Face ID Not Working on iPhone? Here's What to Do

By Ammar Aslam · Updated September 29, 2026 · 3 min read

Face ID makes unlocking your iPhone effortless. When it stops working, you're back to typing your passcode all the time. Here are the fixes, from simple to advanced.

Quick checks

Make sure nothing covers the TrueDepth camera at the top of the screen: dirt, a case edge or a screen protector.
Hold the iPhone at arm's length or closer (25–50 cm).
Face ID works in portrait orientation on all models, and in landscape on newer ones.
Make sure your face isn't covered by sunglasses that block infrared light.

Restart and update

Restart your iPhone, then check Settings → General → Software Update.

Check Face ID settings

Go to Settings → Face ID & Passcode. Make sure iPhone Unlock and other options are turned on. Also check Require Attention for Face ID; if it's on, you need to look at the screen with eyes open.

Face ID with a mask

On iPhone 12 and later, turn on Face ID with a Mask. You can add glasses you wear often.

Set up an Alternate Appearance

If your look changes a lot, such as glasses, beard or makeup, tap Set Up an Alternate Appearance.

Reset Face ID

Tap Reset Face ID and set it up again in good lighting, moving your head slowly in a circle.

"Face ID is not available" message

This usually indicates a hardware problem with the TrueDepth camera, often after a drop, water exposure or an unofficial screen repair. Contact Apple Support or an authorised service provider.

When iPhone asks for your passcode anyway

For security, your passcode is required after restarting, after five failed Face ID attempts, if the phone hasn't been unlocked for 48 hours, and in some other situations. This is normal.

Security tip: use a strong, six-digit or alphanumeric passcode. Face ID is only as secure as your passcode backup. See lock screen security.

Face ID after screen repair

Face ID relies on sensitive components at the top of the display. Unofficial screen replacements sometimes damage these parts or disconnect them, leading to "Face ID is not available". To avoid this:

Use Apple or an Apple Authorised Service Provider for screen repairs.
Ask before repair whether Face ID will be preserved.
Test Face ID before leaving the repair shop.

iOS shows a message in Settings → General → About if parts have been replaced, including whether they are genuine Apple parts.

Using Face ID in apps

Face ID can unlock banking apps, password managers and Apple Pay. In Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Other Apps, see which apps can use it. If a banking app stops accepting Face ID, check this list and re-enable it inside the app's security settings.

Privacy tips

Keep Require Attention for Face ID turned on so the phone doesn't unlock while you're asleep or not looking.
Quickly disable Face ID by pressing and holding the Side button and a volume button until the power-off slider appears, then cancel. Your passcode will be required next time.
Use a strong passcode, since it's the backup for Face ID. See lock screen security.

Face ID data is stored securely on your iPhone in the Secure Enclave and is not uploaded to Apple or backed up to iCloud.

Frequently asked questions

Can someone unlock my iPhone with a photo?

No. Face ID uses a 3D depth map and can't be fooled by photos.

Does Face ID work in the dark?

Yes, it uses infrared light.

Ammar Aslam
Ammar writes clear, practical tech guides that help everyday users fix problems, stay safe online and get more from their devices.