Face identifier cannot be adjusted /dragged to ID a face - solutions found do not work

As many have noted for some years, the face identifier circle in Photos can malfunction: it cannot be moved over a face the user wants to identify and instead is stuck, usually centred over some inorganic feature.


1) We all NEED to have a functioning face identifier. A 5 person photo with three identified and two (known to the system not) needs the manual fix.


2) If one adds a name despite the circle being OFF the target face, I suppose the function will wrongly identify both the desired face AND the object so named.


Restarting does not fix this. Using Command + or Option + does not fix this.

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 14.1

Posted on Jan 15, 2024 8:56 AM

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Posted on Jan 15, 2024 11:23 AM

You may have to click the picture somewhere in the picture itself to focus Photos' attention there rather than letting it continue to think you are working in the Info window. When this happens I usually just click in the center of the circle and then move it. Sometimes I just type the name first and then, with the focus now on the picture, I can move the circle. Just clicking somewhere on the picture or in the circle works and doesn't seem to be a problem.

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Jan 15, 2024 11:23 AM in response to John James from BC

You may have to click the picture somewhere in the picture itself to focus Photos' attention there rather than letting it continue to think you are working in the Info window. When this happens I usually just click in the center of the circle and then move it. Sometimes I just type the name first and then, with the focus now on the picture, I can move the circle. Just clicking somewhere on the picture or in the circle works and doesn't seem to be a problem.

Jan 18, 2024 12:21 PM in response to John James from BC

I haven't seen this before. The problem could be connected with the user. Have you tried to make a new user and see if the same problem recurs with it?


You could see if the problem is with the Library. Try another library if you have one, or make a small test Library with a few pictures in it and see if the same thing happens.


You could Re-start in Safe Mode. This bypasses certain potentially disruptive processes. Safe Mode is different for different computers, so see this: 

           Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support 


If you think we can offer advice, please get back with the users here. But if these suggestions don't help, you may need to call Apple Support.

Contact - How to Contact Us - Apple (PH)


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Face identifier cannot be adjusted /dragged to ID a face - solutions found do not work

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