Face ID allows you to quickly unlock your iPhone, authenticate downloaded files, make purchases and much more. These solutions can be used to fix Face ID problems or if it isn’t working.
If your iPhone Face ID is not working correctly or if it stops working at all, you can follow these troubleshooting tips to fix it. These solutions are applicable to all iPhone models that have Face ID, such as the iPhone 13, 11, XR and XS.
1. Make sure to check the Face ID Settings
It’s a good idea to do some basic checks before you go to the fixes. This is how you can make sure that Face ID is correctly set up.
- Go to iPhone Setting > Passcode.
- If you see Reset Facial ID it means that you have already created Face ID. If not, please follow the prompts and set it up immediately.
- Ensure that iPhone Unlock and iTunes & Apple Store, Wallet & Apple Pay and Password Automated Fill are available.
2. For third-party apps, check Face ID Permission
Face ID may be used to authenticate third-party apps such as instant messaging, payment, and third-party banking. You will need to enter your iPhone passcode every time you want to use Face ID if you have denied Face ID permission in the past.
Here are the steps to make sure Face ID is enabled on a third-party iPhone App:
- Scroll down to the bottom of Settings, and you will see third-party apps.
- Tap the app.
- Make sure that the toggle for Facial ID is turned on.
You can also view the complete list by going to Setting > Facial ID & Passcode Other Apps.
3. Make sure the Face ID Sensors are clean and free from obstructions
To ensure that your iPhone’s Face ID sensor works properly, wipe the top of the device with a soft, dry cloth. Face ID can fail or malfunction if you keep the phone on your ear too long.
Consider removing any thick or rugged screen protectors that are covering the Face ID sensors.
4. Be sure to not block your face
Face ID will not work if you are wearing a mask, veil or other type of clothing. Face ID will work smoothly if you don’t cover your face with any object. If you are required to wear a mask or veil at certain places, you will need to enter the iPhone passcode manually unless you have an Apple Watch.
Face ID can also get confused if you are in a crowd, such as a bus or a stadium. To ensure that Face ID can accurately scan your face in these situations, it is important to properly hold the iPhone.
5. Make sure you are using your iPhone correctly
Face ID on an iPhone only works if it is held in portrait orientation. It works on an iPad in portrait or landscape mode.
Face ID will not work if you’re asleep. Instead, turn the phone on while it’s landscape mode. It is important to hold the phone correctly.
Don’t place the iPhone too close or too far from your face. Keep it at a distance that is comfortable from your face.
6. Restart your iPhone
Restarting your iPhone is one of the best ways to fix Face ID problems. There are two steps to restart your iPhone. First, turn off your iPhone. The second step is to turn it on again after a few minutes. After you have done this, all Face ID components should now work properly.
7. Upgrading Your iPhone
Software updates are a way for Apple to fix known bugs and other issues. The problem could be deeper than that. Update your iPhone to the most recent iOS.
8. Create an alternate appearance
Face ID can be set up to create an alternate appearance. This is useful if you have glasses, facial hair, or have altered your appearance. Here are the steps:
- Open iPhone Settings, and tap FaceID & Passcode. Use the device passcode to authenticate.
- To add an extra appearance, tap Create an Alternate Appearance.
9. Reset Face ID, and Set it Up Again
Resetting Face ID will fix problems with Face ID or if it fails to set up properly. This will erase the currently enrolled face and will require you to set it back up again.
Reset Face ID on iPhone
- Go to Setting > Passcode Reset Facial ID.
- Restart your iPhone.
- You can go to Settings > Passcode and repeat the setup.
10. Reset All Settings
All personal data, including photos, videos and music, is not deleted when you reset your iPhone’s settings. All settings that you have changed or added to your iPhone, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, Home Screen layouts, VPN and Keyboard settings are deleted and reset to default.
Resetting your device settings may be helpful if Face ID stops working or suddenly stops working.
Go to Settings > General > Reset or Transfer iPhone > Reset > All Settings. After the process is completed, you can set up Face ID once again. It should now work flawlessly.
11. Factory Reset Your iPhone
If none of these solutions work, the factory resets your iPhone. You will lose all data including settings and apps. Back up your iPhone before you do this.
After the reset is complete, you can either set up your iPhone to be a new device or recover it from a computer or an iCloud backup.
12. Apple will take care of your repairs
Have you had your iPhone’s screen replaced recently? Did you have it repaired at an unauthorized service center for a hardware problem? Face ID won’t work on your iPhone unless it is repaired at an Apple Store or authorized service center.
13. Contact Apple Support
You may have experienced physical problems with your iPhone’s Face ID sensors if you dropped it on a hard surface. It may not be available, crash on the setup screen or stop working altogether.
All iPhones equipped with Face ID (iPhone X or later) are waterproof up to a certain extent. If the iPhone is submerged for an extended period of time, Face ID might not work.
Contact Apple Support if your situation falls into one of the above categories and request a store visit.
Your iPhone’s FaceID should be working perfectly now
The above solutions would have solved the Face ID problem if it wasn’t hardware related. The iPhone experience will be better and more convenient once it works.
Face ID is extremely secure and provides a convenient experience. You can make things even safer by following a few simple steps.
