Why do I have to set up Face ID again?

Hey there Kellynkimmy,

Thanks for reaching out to the Apple Support Communities. To get started, are you seeing any alerts or messages before needing to set up Face ID again?

If having issues with Face ID not working as expected, check out the steps in the following resource that can help: If Face ID isn't working on your iPhone or iPad Pro - Apple Support

Check for updates

Update your iPhone or iPad to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. And make sure that your iPhone or iPad model supports Face ID.

Check your Face ID settings

To check your Face ID settings, go to Settings, then tap Face ID & Passcode. Make sure that Face ID is set up and that the features you're trying to use Face ID with are turned on.

Check that nothing is covering the TrueDepth camera

Remove anything that might be covering the TrueDepth camera like a smudge, case, or screen protector.

Make sure that your face isn't blocked

Make sure that your eyes, nose, and mouth are fully visible to the TrueDepth camera. By default, Face ID doesn't work if anything is covering your mouth and nose. If you're wearing a face mask and have already set up Face ID with a mask,* make sure that your eyes aren't blocked. You might need to hold your iPhone higher if you're wearing a face mask. If you wear a face mask too high or too close to your eyes, your iPhone might not unlock.

Face ID works with many sunglasses, though Face ID with a mask isn't designed to work with 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 in portrait and landscape orientation on all iPhone 13 and 14 models using iOS 16. For earlier models, 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.

Restart your device

Restart your iPhone or iPad and enter your passcode. Then try using Face ID again.

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.

Reset Face ID

If you still need help, reset Face ID, then set it up again. Go to Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode, then tap Reset Face ID. Next tap Set up Face ID to set it up again.

Get service

If you still can't enroll your face, contact Apple Support.

Only a trained technician should service your device. Improper repair, modification, or use of nongenuine Apple components in the laser systems might prevent the safety mechanisms from functioning properly, and could cause hazardous exposure and injury to eyes or skin.

Keep us updated on the results after going through the steps above, and we'll continue from there.

Take care.