Can I disable Face ID on the iPhone 16e?

Did you set it up already? It is not required to set up the iPhone 16e with Face ID. If you did and want to remove it, then go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Reset Face ID. You will need to enter your passcode.

To disable Face ID, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode, enter your passcode, then tap Reset Face ID.

Legal - Data & Privacy - Apple

You can choose not to setup Face ID and just use a passcode if you really want to.

There's no requirement or obligation to enable Face ID.

Though I would question why. It's very secure, and very easy to use.

44pierrE wrote:

I've been sticking with my current SE since I discovered the replacement is face ID. I prefer touch ID

You get the choice to use passcode instead on 16e but not touch ID

Passcode-only means you cannot have Stolen Device Protection

FaceID is brilliant, go for it

As my mother used to say, try it before you knock it. It's works very well. It's much more convenient than TouchID.

But again, entirely your choice. You don't have to set it up if you don't want to. It's also very easy to disable after its been setup if you find you really don't like it.