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User profile for user: Denise-1
Denise-1 Author
User level: Level 1
5 points

Why isn’t my Face ID working

My Face ID isn’t working

iPhone 12 Pro Max, iOS 16

Posted on Sep 17, 2023 5:15 PM

Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: rileyloader7
rileyloader7
User level: Level 1
147 points

Posted on Sep 17, 2023 5:24 PM

Hey Denise-1,


Follow these steps:

  1. Check for updates, and update your iPhone or iPad to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.
  2. Check that nothing is covering the TrueDepth camera. Remove anything that may be covering the TrueDepth camera, such as a smudge, case or screen protector.
  3. If you're using iPad in landscape orientation, make sure your finger or palm isn't covering the TrueDepth camera. If it is, an alert might appear at the top of the screen that says "Camera covered" with an arrow pointing at the TrueDepth camera.
  4. Make sure that your face isn't blocked. By default, Face ID doesn't work if anything is covering your mouth and nose.
  5. 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.
  6. 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 only works on iPhone 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Restart your device. Restart your iPhone or iPad and enter your passcode. Then try using Face ID again.
  9. Add an alternative 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 alternative appearance so Face ID can still recognise you.
  10. 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.
  11. Get your device serviced. If you still can't enrol your face, contact Apple Support.


Hope this helps!

If Face ID isn't working on your iPhone or iPad Pro - Apple Support (NZ)

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3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: rileyloader7
rileyloader7
User level: Level 1
147 points

Sep 17, 2023 5:24 PM in response to Denise-1

Hey Denise-1,


Follow these steps:

  1. Check for updates, and update your iPhone or iPad to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.
  2. Check that nothing is covering the TrueDepth camera. Remove anything that may be covering the TrueDepth camera, such as a smudge, case or screen protector.
  3. If you're using iPad in landscape orientation, make sure your finger or palm isn't covering the TrueDepth camera. If it is, an alert might appear at the top of the screen that says "Camera covered" with an arrow pointing at the TrueDepth camera.
  4. Make sure that your face isn't blocked. By default, Face ID doesn't work if anything is covering your mouth and nose.
  5. 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.
  6. 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 only works on iPhone 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Restart your device. Restart your iPhone or iPad and enter your passcode. Then try using Face ID again.
  9. Add an alternative 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 alternative appearance so Face ID can still recognise you.
  10. 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.
  11. Get your device serviced. If you still can't enrol your face, contact Apple Support.


Hope this helps!

If Face ID isn't working on your iPhone or iPad Pro - Apple Support (NZ)

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Why isn’t my Face ID working

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