How do I fix 'Face ID Is Not Available' error and reset Face ID on iPhone 16e?

Had my iphone 16e for a while - Face ID has just stopped working. When I go to set it up again - I get the "Position your face within the frame". I can see my self and the frame, sometimes it askes me to move the iPhone up but it always seems to crash giving me a "Face ID Is Not Available" with an OK option. More often than not it bombs out before It asks me to move the phone.


I've Disabled it. Rebooted the Phone. tried to setup again and I keep getting this issue.


Very frustratiting. Why has this just started to happen and how can I resolve? The help docs I found so far don't seem to help.






[Edited by Moderator]

Original Title: iphone 16e - Face ID stopped working. When I try to reset I get - the process crashes and I get the message "Face ID Is Not Available Try setting up Face ID Later."

iPhone 16e, iOS 26

Posted on Jul 15, 2026 4:21 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 15, 2026 6:19 AM

That often means there is an issue with the True Depth Camera in your iPhone. Try the options detailed in this link --> If Face ID isn't working on your iPhone or iPad Pro - Apple Support


If this doesn't help, you'll need to schedule an appointment at your Apple Store Genius Bar for service options --> Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple


3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 15, 2026 6:19 AM in response to Murmles

That often means there is an issue with the True Depth Camera in your iPhone. Try the options detailed in this link --> If Face ID isn't working on your iPhone or iPad Pro - Apple Support


If this doesn't help, you'll need to schedule an appointment at your Apple Store Genius Bar for service options --> Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple


Jul 15, 2026 11:29 PM in response to Murmles

Thank you for reaching out. 🤗


Follow these steps, testing after each step:



If that didn’t work, then it could be a hardware issue.


According to Apple:

Using diagnostics available in iOS 14.6 or later, Apple has detected an issue with your TrueDepth camera that might cause it to not function as expected. The TrueDepth camera contains lasers, which might be disabled for safety reasons if the device malfunctions or is damaged. This won't prevent you from using your iPhone or iPad, but until your iPhone or iPad is updated or serviced, you might not be able to use Face ID, Animoji, Memoji, and some other features that use the front camera.


As a result, I recommend service.


Service Checklist:


Service Appointment:


Contact Information:


Additional Support:


Good luck! 👋🏼😉

Smiliñ 😎 Brian | Community Volunteer

Jul 17, 2026 1:25 AM in response to Murmles

You may try some of these steps, please check after each step...


  1. Ensure your screen protector or case isn't obstructing the front-facing camera. See the poic below
  2. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches. Turn off your iPhone, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
    1. Restart the device. That's it.
    2. Still not solved --> Force restart iPhone - Apple Support
  3. Corporate iPhone Profile Check and Removal Guide
    1. Is this your corporate iPhone? Then please contact the system administrator of your corporate.
    2. If it is your device, in that case, do you have any profile installed by your corporate/organization/enterprise/School Management?
    3. Erase the profile added by you If you have installed a profile on your own --> Install or remove configuration profiles on iPhone - Apple ...
    4. Please contact the system administrator of the organization who provided the profile to you
  4. Reset Network Settings: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings: Only network settings are removed.
    1. When you reset network settings, previously used networks and VPN settings that weren’t installed by a configuration profile or mobile device management (MDM) are removed. Wi-Fi is turned off and then back on, disconnecting you from any network you’re on. The Wi-Fi and Ask to Join Networks settings remain turned on.
    2. To remove VPN settings installed by a configuration profile, go to Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management, select the configuration profile, then tap Remove Profile. This also removes other settings and accounts provided by the profile. See Install or remove configuration profiles on iPhone in this guide.
    3. To remove network settings installed by MDM, go to Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management, select the management, then tap Remove Management. This also removes other settings and certificates provided by MDM. See “Mobile device management (MDM)” in the iOS Deployment Reference.
    4. Reset your Network Settings. Tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This also resets Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings that you've used before.
  5. If the issue persists, you can try resetting all settings on your iPhone. This will not erase your data but will reset all personalized settings to their default values. Go to Settings > General > Transfer & Reset > Reset > Reset All Settings and confirm the action. Note that you will need to reconfigure your settings afterward. All settings—including network settings, the keyboard dictionary, the Home screen layout, location settings, privacy settings, and Apple Pay cards—are removed or reset to their defaults. No data or media are deleted.
    1. Reset All Settings: Return iPhone settings to their defaults - Apple Support:- Return iPhone settings to their defaults
    2. You can return settings to their defaults without erasing your content.
    3. If you want to save your settings, back up your iPhone before returning them to their defaults. For example, if you’re trying to solve a problem but returning settings to their defaults doesn’t help, you might want to restore your previous settings from a backup.
  6. Make sure you have the latest updates installed.
    1. Update Over-the-Air (OTA) —> Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support (IN)
    2. Update using iTunes/Finder —> Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support (IN)


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.




How do I fix 'Face ID Is Not Available' error and reset Face ID on iPhone 16e?

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