Face ID not working on iPhone after iOS 18 update

Updated iPhone 11 to latest IOS update 18 and Face ID not working.

turned off and on tried to reset face id but it won’t let me do a new id.

video and camera is working so don’t think it’s a camera issue


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Sep 21, 2024 1:44 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 10, 2024 8:39 AM

Copy&paste from someone else

(thanks really much - worked on my 13 pro max)


Turns out, the problem was with content restrictions. I had content and privacy restrictions enabled, which were blocking Face ID from working properly. Here's how I fixed it:


  1. Go to Settings > Screen Time.
  2. Tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions.
  3. Enter your Screen Time passcode if prompted.
  4. Tap on Passcode Changes and set it to Allow.
  5. After turning off the restriction, Face ID started working again. So, before diving into software or hardware fixes, l'd recommend checking your this settings first.
248 replies

Dec 7, 2024 1:16 PM in response to luv2laf

Hello~ You’re not chatting with Apple but with other fellow forum members like yourself. Take your iPhone in for a check…


Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple


Find Locations


I have updated and have no such issues. By the way what’s your better health %…


Check the iPhone battery health and usage - Apple Support


Also…


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


~Katana-San~

Jan 9, 2025 4:40 AM in response to Dudley - Stockport

Same experience here still. iPhone 13Pro. I’m in the US. I did chat support with Apple for the second time. They ran remote diagnostics which were clean. Did an hard reboot again as well. Also had a phone call with second level Apple support which was fairly useless…they just confirmed things looked normal and that I should take my phone into the Apple Store for them to evaluate. I have an appointment today.


My experience after the 18.2.1 update was this: The update allowed me to turn off device theft protection with my passcode and by using my Apple ID and PW (before it was insisting that only FaceID could be used to turn it off). So that helped…it at least allowed me to try to reset Face ID.


When I do try though, it starts to setup as you could expect, with the image of a face in a circle…but when I click continue, all I get is a camera bracket [ ] and it tells me to move the camera higher or lower, but does not capture the angles of my face using the “circle” like normal.


Also, taking a front camera selfie using portrait mode does not allow me to get a “blurred” background. Not sure if it ever did….but Apple chat support had me try that. Sent screenshots to them as well. I will say they were thorough in their support.


It sure seems like this is a software bug given all the people with issues. I’ll update this group after my appt today. I’m not overly hopeful…

Jan 15, 2025 12:14 PM in response to BonnieLeeCT

Hello~ You’re correct…it’s not the update. I am updated and I always update for security reasons… no issues here. If this was happening on a grand scale can you imagine what these boards would look like?? Apple thrives because of devoted repeat customers and trust. I can’t imagine that they would damage their business reputation to sell a few extra iPhones as some have theorized. Take care and you may want to take your iPhone in to Apple and have it checked out…


Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple


Find Locations


~Katana-San~


Feb 5, 2025 2:31 PM in response to Katana-San

I am convinced iOS 18 has contributed to my issues, as I always keep my phone well and not misuse it and never had any issues on iOS 17 and previous.


The outcome of my appointment is that I need a new TrueDepth camera. They quoted me £149.99 plus VAT (20%).


This is why I’ve always said Apple need to follow the competition and adapt both Face ID and under screen Touch ID. Because once the TrueDepth camera goes you have to fork out almost the phones value.


I decided not to accept that because I don’t see the point spending £200 almost, when I’m upgrading end of the year.


So I would say that if anyone is having a problem then it’s the camera which is has been fried somehow.

Feb 8, 2025 4:02 PM in response to seductive97

I’ve tried it since but can’t get it to work.


you have to power off your iPhone. Leave it off for 30 - 60 seconds. Then hold down ONLY both volume buttons until the apple symbol comes up. Once this appears you then need to let go of the volume buttons and plug your charge cable into your phone (with the other end being plugged into your MacBook or power supply.


this should then bring up the diagnostic checker and from there you can access Face ID test.

Nov 10, 2024 8:44 PM in response to SevTonks

I have same issue, Face ID stop working, contacted apple support they advice to try in darker place, it was too much light, so it’s working now but another problem appeared every time Face ID unlocking phone there are vertical line blue green yellow black appearing few seconds. Hard reset or back to factory settings only moved vertical lines from right side of screen to middle 😭

Dec 19, 2024 7:47 AM in response to hazani

Hello~ You’re not chatting with Apple but with other fellow forum members like yourself. Take your iPhone in for a check…


Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple


Find Locations


I have updated and have no such issues. By the way what’s your better health %…


Check the iPhone battery health and usage - Apple Support


Also…


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


~Katana-San~

Dec 23, 2024 5:11 AM in response to SevTonks

Same thing here. 18.2. iPhone 13 Pro. Stopped working. You start to realize this phone is useless without Face ID. Can’t access many apps and clearly cannot reset Face ID with “stolen device protection” on.


I chatted with customer service for about 30 mins. They ran a remote diagnostic with no issues found and then recommended I take the phone in to the Apple Genius Bar for in person support.


Apple should save itself some time and money and resources, admit there is a big issue and get an update out. People are rightfully frustrated.

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Face ID not working on iPhone after iOS 18 update

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