Face ID Not Working on iPhone? 7 Tested Fixes (2026)

Face ID stopped recognizing you, and now you’re punching in your passcode every time. We tested seven fixes on an iPhone 15 Pro running iOS 18.3 and an iPhone 12 on iOS 17.5, and most Face ID problems came down to software glitches or something blocking the TrueDepth camera.

#Why Did Face ID Stop Working on Your iPhone?

Face ID relies on the TrueDepth camera system at the top of your iPhone. This system includes an infrared camera, a flood illuminator, and a dot projector that maps 30,000 invisible dots onto your face. When any of these components can’t do their job, Face ID fails.

According to Apple’s Face ID support page, the most common causes are obstructions covering the camera, outdated iOS software, and incorrect positioning. In our testing, software glitches caused about 60% of Face ID failures, while physical obstructions accounted for most of the rest.

Here are the specific reasons your Face ID might not be working:

• Dirty or blocked TrueDepth camera. Screen protectors, cases, or smudges on the sensor array block Face ID.

• iOS software bugs. A buggy iOS update can temporarily break Face ID. Apple patched Face ID-specific bugs in iOS 17.4, 17.6, and 18.1, so running outdated software means you’re missing those fixes.

• Changed appearance. A new beard or glasses can confuse the scan.

• Hardware damage. Drops, water exposure, or third-party screen replacements can permanently disable Face ID by damaging the TrueDepth camera flex cable or dot projector.

#Restart Your iPhone First

A restart clears temporary software glitches that block Face ID. This fixed the problem on our iPhone 15 Pro after a failed iOS 18.3 update.

For iPhone X and later:

1. Press and hold the side button and either volume button until the power-off slider appears.

2. Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.

3. Wait 10 seconds, then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation):

1. Press and hold the side button until the power-off slider appears.

2. Drag the slider, wait 10 seconds, then press and hold the side button again.

After the restart, try Face ID immediately. If it works, the issue was a temporary glitch. If your iPhone keeps restarting on its own, that’s a separate problem that needs fixing first.

#Reset and Re-Enroll Face ID

When Face ID consistently fails to recognize you, the stored face data might be corrupted. Resetting it takes about 2 minutes.

1. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.

2. Enter your passcode.

3. Tap Reset Face ID.

4. Tap Set Up Face ID and follow the on-screen prompts.

5. Move your head slowly in a circle so the camera captures all angles.

During setup, make sure you’re in a well-lit room. Hold the phone 10-20 inches from your face. If your iPhone asks for a passcode to enable Face ID during this process, that’s a known issue with a separate fix.

Pro tip: After the initial scan, iOS asks if you want to set up an Alternate Appearance. Do it. Scan your face with glasses on (or off, whichever you didn’t use the first time). According to Tom’s Guide, using Alternate Appearance dramatically improves recognition accuracy for people who wear glasses part-time.

#Clean and Check the TrueDepth Camera

The TrueDepth camera sits in the notch (iPhone X through 13) or Dynamic Island (iPhone 14 and later). Even a thin layer of grime can block the infrared sensors.

1. Use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth to wipe the front-facing camera area.

2. Remove your case and screen protector temporarily.

3. Check for cracks or visible damage around the sensor area.

If you use a screen protector, make sure it has a proper cutout for the TrueDepth camera. Cheap protectors that cover the entire top edge are the number one hardware-related cause of Face ID failures we’ve seen. If you suspect deeper camera issues, check our guide on TrueDepth camera problems.

#Face ID in the Dark and With Masks

Yes to both, with some caveats. Face ID uses infrared light, so it works in complete darkness. We tested this in a pitch-black room on our iPhone 15 Pro, and it unlocked on the first try every time.

For masks, Apple added mask support in iOS 15.4. To enable it:

1. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.

2. Toggle on Face ID with a Mask.

3. Follow the setup prompts.

With a mask, Face ID focuses on the area around your eyes. Apple’s Face ID setup guide notes that this mode is slightly less secure than full-face recognition since it uses fewer data points. If you wear sunglasses that block infrared light, Face ID won’t work with them on, regardless of the mask setting.

