When Face ID is not working on your iPhone or iPad Pro

Since the introduction of the iPhone X, we are unlocking our phones with FaceID rather than TouchID. On the iPad Pro models, we can also use FaceID instead of touchID .

But what if faceID is not working properly?

If FaceID is not working (properly)

First, check if your iPhone is on the latest version of iOS. If not, update your iPhone. Second, check your FaceID settings. Is FaceID turned on? Is FaceID allowed for the action you try to perform on your phone?

Third, check if the TrueDepth camera (on the front of your iPhone, in the notch of your screen) is not covered by dirt, or a screenprotector. If you are using your iPad Pro in landscape mode, make sure that your finger is not covering the camera. When you're covering the camera with your finger, an alert can come on screen saying "camera covered"

Further make sure that your face isn't covered. For example, don't wear a face mask unless FaceID with face mask is set up. (only on iPhone 12 or higher running iOS 15.4 or higher) Also make sure that you put your sunglasses of when you face problems with FaceID . While FaceID can work with sunglasses, it is not designed to do so. Certain types of sunglasses can block the infrared light the TrueDepth camera is using.

Also, when using FaceID make sure that you face the TrueDepth camera when trying to unlock your phone.

We as humans, change in appearance all the time. FaceID is designed to keep up with our altering appearances. Think about a different haircut, or changing face shapes when we get older. Sometimes, it is necessary to learn FaceID the new appearance manually. You can set up an alternate appearance by following this steps:

1. Go to Settings, then tap Face ID & Passcode. If asked, enter your passcode.
2. Tap Set Up an Alternate Appearance.
3. Look straight into your iPhone or iPad and place your face inside the frame.
4. Gently move your head to complete the circle. If you're unable to move your head, tap Accessibility Options.
5. When you finish the first Face ID scan, tap Continue.
6. Gently move your head to complete the circle for a second time.
7. When Face ID setup is complete, tap Done.

If FaceID is still not working, restart your iPhone and see if the problem persists. If it persists, you can finally try to reset FaceID completely. . Go to Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode, then tap Reset Face ID. Next tap Set up Face ID to set it up again.

If you still face problems with FaceID after following all these steps, your iPhone or iPad Pro might need service. Make sure to  contact Apple Support.

Only a trained and authorized service provider should service your device. Use of non-Genuine Components can cause FaceID to never work again.

If you receive an alert that FaceID is disabled on your iPhone or iPad Pro

It can occur that you will receive the following message on your iPhone or iPad Pro : " A problem was detected with the true depth camera, FaceID is disabled"

When you're getting this error message, Make sure that you're iPhone or iPad Pro is running the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. If your device is running the latest iOS or iPadOS and you're still getting this message and FaceID is not working:  contact Apple Support to get your device set up for hardware service, as the Face ID is disabled prompt will always every time mean hardware issues.