Face ID is an efficient and safe way to access your iPhone, but it can be unpleasant when malfunctioning.
If your iPhone supports Face ID, you can use Face ID to use Apple Pay at Chick Fil A, Cook Out, or Chipotle.
During this, whether the Face ID is not working or fails to recognize your Face, struggles to unlock your phone, or completely stops working, dealing with Face ID not working can be frustrating.
Fortunately, you have numerous options for resolving the issue.
Here we will glance at the causes of Face ID malfunction and offer practical methods to help you reactivate your iPhone’s facial recognition feature.
Let’s get started!!
Table of Contents
Why is My Face ID Not Working?
Sometimes, dirt or smudges on the camera lens or your Face can also affect the accuracy of your Face ID. In addition, changes in your appearance, such as wearing glasses or growing a beard, can also cause Face ID not to work issues.
In some cases, Face ID may only work if your iPhone is up-to-date or if you’re using a third-party screen replacement.
However, sometimes errors like message blocking is active on iPhone or Android; in that case to solve this issue, just check our post.
Whatever the cause, it’s important to troubleshoot the problem and fix Face ID not working as soon as possible to avoid inconvenience and ensure the security of your device.
7 Fixes for Face ID Not Working On iPhone
1. Check Your Face ID Settings
To address issues with Face ID not working or being unavailable, reviewing your Face ID settings on your iPhone can be helpful.
Follow these steps to check your Face ID settings:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and select “Face ID & Passcode.”
- Enter your Passcode if requested.
- Verify that “iPhone Unlock” is activated under the “Face ID” section. If it’s not, switch it on.
- If you use other features that utilize Face ID, such as “iTunes & App Store” or “Safari Autofill,” ensure they are also enabled.
- Hold your iPhone Correctly.
The image below shows the steps mentioned above.
Face ID performs best when held at arm’s length or closer. It’s important to avoid covering or obstructing the Face ID sensors with objects like your finger. This can trigger a “Camera covered” message with an arrow pointing towards the TrueDepth camera.
Face ID can function in both portrait and landscape mode, but only iPhones 13 or newer with iOS 16 or later support landscape Face ID.
Apple’s website indicates that the Face ID with a mask feature is compatible with portrait mode on iPhone 12 and later models with iOS 15.4 and above.
2. Allow Face ID in Third-Party Apps
Your preferred third-party applications, such as those used for banking, payments, and instant messaging, may utilize Face ID as a means of login authentication.
However, if you previously denied access to an app to use Face ID, you’ll need to enter your device’s passcode each time you attempt to access it.
To enable Face ID for a compatible third-party app, follow these steps:
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and select Face ID & Passcode.
- Navigate to the bottom of the “Use Face ID For” section and tap on “Other Apps.”
- Confirm that the switch for the specific app, such as WhatsApp, is toggled on.
The image below shows the steps mentioned above.
3. Reset and Set Up Face ID Again
If Face ID is not working on your iPhone, resetting and reconfiguring Face ID may help.
Follow these steps to do so:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and Select “Face ID & Passcode.”
- Enter your passcode if prompted.
- Choose “Reset Face ID.”
- To set up Face ID again, tap “Set Up Face ID.”
- Adhere to the on-screen directions to place your Face within the frame and rotate your head to finish the configuration process.
- Once you’ve completed the setup successfully, attempt to use Face ID to unlock your iPhone or authenticate in Face ID-supported applications.
The image below shows the steps mentioned above.
4. Avoid Blocking Your Face
To ensure Face ID’s smooth performance, the TrueDepth camera must have an unobstructed view of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Wearing a veil or similar clothing that covers this area should be avoided. If you have set up Face ID with a mask, ensure your eyes are not blocked while using the feature.
In case your device does not support Face ID with a mask feature, you should be prepared to enter a passcode at locations where masks are mandatory.
5. Clean Your iPhone’s Cameras and Sensors
To ensure that the TrueDepth camera system functions properly, it is essential to keep its cameras and sensors free of dirt or obstructions.
Therefore, before commencing cleaning, it is advisable to power off your iPhone and disconnect any external devices. Employing a soft microfiber cloth, gently wipe the cameras and sensors.
Please avoid using any fluids or cleaning agents, as they can cause harm to the camera system. Only apply pressure while wiping the cameras and sensors on your iPhone’s front.
6. Restart Your iPhone or iPad
A restart is the most basic fix for any issue.
It involves two steps.
- Turn off your iPhone in Settings > General > Shut Down.
- 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.
Final Thoughts
Face ID not working correctly is frustrating, but one can quickly solve this problem using the above fixes.
From restarting your iPhone to updating software and resetting your Face ID, there are several solutions to fix Face ID issues.
With patience and effort, you can ensure that your iPhone’s facial recognition feature functions correctly and enjoy the benefits of a smooth and fast user experience.
