Why Has My Face Id Stopped Working

Every recent iPhone, except the iPhone SE, and some iPads use Face ID as the biometric authentication option instead of a fingerprint scanner. It’s easy to set up Face ID on your iPhone or iPad, and you can use it to unlock your phone, sign in to apps, confirm Apple Pay transactions, autofill passwords, and more. Face ID is a quick and convenient security step on your device, but only when it works. Some users face problems with Face ID not working, but there are ways to solve the issue. If Face ID isn’t working on your iPhone or iPad, here’s what you can try to fix it.

Why is my Apple Face ID not working?

Unless your iPhone or iPad has physical damage from an accidental bump or drop, Face ID not working is likely because of a software issue. If it is physical damage, your only option is to send the device in for repair. If your Face ID isn’t working, you’ll see error messages like “Face ID not available” or “Face ID has been disabled.” Other signs to look for include needing multiple attempts to unlock your phone and if you see a prompt to enter a passcode.

There are a few instances where the device may disable Face ID. The feature will stop working after five unsuccessful scans. You may need to enter your passcode if you’ve just turned on or restarted the device or if the device hasn’t been unlocked in more than 48 hours. Face ID will also not work if you’re on the Emergency SOS screen or if you’ve entered the device into Lost mode using the Find My app.

However, Face ID may also not work if there is an issue with the settings, something is blocking the TrueDepth camera, if you’re wearing a mask, the software isn’t updated, and general software bugs and glitches. There are some quick troubleshooting steps you can try which should fix the problem if it is a software issue.

Check Face ID settings

There might be an issue with the Face ID settings, especially if it isn’t working with third-party applications. Go to Settings > Face ID and passcode and ensure that Face ID is enabled for the available features. You can enable Face ID to unlock the device and for Apple services like iTunes, the App Store, Wallet, Apple Pay, and Password Autofill.

If you’re having problems using Face ID with third-party apps, go to Settings > Face ID and passcode > Other apps and toggle on the apps you want to use with Face ID.

Ensure that nothing is blocking the TrueDepth camera

Your iPhone or iPad uses the front-facing TrueDepth camera for Face ID. You might have to clean smudges and debris from the screen and stop it from blocking the camera. A shattered screen, scratched screen protector, and some thick and ultra-rugged iPhone cases might also block a part of the sensor and impact Face ID functionality. You will get a “camera covered” error message if the device detects something blocking the TrueDepth camera.

Avoid blocking your face

Face ID is designed for full-face recognition and works best with an unblocked view of your eyes, nose, and mouth. There shouldn’t be a problem using Face ID while wearing hats, scarves, glasses, and sunglasses. However, polarized sunglasses won’t work, so you’ll have to remove them and try again.

While Face ID should work in most instances, it may have trouble recognizing you if you frequently change your glasses, grow facial hair, or if there’s any drastic shift in appearance. In this case, you should set up an “alternate appearance.” Go to Settings > Face ID and passcode and tap on Set up and alternate appearance. On the Face ID and passcode page, you will also find the option to “Add glasses.” You can add up to four pairs of glasses.

You can set up Face ID to work with a mask if you have an iPhone 12 or newer device running iOS 15.4 or later. Go to Settings > Face ID and passcode and enable Face ID with a mask. Go through the Face ID setup process again with a mask on. Face ID will work if you’re wearing a mask and glasses. But it won’t with sunglasses since the “with mask” option requires a clear view of your eyes and the area around them.

Check your phone hardware

A known TrueDepth camera issue might stop Face ID from working. You will likely have to send your device for repair if you see an error that says, “A problem was detected with the TrueDepth camera. Face ID has been disabled.” To check your device’s hardware, go to Settings > General > About > Parts and service history.

You will find the option for TrueDepth camera on an iPhone 12 or newer. If everything is working as expected, it should say “genuine Apple part.” But if there’s a problem, you’ll see an “unknown part” error or “Face ID issue detected.” Try updating the device to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS to see if the problem goes away. However, your only option might be to get the device repaired.

