Best Ways to Fix iPhone Face ID Not Working

Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 3 years to help people solve problems relating to Android, iOS, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, etc.) and previously worked with GearBest in that capacity.

Arshmeet has been a tech tinkerer since childhood, but she realized her love for technology and writing about 5 years ago. Since then, she has been honing her skills and helping people figure out how things work, troubleshoot problems, choose the right app and products, and dig deep into the new and old concepts of technology. She is a self-professed Apple Enthusiast who loves debating what’s good and what’s not. It is her passion for finding techniques, hacks, apps, and products that make everyday life simpler.

A flagship feature since the iPhone X, Apple’s Face ID makes tasks like unlocking your iPhone,locking applications like WhatsApp, autofill passwords, andauthorizing paymentsmore convenient. However, like any technology, Face ID isn’t impervious to issues. If your iPhone Face ID is not working properly and instead prompts you to enter the passcode, this comprehensive guide can help you out.

We’re gonna delve into the potential reasons behind the issue. And not just that but also provide step-by-step solutions to get your Face ID up and running again. So, follow along!

Note: If you’re facing an issue with Face ID in Landscape Mode, check outthis guide.

Why Is My Face ID Not Working

For security and privacy reasons, Apple sometimes blocks Face ID temporarily. So maybe your Face ID is not active due to one of the following reasons.

However, once you unlock your iPhone via a passcode or password, it should run smoothly. If not, check if the following conditions are met.

Basic Checks When Your iPhone Face ID is Not Working

Quick Fixes for iPhone Face Recognition Not Working

Apple’s Face ID uses a sophisticated facial recognition system that employs a combination of hardware and software components to function seamlessly. And a glitch or error in their functioning can stop your Face ID from working.

1. Restart iPhone

If it is a minor glitch in some setting or the sensor is stuck or if the Face ID not working after an update, a quick restart should resolve the issue. To do so, simply press and hold either the up or down volume button and the side button simultaneously until the power-off slider appears.

Slide the ‘slide to power off’ to turn off the iPhone and then restart the iPhone via the side button after around 30 secs.

2. Disable and Enable Face ID

Next up, reset the Face ID settings by first turning the feature off and then enabling it. Go to Settings → ‘Face ID & Passcode’ → Enter your Passcode to proceed. Here, toggle off all features used with Face ID, i.e.,

After a few seconds, turn on the toggle next to these settings. Hopefully, this should fix your iPhone face recognition not working.

3. Update iOS to the Latest Version

If there’s an iOS update available for your iPhone, installing the update could help fix any software-related problems or complications causing Face ID not to work.

Launch your iPhone’s Settings → General → Software Update → if available, tap Download and Install.

4. Try Adding an Alternative Face ID

If you’re having trouble with Face ID when using glasses or wearing a mask, it’s wiser to add an alternative Face ID to ensure smooth operation. To do so, go to Settings → ‘Face ID & Passcode’ and Enter your Passcode.

Here, select the ‘Set Up an Alternative Appearance’ option → tap Get Started. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the Face ID with the relevant accessory (glass, mask, piercing, etc.)

5. Reset Face ID on Your iPhone

If nothing is going your way, we’ll have to take this highway (pun intended). While this means you will have to set up the feature from scratch, it should help rid any issue causing your phone’s Face ID not to work. Follow the steps below to reset Face ID on the iPhone.

Go to Settings → ‘Face ID & Passcode’ → Enter your Passcode → scroll down and tap Reset Face ID. The current Face ID will be wiped instantly, along with any alternative Face ID you might have set up.

To set up Face ID on your iPhone, tap ‘Set Up Face ID’ → Get Started and follow the onscreen instructions. You can add an alternative Face ID if needed.

6. Reset All Settings

If your iPhone’s Face ID still doesn’t work after trying all the troubleshooting tips above, it’s time to reset all settings on your iPhone. However, doing so will reset all your saved settings such as network preferences, keyboard dictionary, location settings, etc., so proceed with caution.

Go to Settings → General → ‘Transfer or Reset iPhone’ → Reset.

Next, select Reset All Settings → enter your password if prompted.

7. Contact Apple Support

We’ve done almost everything we could, however, if the Face ID is still not working on iPhone, it might be due to some hardware-related issue. And for that, we should contact the experts on the matter, i.e., contact Apple Support or visit Apple Store to get the issue resolved.

FAQs About Face ID Stopped Working On iPhone

While most screen protectors are designed to support Face ID’s functionality, some privacy protectors can mistakenly obstruct the TrueDepth camera’s view of your face. If you’re Face ID stopped working after installing the screen protector, remove it and check once.

Although designed to remove bugs, sometimes, iOS updates can introduce new bugs that conflict with Face ID’s functionality. You can either go back to the previous update or wait for Apple to release the patch for it (the tech giant usually takes quick action).

Yes, you can set up an alternative appearance for Face ID recognition. This can be helpful if your primary appearance isn’t consistently recognized, or if you want to allow another person to unlock your phone using Face ID.

Yes, you can choose to disable Face ID and rely solely on a passcode or password for unlocking your iPhone. This can be done through Settings → ‘Face ID & Passcode’ → Reset Face ID.

Get Back to Face ID-Ing

Along with quickly unlocking your iPhone, Face ID can help you save time and secure your data and apps. Hope we could help you fix the Face ID not working on your iPhone issue. If you have any further questions or suggestions, feel free to hit the comment section.

Was this helpful?

Last updated on 14 August, 2023

The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.

More in iOS

What to Do When Safari Doesn’t Ask to Save Password on iOS

How to Use iMessage Without a SIM or Phone Number

JOIN THE NEWSLETTER

Get Guiding Tech articles delivered to your inbox.

© 2024 Guiding Tech Media. All Rights Reserved.