iOS 26.2.1 killed FaceID on iPad Pro M4.

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17 points

iOS 26.2.1 killed FaceID on iPad Pro M4.

iPad Pro M4, was running iOS 26.2 and everything worked perfectly normal this morning. Get notified for 26.2.1 update before lunch break, pressed update now and went out for lunch. When getting back, update is done, and my FaceID is totally busted.

When trying to unlock iPad using FaceID, it keeps saying the "camera is covered".

- No it's of course not covered. I don't use any case or keyboard accessory or screen protector. Just vanilla, "naked" iPad Pro hold in my left hand, while the camera is on the right hand side frame.
- Tried to clean the whole camera and sensors area with dampened cloth and then wiped dry with another microfiber cloth. Not working.
- Yes I know I have to type passkey for first time login after reboot and I've done that. I'm not idiot, thank you.

2. Followed all the instructions from If Face ID isn’t working on your iPhone or iPad Pro and not working.

- It's just updated to 26.2.1.
- FaceID settings looks normal to me and most options were enabled.
- TrueDepth camera is not covered and cleaned, as mentioned above.
- No I'm not wearing any mask nor having any scars nor makeup, and I'm buzzcut. And it worked just 30 min ago.
- Yes I stared at the camera. Not working.
- Done soft reboot from Settings → General and force reboot by volume up → volume down → lock button for multiple times. Not working.
- Reset FaceID, and now it failed when initializing FaceID setting procedure. Details described below.

3. After resetting FaceID, I can't set a new FaceID now.

- It keeps saying "face out of view" while my face is 100% within the range.
- Tried different distances between face and iPad, from 1m to 20 cm. Not working.
- Tried different environmental lighting condition. Not working.
- Tried different color of top wear. Not working.
- Tried different backgrounds: sitting on office chair, meeting room, stand against the wall. Not working.

4. Tried many "folk remedies" found on YouTube including turning on/off FaceID attention feature in Accessibility and turning on/off ScreenTime and reboot. Nothing works.

I'm not idiot and I started using FaceID whenever it's available, and I've set FaceID for myself on at least 3 iOS devices and help my family setting their FaceID on at least 5 other devices. I know how it works and now this iPad just won't do the setup.

So now my FaceID is totally bricked. For my experience of 20+ years in embedded system programming, I'd say either the facial recognition function or TrueDepth sensor fail to work after 26.2.1 update, for some unknown reason. I can't imagine any kind of "hardware damage" would happen to an iPad sitting on the desk in a locked and air conditioned office room within 30 min, while all I did is clicking "Restart Now" when being prompted for 26.2.1 update.

This is the most Microsoft hours for me on Apple products for nearly three decades. Now I can only set a longer delay before requiring password to unlock iPad.

iPad Pro

Posted on Jan 29, 2026 5:22 PM

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Answer 1

LotusPilot

Level 10

302,852 points

Jan 30, 2026 3:36 AM in response to Richard Liu2

There have been few reports of issues updating to iPadOS 26.2.1.

While you may have tried some of this already, the following a is systematic approach to resolving the problem if possible - and if not, directs you to appropriate help...

If your iPad is not operating as expected, try a forced-restart - as this will often clear an isolated or post-update software issue:

Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
Press and hold the top button.
When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.

If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings

If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support

Otherwise, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044

You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad - and you can explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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