Hold the device correctly

Using Face ID is almost second nature for iPhone and iPad users. But there is a correct way of holding the device to ensure that the feature works correctly. You can use Face ID in portrait and landscape orientations on the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 running iOS 16 and any iPad that supports the feature. If you have an older iPhone, you will have to use it in portrait orientation. Make sure that the device is within arm’s length (10-20 inches) and that you are facing the camera.

Restart your device and reset your Face ID

If Face ID is not working because of a software bug, restarting your iPhone or iPad may be enough to fix the problem. If nothing works, it’s best to reset your Face ID and set it up again. Go to Settings > Face ID and passcode and tap Reset Face ID. Then select Set up Face ID and go through the setup process again.

Ways To Fix Face ID Not Working or Unavailable on Your iPhone

It’s easy to take Face ID for granted, unless it’s not working on your iPhone. If that’s the case, here’s what you can do to fix it. If Face ID malfunctions or stops working correctly, you won’t be able to unlock your iPhone, authorize Apple Pay transactions, autofill passwords, approve downloads, or sign in to apps with a gaze.

If you can’t set up Face ID or the facial recognition feature stops working randomly, becomes unavailable, won’t recognize your face anymore, or prompts you to enter a passcode instead, our troubleshooting tips will help you fix it.

These solutions apply to all Apple devices equipped with a TrueDepth camera system, including everything from the iPhone X to the iPhone 14 and compatible iPad Pro models.

When Does Face ID Become Unavailable?

Before going straight to the fixes, Face ID will temporarily stop working in these situations:

After five unsuccessful facial scans.
You just turned on or restarted the device.
The device wasn’t unlocked in more than 48 hours.
You initiated the shutdown or Emergency SOS screen.
The device was put in Lost Mode via the Find My app.
You last used Face ID to unlock the device in the last four hours and your passcode in more than 156 hours (six and a half days).

1. Check Your Face ID Settings

As the first order of business, check if Face ID has been set up and configured correctly:

Open the Settings app.
Scroll down and tap on Face ID & Passcode.
If you see the Reset Face ID option, Face ID is already set up on this device. Otherwise, choose Set up Face ID and follow the instructions.
With Face ID set up, turn on iPhone Unlock, iTunes & App Store, Wallet & Apple Pay, Password AutoFill, and Other Apps underneath Use Face ID For.

2. Allow Face ID in Third-Party Apps

Your favorite third-party apps for banking, payment, instant messaging, etc., might use Face ID for login authentication. If you denied an app permission to use Face ID in the past, however, you’ll be prompted to enter your device’s passcode each time instead.

Here’s how to turn on Face ID for a compatible third-party app:

Open the Settings app.
Scroll down and tap on Face ID & Passcode.
At the bottom of the Use Fade ID For section, touch Other Apps.
Ensure the switch for the concerned app, like WhatsApp, is set to ON.

Alternatively, tap the desired app in the root list of the Settings app (like Settings > WhatsApp) and verify whether Face ID has been switched on.

3. Clean the TrueDepth Camera Sensor

Over time, the TrueDepth camera lens could become dirty or greasy. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the sensor array at the top so nothing obscures it. Some rugged cases and thick screen protectors may slightly cover the sensors, throwing Face ID off, so consider removing them.

4. Avoid Blocking Your Face

For Face ID to perform smoothly, the TrueDepth camera needs a clear view of your eyes, nose, and mouth, so avoid obscuring this area with a veil or similar clothing. If you’ve set up Face ID with a mask, ensure your eyes aren’t blocked when using the feature.

“You might need to hold your iPhone higher if you’re wearing a face mask,” Apple notes. If your iPhone or iPad doesn’t support the Face ID with a mask feature, be prepared to enter a passcode at places where masks are mandatory. Thankfully, Apple Watch owners can unlock an iPhone with their Apple Watch while wearing a mask.

5. Try Using Face ID Without Sunglasses

Face ID uses infrared light invisible to the human eye. Apple designed the feature to work with hats, scarves, glasses, contact lenses, and many sunglasses. Unfortunately, most polarized sunglasses and lenses interfere with infrared light. If your device doesn’t unlock with Face ID while wearing a pair of shades, take them off and try again.

