Face ID Not Working on iPhone? Try These Fixes

Common causes

• Face ID isn’t set up, or is turned off for the feature you’re using
• A smudge, case or screen protector covering the TrueDepth camera
• A mask, sunglasses or something else blocking part of your face
• Holding your iPhone too far away or not facing the camera
• Changes in appearance, such as glasses, facial hair or heavy makeup
• Security rules that require your passcode, for example after a restart
• A problem with the TrueDepth camera that has disabled Face ID

Step-by-Step Solutions

Work through the steps in order and try Face ID again after each one.

1. 1

   Step 1: Check that Face ID is set up and turned on

   Face ID only works for the features you have turned on in Settings.

   Face ID is available on iPhone X and later, apart from iPhone SE models.

   Open Settings and tap Face ID & Passcode, and enter your passcode if asked. Make sure Face ID is set up, and that the features you want to use it with are turned on, such as unlocking your iPhone, App Store purchases, Apple Pay or Password AutoFill.

   Good to know

   To choose which apps can use Face ID to sign in, tap Other Apps on the same screen. If an app supports Face ID but never offers it, you may need to sign in to that app manually once first.

2. 2

   Step 2: Know when your iPhone asks for your passcode

   Sometimes the passcode is required by design, even when Face ID is working normally.

   For security, your iPhone always asks for your passcode in certain situations. Face ID will work again after you enter it.

   • You have just turned on or restarted your iPhone.
   • You haven’t unlocked your iPhone for more than 48 hours.
   • You haven’t used your passcode for six and a half days and haven’t used Face ID in the last four hours.
   • There have been five failed Face ID attempts. Your iPhone may offer the passcode after fewer attempts.
   • You pressed the buttons to show the power-off or Emergency SOS screen and then cancelled.
   • You are updating iOS or changing your passcode settings.

   Good to know

   Right after you set up Face ID, you might need to enter your passcode more often. For most people, Face ID continues to learn as your appearance changes.

3. 3

   Step 3: Make sure nothing is covering the TrueDepth camera

   Face ID uses the TrueDepth camera at the top of the screen, so it needs a clear view.

   Gently wipe away smudges at the top of the screen and remove anything that could cover the TrueDepth camera, such as a case or screen protector. If you hold your iPhone sideways, check that your finger or palm isn’t over the camera.

   Good to know

   On iPhone 18 Pro models, the TrueDepth camera sits at the top of the screen toward the left corner. If Face ID struggles on these models, Apple also suggests removing privacy screen protectors and avoiding strong sunlight shining from behind you.

4. 4

   Step 4: Make sure your face isn’t blocked

   Face ID needs to see your eyes, nose and mouth, unless Face ID with a Mask is set up.

   By default, Face ID doesn’t work if something covers your mouth and nose. Face ID works with many sunglasses, but sunglasses that block certain types of light can stop it from seeing your face. If Face ID fails while you wear them, try without them.

   If you often wear a mask, you can set up Face ID with a Mask on iPhone 12 or later with iOS 15.4 or later. Open Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode, turn on Face ID with a Mask, and follow the onscreen steps. It needs your eyes and the area around them to be visible, so a mask worn too high can stop it working, and it isn’t designed to work with sunglasses.

   Good to know

   If you wear glasses with a mask, tap Add Glasses on the same screen to improve accuracy. You can add up to four pairs.

5. 5

   Step 5: Hold your iPhone at the right distance and angle

   Face ID works best at about arm’s length or closer, facing the camera.

   Hold your iPhone 10 to 20 inches (about 25 to 50 cm) from your face, similar to taking a selfie. This also applies when the iPhone is lying on a table.

   On iPhone 13 or later with iOS 16 or later, Face ID works in portrait and landscape. On earlier models, it only works in portrait while you face the camera. Face ID with a Mask only works in portrait.

6. 6

   Step 6: Add an alternate appearance

   If you sometimes look very different, you can teach Face ID a second appearance.

   If your appearance can change a lot, for example with facial hair, heavy makeup or glasses, open Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode, then Set Up an Alternate Appearance, and follow the onscreen steps. If Face ID has trouble with your clear or prescription glasses, set up the alternate appearance while wearing them.

7. 7

   Step 7: Update iOS, then restart your iPhone

   An update can fix Face ID problems, and a restart clears temporary issues.

   Open Settings, tap General, then Software Update, and install any update that is available.

   Then restart your iPhone. Press and hold either volume button and the side button until the power-off slider appears, drag the slider, and wait 30 seconds. Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. Enter your passcode when asked, then try Face ID again.

8. 8

   Step 8: Reset Face ID and set it up again

   If nothing else has helped, remove your saved face and scan it again.

   Open Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode, then tap Reset Face ID. Then tap Set Up Face ID to scan your face again.

   • Set it up somewhere with good lighting.
   • Hold your iPhone in portrait orientation with your face inside the frame.
   • Move your head gently to complete the circle, then do it a second time when asked. If you can’t move your head, tap Accessibility Options.

Frequently Asked Questions