Many iPhone users have run into a frustrating issue: Face ID stops working, and because Stolen Device Protection (SDP) is enabled, they can’t reset Face ID or turn off SDP—since both actions require Face ID. This has locked users out of banking apps, passwords, and critical settings, especially after recent iOS 18 updates. Note: I’ve previously outlined how to troubleshoot Face ID issues in iOS 18.
If you’re stuck in this loop, here are all the known fixes and workarounds that have helped others.
As you remember, Stacey explained why you should not turn on Stolen Device Protection. You may want to check that article.
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Stolen Device Protection adds an extra layer of security in case of your iPhone gets stolen by requiring Face ID or Touch ID to access sensitive settings—even if someone has your passcode. But if Face ID fails due to a hardware issue, screen protector interference, or a bug, you may lose the ability to disable SDP or reset Face ID, leaving you stuck.
In this article, I list several fixes you can try.
What You Can Try First
- Restart or Force Restart Your iPhone. Some users reported that simply restarting fixed their Face ID temporarily.
- To force restart: Quickly press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
- Clean the Camera Area. Wipe the black bar at the top of the screen with a clean cloth. Some users found that a dirty or cracked screen protector blocked the Face ID camera.
- Try in Low Light or Evening. Several users noticed Face ID worked better in low lighting conditions. If it works even briefly, use that chance to disable SDP.
- Turn Off VPN or Network-Altering Apps. If you’re using a VPN or any tool that modifies your network connection, turn it off. These may interfere with verification or communication with Apple servers. I discussed before if your VPN is a good idea or not.
- Use the “Add Glasses” Trick to Trigger Security Delay. This clever workaround helped some users initiate the one-hour delay required to disable Stolen Device Protection.
- Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode
- Enable “Face ID with a Mask”
- Tap “Add Glasses” and attempt the scan multiple times
- After a few failed attempts, a “Security Delay” prompt may appear. Tap OK and wait one hour. Once the delay ends, you might be able to add an alternate appearance or disable SDP using your passcode.
Workarounds If Face ID Still Doesn’t Work
Option 1: Trigger Passcode Fallback. When prompted for Face ID, keep failing it by covering the camera or using an unrecognized face. After several attempts, your iPhone may ask for your passcode instead. Use this chance to disable SDP.
Option 2: If You’re in a Familiar Location. If SDP is set to “Familiar Locations,” your iPhone may allow you to turn it off without Face ID after a one-hour delay—if you’re at home or work.
Option 3: Remove the iPhone from Your Apple ID (Without Erasing). This step has worked for some users without erasing their data.
- Go to iCloud.com/find and sign in
- Select your iPhone and click “Remove from Account” Important: If you get an error saying the device is online and can’t be removed, power off the iPhone first, then try again.
Option 4: Erase Your iPhone Remotely via iCloud. IMPORTANT: Only use this as a last resort, as it will erase all data. Back up first.
- Go to iCloud.com/find
- Select your iPhone and choose “Erase”
- Once erased, choose “Remove from Account”
- You can then set up the iPhone again from your iCloud backup. This disables SDP. If Face ID still doesn’t work, avoid re-enabling it until you’ve fixed the hardware.
Lastly, Check for Hardware Issues
If none of the above works, your iPhone may have a hardware problem with the TrueDepth camera system.
Check this if your iPhone has been repaired.
- Go to Settings > General > About
- Look for “Parts and Service History” to check for camera issues
- You might see something like “Unknown Part” or “Mid Rear Sensor Fault”. In this case, your best option is to visit an Apple Store or authorized service provider.
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