6. Hold Your iPhone Correctly

To use Face ID properly, hold your iPhone or iPad at a comfortable distance, not too far away or close to your face. Face ID works best at arm’s length or closer (10-20 inches or 25–50 centimeters). If you cover or obstruct the Face ID sensors with something like your finger, you’ll see a “Camera covered” message with an arrow pointing at the TrueDepth camera.

Face ID works in both portrait and landscape, but only the iPhone 13 or newer with iOS 16 or later supports landscape Face ID. As for the Face ID with a mask feature, it only works in portrait mode on the iPhone 12 and later with iOS 15.4 and newer, as per Apple’s website.

7. Restart Your iPhone or iPad

A restart is the most basic fix for any issue. It involves two steps. Firstly, turn off your iPhone in Settings > General > Shut Down. And secondly, wait about a minute before turning the device back on.

The Face ID components that stopped functioning should now work perfectly. But for security reasons, you must enter your passcode to re-enable Face ID after a restart.

WHY IS YOUR FACE ID NOT WORKING ON IPHONE ?

Face ID is a revolutionary feature on the iPhone 11, providing security and convenience. It allows you to unlock your phone, authorize payments, and more, all with a simple glance. However, what do you do when Face ID stops working on your iPhone 11? In this article, we’ll explore the common reasons for Face ID issues on iPhone 11 and provide solutions to get it back in working order.

WHY IS YOUR FACE ID NOT WORKING ON IPHONE?

Face ID may not work on your iPhone 11 due to various reasons. Here are some common causes and solutions:

: Dirt, smudges, or other obstructions on the TrueDepth camera can prevent Face ID from working properly. Face ID won’t function if it can’t see your face clearly.
:Some screen protectors or cases might block the TrueDepth camera.
: Extremely bright or dark environments can affect the camera’s ability to recognize a face.
: If your face is partially covered by glasses with certain coatings, a mask, or other objects, Face ID might not work.
: The iPhone must be held at a proper distance (typically 10-20 inches) and angle from the face for Face ID to function correctly.
Software Issues: Software glitches or bugs sometimes affect Face ID. Updating your iPhone to the latest iOS version can often resolve these problems.
: Running an outdated version of iOSmight result in Face ID issues. Apple often releases updates that fix known bugs.
Face ID Settings:Face ID might be disabled for certain features or not set up correctly.
Failed Face ID Setup:If Face ID wasn’t set up correctly or the initial setup captured a poor representation of the face, it might not work as expected.
: If the iPhone has been dropped or damaged, the TrueDepth camera system or other components related to Face ID might be affected.

HOW TO FIX FACE ID NOT WORKING ON IPHONE

Face ID is a facial recognition feature on newer iPhones, including the iPhone 11. If you’re experiencing issues with Face ID not working on your iPhone 11, here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially fix the problem:

1. CHECK FOR OBSTRUCTIONS

Checking for obstructions is the first step in troubleshooting Face ID issues on your iPhone. Ensure the iPhone’s TrueDepth camera is clean and free of any dirt, smudges, or other obstructions. Make sure nothing is covering the camera, such as a screen protector, case, or sticker.

2. SCAN IN PROPER LIGHTING

Scanning in proper lighting is essential for Face ID to work effectively on your iPhone 11. Use Face ID in a location with good lighting. Natural daylight or well-lit indoor spaces are ideal. Avoid situations with extreme lighting conditions, such as direct sunlight or strong backlighting. These conditions can make it challenging for Face ID to scan your face accurately. Ensure there are no shadows or obstructions on your face, as these can affect Face ID’s ability to recognize you.

3. HOLD YOUR IPHONE AT THE RIGHT DISTANCE

Holding your iPhone at the right distance is crucial for successful Face ID recognition on your iPhone 11. Hold your iPhone at a distance of about 10 to 20 inches (25 to 50 centimeters) from your face. This is the ideal distance for Face ID to work effectively.

Don’t hold your iPhone too close to your face or too far away. Extreme distances can make it difficult for Face ID to scan your facial features accurately. Hold your iPhone steadily so it doesn’t move or shake while Face ID scans your face.

4. ENSURE YOUR FACE IS VISIBLE

Face ID needs to see your eyes, nose, and mouth to work properly. Make sure they aren’t covered by clothing, hair, or other objects. Ensure your face is centered within the iPhone’s camera view. Your entire face, from the chin to the forehead, should be visible to the TrueDepth camera.