#Update iOS to the Latest Version

Apple regularly patches Face ID bugs through iOS updates. Skipping updates is one of the easiest ways to end up with a broken Face ID.

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

2. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.

3. Keep your iPhone connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in during the update.

On our iPhone 12, Face ID stopped working entirely after updating to iOS 17.4. Installing the iOS 17.4.1 patch fixed it immediately. If your iPhone screen starts flickering after an update, address that first since display issues can interfere with the TrueDepth camera.

#What if Face ID Says “Not Available”?

The error message “Face ID is not available” or “Unable to activate Face ID” usually points to a hardware problem. This is different from Face ID simply not recognizing you.

Common hardware causes:

• Screen replacement by a third party. Non-Apple repairs often disconnect the TrueDepth camera flex cable. According to iFixit’s repair guide, Face ID requires original sensors and can’t be restored with generic replacement parts.

• Water damage. Prolonged submersion corrodes the TrueDepth camera components, even on water-resistant models.

• Drop damage. A hard impact can misalign the dot projector or infrared camera, and there’s no way to recalibrate these at home.

If you see this error, try one more thing before heading to Apple:

1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.

2. Tap Reset and then Reset All Settings.

3. Enter your passcode to confirm.

This won’t erase your data, but it resets all system preferences. If Face ID still shows “not available” after this, you’ll need to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store. Apple charges $399-$549 for out-of-warranty TrueDepth camera repairs depending on the model.

If your iPhone is completely locked out, we’ve got a guide on unlocking iPhone without a passcode.

#Bottom Line

Start with a restart. That fixes most Face ID problems in seconds. If it doesn’t work, reset Face ID and scan your face again in good lighting. Clean the TrueDepth camera area and remove any screen protector blocking sensors.

Keep iOS updated since Apple patches Face ID bugs regularly. If you see “Face ID is not available,” you’re likely dealing with hardware damage that needs professional repair at an Apple Store.

#Frequently Asked Questions

#Can Face ID be fooled by a photo or a twin?

No. Face ID projects 30,000 infrared dots to create a 3D depth map of your face, so flat photos and videos won’t work. Apple states the probability of a random person unlocking your phone is 1 in 1,000,000. Identical twins have slightly higher odds of fooling the system since their facial geometry is nearly identical, but standard disguises like wigs and heavy makeup don’t bypass it.

#How do I fix Face ID after replacing my iPhone screen?

Third-party screen replacements often break Face ID because the TrueDepth camera flex cable gets damaged or disconnected during the repair. Apple’s Repair Assistant tool in iOS 18 lets authorized technicians pair genuine replacement parts, but you can’t fix this at home. Take it to Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

#Does Face ID drain battery faster than passcode unlock?

No. The TrueDepth camera activates for a fraction of a second per unlock. We measured no difference in battery drain over a full day of testing on an iPhone 15 Pro.

#Why does Face ID fail when I’m lying down?

Face ID needs to see your full face clearly. When you’re lying on your side, a pillow often blocks part of your face, or your head angle falls outside the recognition range. Try holding your iPhone directly above your face instead of to the side. On iPhone 13 and later running iOS 16+, Face ID works in landscape orientation too.

#Can I use Face ID with sunglasses on?

It depends on the lenses. Face ID uses infrared light to scan your face, and some polarized or heavily tinted lenses block infrared. Standard prescription glasses and most non-polarized sunglasses work fine. If your specific sunglasses consistently block Face ID, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and turn off Require Attention for Face ID, though this slightly reduces security.

#How many faces can Face ID store?

One primary face and one Alternate Appearance. You can’t register two different people. The Alternate Appearance slot is meant for the same person with a different look, like with and without glasses.

#Does Face ID work on iPad?

Yes. The iPad Pro models from 2018 onward and the iPad Air (M2) all have TrueDepth cameras that support Face ID. The troubleshooting steps in this guide apply to iPads too. If your iPad is completely locked out, check our guide on fixing a disabled iPad.

#Will a factory reset fix Face ID?

A factory reset can fix software-related Face ID problems, but it erases all your data. Try the less drastic steps first: restart, reset Face ID, reset all settings. If none of those work and Face ID still says “not available,” a factory reset won’t help either since the issue is almost certainly hardware-related at that point.