Partial Face ID failure not triggering passcode fallback for app locks on iPhone 17 Pro Max

Hi everyone,

I’m using an iPhone 17 Pro Max and have enabled Face ID–based app locks for several apps (like Notes, Photos, and WhatsApp). The problem is that when Face ID fails — for example, when I’m wearing a helmet or mask — the apps don’t show the “Enter Passcode to Unlock” option.

Even after tapping “Try Face ID Again” multiple times, it just keeps scanning my face and never gives the fallback to enter the passcode manually.

Here’s what I’ve already tried:

• 
  
• 
  
• Background App Refresh is off (not related but checked anyway).
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Confirmed the apps are listed under Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Other Apps.
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Turned Face ID off and on for those apps.
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Restarted the iPhone.
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Still no option for passcode entry unless Face ID is completely unavailable (e.g., when I cover the TrueDepth camera).
• 
  
• 
  

It seems like iOS isn’t automatically triggering the passcode fallback when Face ID fails partially.

Has anyone else faced this issue or found a fix?

Would appreciate guidance or if Apple could check if this is a bug in iOS 26.0.1 for the iPhone 17 series.

Thanks in advance!

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Face ID app lock not showing passcode fallback when Face ID fails on iPhone 17 Pro Max