Why won’t my Face ID work?

Hello!

1. Make sure your iPhone is up to date. Latest - iOS 16.3.1
2. 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.
3. Check that nothing is covering the TrueDepth camera. Remove anything that might be covering the TrueDepth camera like a smudge, case, or screen protector.
4. 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.
5. Make sure that you're facing the TrueDepth camera. Face ID works on iPhone when it's in portrait orientation and you're facing the TrueDepth camera.
6. Restart your device. Restart your iPhone and enter your passcode. Then try using Face ID again.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.

Have a great day!

Follow these steps, testing after each step:

• Face ID not working.
• Software Update.
• Turn iPhone on or off.
• Force Restart iPhone.

If that didn’t work, then it could be a hardware issue.

According to Apple:

Using diagnostics available in iOS 14.6 or later, Apple has detected an issue with your TrueDepth camera that might cause it to not function as expected. The TrueDepth camera contains lasers, which might be disabled for safety reasons if the device malfunctions or is damaged. This won't prevent you from using your iPhone or iPad, but until your iPhone or iPad is updated or serviced, you might not be able to use Face ID, Animoji, Memoji, and some other features that use the front camera.

As a result, I recommend service.

Service Checklist:

• iPhone service pricing.
• Check AppleCare Coverage.
• Get your iPhone ready for service.

Click ▶︎ Start a Service Request. ⚛️

Need more help?

• Chat now or call 1-800-APLCARE.
• International Support.

Click ▶︎ Check Repair Status. 🔧