.
2. Enter your passcode.
3. If your Face ID is already set up, toggle on everything under the Use Face ID For section. If not, tap Set up Face ID, then follow the on-screen instructions.
   

3. Disable Face ID and Enable Again

You can restart Face ID by disabling and re-enabling it. This is almost like a power cycle. Go to Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Use Face ID → Disable iPhone Unlock.

Now, restart the iPhone and enable Face ID with the following steps: Open Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Use Face ID → Enable iPhone unlock.

Check whether the Face ID is working. If not, proceed to the next section.

4. Clean the TrueDepth Camera

When authenticating, ensure that your eyes, mouth, and nose are fully visible to the TrueDepth camera. Face ID cannot function if your mouth and nose are covered. The only exception is when you’ve set up Face ID with a face mask. If that’s the case, position your iPhone slightly higher or adjust your mask to ensure it doesn’t obstruct your eyes.

If you wear specs, you can also enhance your look with glasses. So, Face ID can seamlessly recognize you. However, sunglasses can interfere with functionality as they might block the infrared light the TrueDepth camera relies on to identify your facial features. If Face ID isn’t working with sunglasses on, try removing them.

Similarly, if you have other clothing or jewelry covering parts of your face, it may interfere with Face ID’s ability to recognize your face.

5. Ensure the Camera View isn’t Blocked

Your iPhone uses its front-facing TrueDepth camera for facial recognition. Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth to remove any gunk, dust, or grease from its surface. So the camera or sensor’s view is not obscured.

Thick screen protectors or heavy-duty cases can also obstruct the sensors. Try removing these accessories to see if Face ID is working correctly without them. If so, they’re likely interfering with Face ID’s ability to recognize your face.

6. Set Up an Alternate Face ID on the iPhone

With every facial recognition scan, Face ID learns your face and updates its representation as it changes. However, if your current appearance looks vastly different—say, you grew a beard or had it shaved—set up an alternate appearance so Face ID can still recognize you. To do so:

1. Go to the Settings app → Select Face ID & Passcode.
2. Enter your passcode.
3. Tap Set Up an Alternate Appearance. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
   

7. Reset Face ID

If Face ID is still not available, resetting it might help. However, doing so removes the face or faces you’ve saved.

1. Go to Settings → Face ID & Passcode.
2. Select Reset Face ID.
   
3. Tap Set up Face ID, then follow the instructions to re-enroll your face.
4. Tap Done once Face ID setup is complete.

Note: Your iPhone won’t ask for confirmation before deleting your saved faces, so tap Reset Face ID only when you’re sure you want to delete it. 

8. Check for Your iPhone Hardware Issues

If your TrueDepth camera encounters any issues, such as impact from a fall, exposure to liquid, or even a slight bump, it could disrupt Face ID functionality. You might even see the error “A problem was detected with the TrueDepth camera. Face ID has been disabled.” 

Similarly, if you’ve recently had your iPhone’s screen replaced or any repairs done by an unauthorized service provider, this can affect Face ID. Official repair processes require the new Face ID sensor to be authenticated with Apple’s servers. Using non-genuine iPhone parts may cause Face ID to stop working as intended.

Other Basic Fixes

Here are also several other basic fixes that you can try:

• Update your iOS: Apple frequently releases updates that address bugs, enhance security, and introduce new features. Outdated versions may cause Face ID to malfunction. To update, go to Settings → General → Software Update → If any new iOS version is available, tap Update Now.
• Reset All Settings: Consider resetting your iPhone’s settings if issues persist. Navigate to General → Transfer Or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset All Settings. This won’t delete any of your data or media.
• Contact Apple Support: If nothing works and Face ID still can’t recognize you, it’s time to reach out to Apple Support for expert assistance.

Wrapping Up…

We hope the guide above helped you resolve issues preventing Face ID from working. If a hardware issue is to blame, your best bet is to go to the nearest Genius Bar for repairs.

Please let us know which solution proved effective. Share it in the comment section below!

Read more:

• How to Make Face ID Faster on iPhone and iPad Pro
• Face ID vs. Touch ID: A comparative analysis