After updating my iPhone 12 to iOS 26.2, Face ID stopped working. I reset Face ID and now all Face ID settings are grayed out. I also reset the phone and it did not resolve the issue.” Has anyone else had the same problem and if so, have you found a fix?
iPhone 12, iOS 26
I understand it seems coincidental, but if iOS 26.2 had a way to render Face ID inoperable, it would have rendered it inoperable for every user who updated their iPhone. This forum would be stormed by people complaining. The Tech Press would be all over it. Yet, neither is the case. There are millions upon millions upon millions of people who are on iOS 262. I'm sorry you're having an issue, but there's no proof it was caused by iOS 26.2.
If I had your iPhone. I would back it up to my computer (using Finder on Mac or Apple Devices on Windows 11), then restore my phone from the backup on my computer. This would install a new copy of iOS on my iPhone.
See this for help with that --> Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support
If this doesn't help, then you have a hardware issue, which needs to be addressed by Apple.
I understand it seems coincidental, but if iOS 26.2 had a way to render Face ID inoperable, it would have rendered it inoperable for every user who updated their iPhone. This forum would be stormed by people complaining. The Tech Press would be all over it. Yet, neither is the case. There are millions upon millions upon millions of people who are on iOS 262. I'm sorry you're having an issue, but there's no proof it was caused by iOS 26.2.
If I had your iPhone. I would back it up to my computer (using Finder on Mac or Apple Devices on Windows 11), then restore my phone from the backup on my computer. This would install a new copy of iOS on my iPhone.
See this for help with that --> Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support
If this doesn't help, then you have a hardware issue, which needs to be addressed by Apple.
Upgrades and updates frequently contain firmware and software updates to bring older hardware up to date so new software (iOS) can work. It’s certainly possible that during the update process, something unforeseen happened and it affected your Face ID camera and associated hardware. Typically when a firmware update fails, it’s due to an undiagnosed hardware issue.
Every indication is a hardware failure. You can contact Apple Support and do remote diagnostics to confirm my suspicions or make an appointment for you at an Apple Store Genius Bar if more convenient for you. The links are below.
You need to have Apple perform diagnostics on your iPhone. It can be done in person at an Apple Retail Store or at an Apple Authorized Service Provider. You can also contact Apple Support and request remote diagnostics.
If you’re in the US, please call 1-800-MY-APPLE, or outside the US, consult the support articles below. In Canada, call 1-800-263-3394.
Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support
Ianrich wrote:
So - I updated to 26.2.1 and my Face ID has stopped working, this is apple at its worst, stop saying it is ‘coincidental’ hardware failure, it’s simply Apple failure! Tried everything and am so frustrated!
This is a user to user only forum. No one here can do anything to fix your Face ID from our sofas. Whether coincidence or not , we can't tell you. But we can say that if iOS 26.2 broke Face ID, it would have done it to everyone. It didn't. So you'll need to take your phone to the Genius Bar at your closest Apple Store, where it can be tested and you'll be told what your options are.
Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple
LJStevens99 wrote:
After updating my iPhone 12 to iOS 26.2, Face ID stopped working. I reset Face ID and now all Face ID settings are grayed out. I also reset the phone and it did not resolve the issue.” Has anyone else had the same problem and if so, have you found a fix?
See this link, but I suspect you may have a hardware issue with the True Depth camera in your iPhone --> If Face ID isn't working on your iPhone or iPad Pro - Apple Support
You may need to schedule an appointment at your Apple Store Genius Bar for evaluation and service options --> Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple
You may try some of these steps, please check after each step...
message if the camera installation is incomplete or if the camera:If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it is recommended to reach out to Apple Support or visit an authorized service center for further assistance. They can provide specific guidance based on your device model and iOS version.
Try updating to iOS 26.2.1 released today (01/26/26). The notes mention bug fixes, but no specifics. Good luck.
Swissschoko wrote:
I also have the same issue after the latest update and have never had a problem with Face ID in any other release. This is not a coincidence. I hope they will send a new update soon.
That like saying a crashed plane will be better next takeoff.
Devices with a hardware failure close to happening will likely fail completely during an update due to thermal stress. If your faceID camera has failed, the next update will not un-fail it.
Face ID issues are not always the iOS update's fault! Many things can cause phone problems. If you tell people you think it's an iOS update, it might make it harder to fix or find a solution for the real issue.
Remember, the right question often leads to the solution!
Was/Is your device Jailbroken? If that's the situation, please be informed that attributing the issues to iOS updates may not be accurate.
iOS updates aim to enhance user experience, boost security, and fix bugs rather than disrupt core features. The majority of the issues after updates might stem from underlying, unmentioned factors. Updates won't typically alter personal data but may refine settings or features. Backup before major updates for safety. Review Apple's update details and backup advice for a smooth process.
Kindly consider checking your settings and addressing any device issues before attributing the issue to external factors. This could be a pure coincidence that the iOS update affected the iPhone functions.
Before initiating a standard iOS update, it's advisable to create a backup. Have you completed this step? If yes, proceed with the restoration from the backup.
See what each update does: OS — iOS 26, About iOS 18 Updates, About iOS 17 Updates, About iOS 16 Updates, About iOS 15 Updates, About iOS 14 Updates, About iOS 13 Updates, About iOS 12 Updates, and so on...
The term used by you, "Face ID not working since 26.2 update," is purely coincidental, and it surely is not iOS 26.2 because...
I conducted a thorough search of this forum using the term 'Face ID after iOS Update' and uncovered numerous posts detailing similar issues across various iOS updates. This suggests that iOS updates may not consistently be the root cause. Below are a handful of examples extracted from the search results:
Reports of Face ID appear across all models and iOS versions in this forum, suggesting the issue is device-specific rather than tied to any particular iOS version or model.
Handling. Handle your iPhone with care. · Repairing. iPhone should only be serviced by a trained technician. · Battery. · Lasers. · Distraction. · Navigation. · Charging.Cleaning.
Important safety information for iPhone
Clean iPhone immediately if it comes in contact with anything that may cause stains, or other damage—for example, dirt or sand, ink, makeup, soap
Important handling information for iPhone
I appreciate the reply! I have done all these items with no avail. I have a difficult time believing it is a hardware issue as everything was working fine until the 26.2 update occurred. It is also my understanding that many others are experiencing the same problem. I find it unlikely that all our cameras stopped working at the same time as this update. I am hoping they will send out a software update to fix this issue, but I guess this might be a time for me to switch over to a non-Apple phone if I have to start all over with everything. Thanks
So - I updated to 26.2.1 and my Face ID has stopped working, this is apple at its worst, stop saying it is ‘coincidental’ hardware failure, it’s simply Apple failure! Tried everything and am so frustrated!
I’m facing the same issue on my 12 pro max. Face ID just stopped working, I turned off stolen data protection and reset all settings, now the “set up Face ID” part is all grayed out and I can’t click on it.
I will validate LJ Stevens99. Mine is doing the same after the update.
I also have the same issue after the latest update and have never had a problem with Face ID in any other release. This is not a coincidence. I hope they will send a new update soon.
Face ID not working since 26.2 update
