Face ID Not Working on iPhone? Here Are 8 Fixes

Face ID is one of the most convenient security features on modern iPhones, allowing users to unlock their devices quickly with facial recognition. However, many users still experience the "Face ID not working" issue from time to time.

If Face ID stops working on your iPhone, you may see errors like "Face ID Is Not Available" or find that your device can no longer recognize your face properly. This problem can be caused by software glitches, incorrect settings, iOS update issues, or even hardware-related problems. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to fix Face ID not working on your iPhone.

Why Is Face ID Not Working on iPhone?

Face ID can stop working for a variety of reasons, ranging from environmental conditions to system or hardware issues. Below are the most common causes.

• 01 Interference with the TrueDepth camera system: Face ID depends on the TrueDepth camera and infrared sensors. Any obstruction, dirt, or physical interference in this area can disrupt face detection.
• 02 Lighting and environmental conditions: Very dark environments, overly bright light, or strong backlighting can reduce the system's ability to accurately map facial features.
• 03 Changes in facial appearance or detection conditions: Facial changes such as growing facial hair, wearing glasses or masks, or other temporary differences can affect recognition accuracy. It can also be impacted if the system cannot properly detect user attention.
• 04 Software-related issues: Temporary iOS glitches or system bugs may interfere with Face ID performance, especially after updates or system instability.
• 05 Face ID data inconsistency: Stored facial recognition data may become less accurate over time or fail to fully match the user's current appearance.
• 06 Security or system restrictions: After multiple failed attempts or certain system-level conditions, Face ID may be temporarily disabled or restricted.
• 07 Hardware malfunction: Damage or failure in components of the TrueDepth system (such as the infrared camera or dot projector) can cause complete or partial Face ID failure.

8 Fixes for Face ID Not Working on iPhone

Now that you know the possible reasons why Face ID is not working on your iPhone, it's time to try some effective solutions. Below, we'll walk you through 8 proven fixes step by step to help restore Face ID and get it working normally again.

Solution 1. Clean the TrueDepth Camera

Face ID uses the TrueDepth camera system located at the top of your iPhone screen to recognize your face. If the camera is blocked by dust, dirt, fingerprints, or even small particles like sand or hair, Face ID may stop working properly.

Carefully clean the front camera area with a soft, dry microfiber cloth and make sure nothing is covering the camera, such as a screen protector or phone case.

Solution 2. Manage Face ID Settings

There are two advanced Face ID options, if turned on, that might cause facial recognition failure. They are the Require Attention for Face ID and the Attention Aware Features options.

The former prevents the face unlocking when you are not looking at the screen, increasing the security level. But it can probably hinder the facial recognition when you are wearing sunglasses, a cap, veil or other accessories that can affect attention detection. The later option promotes the attention detection before dimming the display or decreasing the alert, which can cause the same problem.

To turn off these two options, follow these steps:

• Step 1. Open Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
• Step 2. Turn off Require Attention for Face ID and Attention Aware Features.
• 

After that, test whether Face ID works normally again.

Solution 3. Reset Your Face ID

If Face ID is not working on your iPhone, the stored facial data may be corrupted, outdated, or no longer accurately recognize your appearance. Resetting Face ID allows your iPhone to remove the old facial data and scan your face again, which can often fix Face ID recognition issues. Here's how to reset Face ID on your iPhone:

• Step 1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
• Step 2. Tap Face ID & Passcode and enter your passcode.
• Step 3. Select Reset Face ID.
• Step 4. After the reset, tap Set Up Face ID to register your face again.
• 

Solution 4. Fix Face ID Not Working with TunesKit iOS System Recovery

If the previous three solutions fail, then it could be certain iOS errors to blame. Normally, you would have to use iTunes restore to recover the iOS system to solve the problem, but it would have all your personal data erased. Fortunately, there is a better option - TunesKit iOS System Recovery, an iOS system recovery tool. Though it costs some money, this software will definitely eliminate the system error.

It is one of the best iOS system recovery software. Its provider promises to solve over 150 iOS issues like AirDrop not working, iPhone stuck on update requested, and iPad won't download apps,etc. What's most important is that it will cause no data loss when repairing your iOS.

The following will show you how to fix Face ID not working by using TunesKit iOS System Recovery.

To make full use of this tutorial, it is recommended to download the free trial from links above and experience it yourself according to the tutorial.

Step 1Connect iPhone to PC

Open TunesKit iOS System Recovery and connect your iPhone to the computer with a USB cable. Press the iOS System Repair on the main screen, then just click the Start button to enter the next step.

Step 2Choose Standard Repair

Click the Standard Repair to fix facial identification failure without data loss. Please be careful not to choose the Deep Repair because it will erase all your data.

Step 3Download Firmware Package

In the Download Firmware Package window, all the info of your device will be displayed. Check all of it and click the Download button to download the firmware that matches your device.

Step 4Start to Fix

Click the Start Standard Repair button to start fixing the iOS system. Ensure stable connection during this process or your iPhone might get bricked.

Solution 5. Update iOS Version

The failure of Face ID may result from small system glitches. If that is the case, an update to the latest version of iOS would solve the problem. That is because update consists of not only an upgrade of system or function, but also repairing patches and bug fixations.

• Step 1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Go to General > Software Update.
• Step 2. If a new iOS version is available, tap the Update Now button. Wait for the update to complete and restart your iPhone if required.
• 

After updating, check whether Face ID is working properly again.

Solution 6. Add an Alternate Appearance

If you experience some changes in appearance, for instance, a new hair cut or a plastic surgery, it is possible that the iPhone cannot recognize your new appearance. In this case, adding an alternate appearance would work.

• Step 1. To add an alternate appearance, open the Settings app on your iPhone, then go to the Face ID & Passcode menu.
• Step 2. Tap the Set Up an Alternate Appearance button and act according to the orders on the screen.
• 

Solution 7. Reset All Settings on iPhone

If Face ID is still not working on iPhone, you can try resetting all settings on your iPhone. This process will not erase your personal data, but it will reset system settings such as Wi-Fi, Face ID settings, privacy settings, and keyboard preferences.

• Step 1. Tap the Settings app on your iPhone, and select the General option.
• Step 2. Select the Transfer or Reset iPhone.
• Step 3. Then, hit on the Reset button and choose the Reset All Settings option.
• 

Once the process is complete, check whether Face ID works properly again.

Solution 8. Contact Apple Support

If none of the solutions above can fix the Face ID issue, there may be a hardware problem with your iPhone's TrueDepth camera system. In this case, it is recommended to contact Apple Support or visit a nearby Apple Store for professional assistance. Apple technicians can diagnose the problem and provide the appropriate repair solution if necessary.

Before visiting Apple Support, make sure to back up your iPhone to prevent possible data loss during troubleshooting.

Bonus Tip: Fix Face ID Not Working Without Passcode

If you are now encountering the Face ID not working problem on your iPhone, and you don't know the screen passcode to unlock your iPhone, you will need a professional iOS unlocking program to unlock your iPhone. TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is a multifunctional iOS unlocking software that can help users unlock their iPhone/iPad/iPod touch within several simple clicks.

Besides, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker can remove Apple Account, bypass Screen Time restrictions, and remove MDM restrictions. With the concise and simple user interface, unlocking your iOS device will not be a difficult job.

Conclusion

Through you now get the help of this passage, fixing iPhone Face ID not working is still exhausting and will cost a great amount of time. What I can do for you is to help you find the most efficient solution, and that is why I recommend using TunesKit iPhone Unlocker in bonus tip to save your time and energy.

Hope that this article helps and your iPhone Face ID would back to normal.