cant set up face id for my mess

Welcome to Apple Support Communities.

Do you mean block messages from being viewed until you give authorization from Face ID? If so, this can only be done on the Lock Screen: Control access to information on the iPhone Lock Screen - Apple Support, not within the Messages App.

Jack

Msred19 Said:

"How do I set up Face ID for my text messages"

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Troubleshooting Face ID:

A. Start Here: If Face ID isn't Working on your iPhone or iPad Pro - Apple Support

B. A Few Other Sites to Try:

• If you can’t Turn on or Sign in to iMessage or FaceTime - Apple Support

• If you can't Make a FaceTime Call on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

• If an Alert Says Face ID has been Disabled on your iPhone or iPad Pro - Apple Support

• If you Experience an Error when Trying to Activate iMessage or FaceTime - Apple Support