5. UPDATE IOS

Updating to the latest iOS version often includes bug fixes and improvements that can address Face ID issues. Here’s how to update your iOS on iPhone:

Ensure your iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi network. Software updates are large and may not be possible over cellular data.
Make sure your iPhone has sufficient battery life or is connected to a charger. It’s a good practice to have at least 50% battery or connect to a charger during the update.
Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Scroll to General and tap on it.
Tap Software Update. Your iPhone will check for available updates.
If an update is available, tap Download and Install. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
You may be required to enter your device passcode during the update process.
After the update is installed, your iPhone will restart. Make sure to unlock your device using your passcode.

6. CHECK FACE ID SETTINGS

By verifying and adjusting your Face ID settings as needed, you can ensure it’s set up correctly and tailored to your usage. Checking your Face ID settings is essential to ensure it’s properly configured on your iPhone 11. Here’s how to do it:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap Face ID & Passcode.
Enter your device passcode.
In the Face ID section, ensure Face ID is enabled for the functions you want to use, such as Unlock iPhone, iTunes & App Store, and Apple Pay.
Review the other settings in this section, such as Require Attention for Face ID. Make sure they are configured to your preferences.

7. RESET FACE ID

Resetting Face ID can be a useful step if you’re facing issues with it on your iPhone 11. Here’s how to do it:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap Face ID & Passcode.
You will be prompted to enter your device passcode to access Face ID settings.
Under the Face ID section, tap Reset Face ID.
Follow the on-screen instructions to set up Face ID once more. This involves scanning your face from different angles.
Ensure you follow the prompts accurately and complete the Face ID setup.

By resetting the Face ID and configuring it again, you may resolve any configuration issues that were causing problems. After the reset, test Face ID to see if it’s functioning correctly. If you continue to experience difficulties, consider other troubleshooting steps or contact Apple Support for assistance.

8. RESTART YOUR IPHONE

Sometimes, simply restarting your iPhone can resolve minor glitches. Press and hold the side button and either volume button until the power off slider appears. Slide to power off. After your iPhone 11 turns off, press and hold the side button again until you see the Apple logo.

9. CHECK FOR PHYSICAL DAMAGE

If your iPhone has been dropped or damaged, the TrueDepth camera system might be affected. Checking for physical damage is important when dealing with Face ID issues on your iPhone. Here’s how to do it:

Examine your iPhone for any physical damage, such as cracks, scratches, or damage to the TrueDepth camera area.
If there are smudges, dirt, or debris on the TrueDepth camera’s lens or sensors, gently clean them with a microfiber cloth. Ensure the camera is clear and unobstructed.
If your iPhone has been exposed to water or moisture, it could affect Face ID. Check for signs of water damage, like water spots or condensation inside the device.
Ensure there are no screen protector films or cases that are interfering with the TrueDepth camera’s view.
If your device has experienced physical trauma, like a drop or impact, it could damage the TrueDepth camera module or internal components. In this case, a visit to an Apple Store or authorized service provider may be necessary.
Physical damage can significantly impact Face ID’s performance. If you discover damage, it’s recommended to address it promptly to maintain the functionality of Face ID on your iPhone.

10. RESET ALL SETTINGS

Resetting all settings can be a helpful step to resolve Face ID issues on your iPhone 11. Here’s how to do it:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap General.
Scroll to the bottom and tap Reset.
Choose Reset All Settings.
You will be prompted to enter your device passcode.
Confirm the reset by selecting Reset All Settings in the pop-up confirmation.
Your iPhone will reset all settings to their default values. This includes network settings, display settings, and Face ID settings.
After the reset is complete, set up Face ID again by going to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.

By resetting all settings, you eliminate any incorrect configurations that might have been causing Face ID issues. However, note that this will reset all your settings to their defaults, so you may need to reconfigure various preferences like Wi-Fi networks and display settings. Test Face ID after the reset to see if the issue is resolved. If not, consider other troubleshooting steps or contact Apple Support for assistance.

Why Has My Face Id Stopped Working