If Face ID isn't working on your iPhone or iPad Pro Q&A

Question

If Face ID isn't working on your iPhone or iPad Pro Q&A

A few drops of water fell on my iPhone 11 Pro Max when I used it next to the lake while still wet from swimming. Strangely, my waterproof phone in a protective case with a screen cover, albeit which doesn't cover the notch gave the warning:

A problem was detected with the TrueDepth camera. Face ID has been disabled.

The help documents at Apple go in circles, each one leading back to the other. Those documents talk about updating the OS (which strangely enough by faithful iPhone 11 had been working under similar conditions with no issues on iOS 13.7.2). Restarting the phone did not help. Adding a new face in Face ID did not help. The Apple documents recommend visiting a repair centre which didn't sound like much fun or really necessary.

What did work was removing Face ID and then restarting the phone in Airplane mode and re-adding Face ID.

I wanted to leave this answer on this thread, but it was closed to new responses and suggested starting a new thread.

I hope this info helps someone.

Posted on Sep 6, 2022 6:42 AM

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Answer 1

Katana-San

Level 10

85,499 points

Sep 6, 2022 6:47 AM in response to pierre-de-ronsard

Hello ~ Just to correct one thing in you post….no iPhone is “waterproof “ Some are water resistant. While your issue was seemingly remedied if there is water damage to your device it is likely to become an issue later so a trip to Apple may still be in your future. The last trip to my Apple Store was very pleasant as well. Just in case…

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

~Katana-San~

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Answer 2

Sep 6, 2022 7:13 AM in response to Katana-San

Thanks for your quick reply Katana.

I sincerely hope that Apple won't brick my iPhone through software (no issues living this same life under 13.7.2 for three years with Face ID issues). If Apple does brick my phone through software, my next phone will not be an iPhone.

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Answer 3

Katana-San

Level 10

85,499 points

Sep 6, 2022 7:17 AM in response to pierre-de-ronsard

Hello ~ I don’t believe for one minute that Apple would “brick” your iPhone. It’s just that water and electronics very seldom and under certain circumstances just don’t play well together.

~Katana-San~

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Answer 4

Sep 6, 2022 8:13 AM in response to pierre-de-ronsard

Read ▶︎ Water Damage (not covered by warranty). 💦

Turning on a wet machine can cause more damage and increase the cost of repair. ⚠️

Based on your situation, I recommend following the expert advice from Katana-San. 👈🏼

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Answer 5

Sep 6, 2022 1:24 PM in response to Katana-San

This Apple documentation states clearly that bricking Face ID is a feature which was introduced in iOS 14.6. Software.

My phone has been splashed lightly like this or in rain with me dozens of times with no incident as long as I was on iOS 13.7.2.

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If Face ID isn't working on your iPhone or iPad Pro Q&A

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