Why does my iPhone 16e Face ID ask for a passcode after restart?

navy001 wrote:

I'm new to Face ID. A few questions from my 3 day experience. I do not always have my iPhone turned on: often off for large periods of the day. When I turn it back on again - restart - it asks for my 6 digit code rather than using Face ID which I can confirm is properly set up. Is this normal?

Yes. Face ID is a substitute for entering a passcode in many cases – but not all. It helps to limit the number of times you enter your passcode (and thus the chances others have to surreptitiously learn it), but you still must know – and occasionally use – the passcode.

About Face ID advanced technology - Apple Support

"To use Face ID, you must set up a passcode on your device. You must enter your passcode for additional security validation when …"

A long list of things that can trigger a passcode request follows, one of which is "The device has just been turned on or restarted."

That's correct. If you turn your phone off (I never turn mine off as it's not necessary to power it off), or you update your iPhone, make account changes etc., your Passcode will be required. This is by design and completely normal. Face ID is a convenience, NOT a replacement for your Passcode. Make sure you have written the Passcode down and store it safely in case you forget it.

Also – make sure you regularly back up your phone and/or synchronize your data to iCloud.

If you forget your passcode and enter the wrong one too many times, an iPhone can enter a security lockout state from which the only way back in is to reset and erase the phone. Everything that existed only on the phone is lost, so your only hope then Is that you have been making backups, using iCloud synchronization, etc.

How to back up your iPhone or iPad with iCloud - Apple Support

Set up and use iCloud Photos - Apple Support

navy001 wrote:

Thank you. I'm not using it as a home Phone - yet, so I do turn it off if not completely necessary. Restarts and using some functions require the passcode but, surprisingly, disabling Stolen Device Protection does not; Face ID works there. That the Face ID app did not say I have to begin set up again should have told me that it was working properly. Thanks again for your info and help!

You're welcome and good luck with the new phone.