Unable to disable Stolen Device Protection, IPhone 13 Pro (possible faulty True Depth camera)

Unable to disable Stolen Device Protection

Yes, I have searched the forum, and there are LOADS of questions about the same thing, all with simplistic answers about a 1hr wait, or different suggestions appearing to be authoritative, but no update from the OP.

So, I am posting my own question on the subject, explaining my experience in the hope I get specific advice.

My daughter was complaining that her iPhone 13 pro was not holding charge and after many months, I gave in and bought her a 16 plus last November. Now it is January, I have asked if she is happy that everything is working and everything copied across from the 13 pro ...she is happy, so I want to wipe it and sell it to recoup some of the cost.

NB it still has 85% battery capacity, so Apple disappoint me again with their power management and sustainability.

As you would expect, Stolen Device Protection is on, and so I want to disable it before wiping the phone.

WE CAN'T DISABLE IT!

She finished Uni in July 2024, and had been using the 13 pro at home up until November 2025. I can't believe the phone hasn't set our home as a known location. However, when trying to disable

Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Stolen Device Protection

there is a prompt for Face ID so that it can start the 1hr delay, noting that Require Security Delay is set to Away from Familiar Locations.

After waiting for the delay, and returning after anything from an hour or so to maybe three hours, face ID is requested again, which appears to fail, and then it wants to start the 1hr delay again.

We have tried this over and over again, and now she refuses to do it any more, so I am here asking for advice.

NOTE: I have read one of the questions asking the same thing, which had a link to

If an alert says Face ID has an issue on your iPhone or iPad Pro

which basically says the True Depth camera may need servicing.

Also to note, she has changed her hair colour and style, so we tried

Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Set Up An Alternative Appearance

but the Face ID appears to fail and so we cannot proceed.

I have spent several frustrating hours with AI trying to get a resolution, but after several bad experiences, I simply don't trust it. AI is happy to provide instructions with absolute authority that you should follow them, only for them to fail, and it to respond 'oh yes, that was historic advice that doesn't work anymore, you should do this instead' .. only to find that you followed the advice and now you are in a worse state than you started in.

But, it has suggested that my daughter log into iCloud and use Find My to Remove This Device, in addition, it says, "If the old phone is on, tap Erase this Device first. Follow the prompts (skip entering a phone number/message since its not lost). Once it is erased, the Remove This Device option will appear. Tap it."

Can someone confirm that this is good advice and it will work, allowing me to wipe the phone, and for it to be ready for sale (despite the True Depth camera possibly being faulty!)?

If the advice is totally bogus, can you provide alternative steps.

(one similar question on this forum had the simple response, "disable Face ID first", but I don't think this is possible with Stolen Device Protection on, and maybe a faulty True Depth camera). I really hope the Find My method is recommended!