Why is my iPhone constantly prompting for a password after using Face ID?

Hello,


I am experiencing an issue where my iPhone is constantly asking for my password to unlock it despite having Face ID set up. I will unlock it, put it down for a minute, pick it back up and try to unlock it, I don’t get a Face ID option, it cuts straight to requiring me to type in my passcode. Every 3 tries or so.


I have made sure:

-my front iPhone camera is not dirty or obscured


-my iOS is up to date: 18.3.1, with .2 coming out tonight

(my iPhone is a 15 Plus)


-my face has not changed and I keep an up-to-date picture of my face AND alternate with my reading glasses on


-Face ID in settings is enabled


-I have restarted my device


When I do use my Face ID it is always an instant success, it never fails to unlock, yet I always get the prompt to enter my password every 3 times I go to unlock my phone.


Please tell me others are experiencing this too and/or there is a solution I’ve been unable to find that you know of.


[Re-Titled By Moderator]

iPhone 15 Plus

Posted on Mar 20, 2025 1:17 AM

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7 replies

Mar 21, 2025 5:14 PM in response to FrostyFyre

Here are some steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue with Face ID not consistently working:


1. Check Face ID Settings:

- Go to Settings ➡️ Face ID & Passcode.

- Ensure that Face ID is enabled for iPhone Unlock and any other features you use it for.


2. Reset Face ID:

- Go to Settings ➡️ Face ID & Passcode, then tap Reset Face ID.

- Set it up again by following the on-screen instructions.


3. Check Attention Aware Features:

- If Attention Aware Features are enabled, your iPhone requires you to look directly at the screen to unlock. Go to Settings ➡️ Face ID & Passcode and toggle OFF Attention Aware Features to see if it helps.


4. Update iOS:

- Ensure your iPhone is running the latest iOS version. Go to Settings ➡️ General ➡️ Software Update.


5. Reset All Settings:

- If the issue persists, reset all settings (this won’t delete your data). Go to Settings ➡️ General ➡️ Transfer or Reset ➡️ Reset ➡️ Reset All Settings.


6. Contact Apple Support:

- If none of these steps work, it might be a hardware issue with the TrueDepth camera. Reach out to 👉 Official Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for assistance.


Axel F.


Mar 20, 2025 2:59 AM in response to FrostyFyre

"Why is my iPhone constantly prompting for a password after using Face ID?: My problem is that it is asking me for a passcode when it should be asking for Face ID. It makes no sense."

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iPhone Not Asking for Face ID:


A. Update your iPhone:

When's the last time your updated your iPhone? iOS 18.3.2 is the latest available update. So, try updating to it. If you cannot not do so on the iPhone itself, then try using a computer. Use my User Tip: Update your iPhone Using a Computer - User Tip. If any updates are available, they will install, sure enough.

IMPORTANT: If you have an option to update, however, then be certain you backup your iPhone first. That way, you will have something to restore your iPhone from should anything go wrong with the update.


B. Clean the Camera:

Using microfibre clothe, clean the camera from debris.


C. Reset Face ID:

  1. Go to: Settings
  2. Tap: Face ID & Passcode
  3. Enter: your passcode
  4. Tap: Reset Face ID

Mar 20, 2025 2:10 AM in response to FrostyFyre

"Why is my iPhone constantly prompting for a password after using Face ID?: [...]When I do use my Face ID it is always an instant success, it never fails to unlock, yet I always get the prompt to enter my password every 3 times I go to unlock my phone. Please tell me others are experiencing this too and/or there is a solution I’ve been unable to find that you know of."

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Troubleshooting Face ID Login Issues:

Face ID is having issues here. So, reset your Passcode, and troubleshooting the Face ID.


Wait Out the Time Allotted:

Having being in a loop, you might be locked out. So, try a passcode reset. It may come unto a 72 hour wait if locked out, due to so many tries.


Resetting the Passcode:

For your iOS version, you wont need to use a computer to perform the reset. But, if it comes to it, ask a friend or family member if you may use their computer to perform this reset. So, reset your passcode on your device without the need for a computer.


Troubleshooting Face ID:

Overview these two links:


Mar 20, 2025 2:45 AM in response to TheLittles

I’m definitely not locked out, I can use my Face ID, it’ll work fine, then go to use it and it needs my passcode, then use it again in 5 minutes and Face ID works again. And it’s not like it’s asking me for my passcode after 3 failed Face ID attempts, I literally pick up my phone and it’s asking for a passcode, without even trying my Face ID once.


My passcode works fine, it’s not giving me any errors or locked message when I type my passcode in.


My problem is that it is asking me for a passcode when it should be asking for Face ID. It makes no sense.

Mar 20, 2025 11:23 AM in response to TheLittles

  1. iOS 18.3.2 came out last night, before I made my post, it was up to date until that point, and this has been an ongoing issue for weeks.
  2. I clean my phone screen daily, I can’t stand a dirty screen
  3. Again my Face ID works fine when it asks me to use it. I’m just not getting prompted for it occasionally when I try to sign in. It’s not that it’s failing or needs to be reset, it’s that my iPhone is not even asking me for it.


I feel as though you are throwing random support articles that are troubleshooting-adjacent to my actual issue and not addressing the real issue which is likely some sort of software flaw with the iPhone not detecting that Face ID is the authentication method set up on the device and defaulting to the passcode. I work for a technical support company myself and I am aware of all the articles you have already provided me and addressed them in my original post if you had read it through.

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Why is my iPhone constantly prompting for a password after using Face ID?

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