Apple Intelligence now features Image Playground, Genmoji, Writing Tools enhancements, seamless support for ChatGPT, and visual intelligence.

Apple Intelligence has also begun language expansion with localized English support for Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.K. Learn more >

You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

đź“° Newsroom Update

Voice Memos update brings Layered Recordings to iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Learn more >

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

face id

so my facial ID is now longer working on my new iPhone11. I have tried many times to redo the setup but it wont focus even though the camera works. how can I fix this?


iPhone 11, iOS 13

Posted on May 5, 2020 9:02 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 5, 2020 9:13 AM

Check that nothing is covering the TrueDepth camera

Make sure that the TrueDepth camera on your iPhone or iPad isn't covered with a case or a screen protector. Also, check if there’s residue or dirt covering the TrueDepth camera.

If you're using an iPad in landscape orientation, make sure that your finger or palm isn't covering the TrueDepth camera. If it is, you might see an alert at the top of the screen that says "Camera covered" with an arrow pointing at the TrueDepth camera.


Make sure that nothing is covering your face

Make sure that your eyes, nose, and mouth are fully visible to the TrueDepth camera.

Face ID works with many sunglasses. If you're wearing sunglasses designed to block certain types of light, then your sunglasses might be blocking the infrared light used by the TrueDepth camera. Try using Face ID without your sunglasses.

 

Make sure that you're facing the TrueDepth camera

Face ID works on iPhone only when it's in portrait orientation and you’re facing the TrueDepth camera. On iPad, you can use Face ID when your iPad is in any orientation.

The TrueDepth camera has a similar range of view as when you take a selfie or make a FaceTime call. Whether your iPhone or iPad is lying on a surface or you're holding it in a natural position, make sure that your iPhone or iPad is an arm’s length or closer (10-20 inches) from your face.

 

Add an alternate appearance

For most users, Face ID will continuously learn as they change. If you have an appearance that can look vastly different, you can set up an alternate appearance so Face ID still recognizes you.

To set up an alternate appearance:

  1. Go to Settings > 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.


2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 5, 2020 9:13 AM in response to 12phone

Check that nothing is covering the TrueDepth camera

Make sure that the TrueDepth camera on your iPhone or iPad isn't covered with a case or a screen protector. Also, check if there’s residue or dirt covering the TrueDepth camera.

If you're using an iPad in landscape orientation, make sure that your finger or palm isn't covering the TrueDepth camera. If it is, you might see an alert at the top of the screen that says "Camera covered" with an arrow pointing at the TrueDepth camera.


Make sure that nothing is covering your face

Make sure that your eyes, nose, and mouth are fully visible to the TrueDepth camera.

Face ID works with many sunglasses. If you're wearing sunglasses designed to block certain types of light, then your sunglasses might be blocking the infrared light used by the TrueDepth camera. Try using Face ID without your sunglasses.

 

Make sure that you're facing the TrueDepth camera

Face ID works on iPhone only when it's in portrait orientation and you’re facing the TrueDepth camera. On iPad, you can use Face ID when your iPad is in any orientation.

The TrueDepth camera has a similar range of view as when you take a selfie or make a FaceTime call. Whether your iPhone or iPad is lying on a surface or you're holding it in a natural position, make sure that your iPhone or iPad is an arm’s length or closer (10-20 inches) from your face.

 

Add an alternate appearance

For most users, Face ID will continuously learn as they change. If you have an appearance that can look vastly different, you can set up an alternate appearance so Face ID still recognizes you.

To set up an alternate appearance:

  1. Go to Settings > 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.


May 5, 2020 11:46 AM in response to SravanKrA

When I do this, it’s as if the camera is trying to focus, I hold still, I change lighting, but it still won’t focus. It will tell me to lower camera until all you see is my chin and then it tell me to adjust face in the frame but once I do, it tells me again to lower camera. I’ve had other people try it as well and they get the same.

face id

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.