Can Face ID work on iMac with a taped camera?

Will Face ID still function (on iMac) when camera is taped shut?



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Face ID on iMac

iMac 24″, macOS 26.5

Posted on Jul 27, 2026 9:39 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 27, 2026 9:57 AM

cafox513 wrote:
Will Face ID still function (on iMac) when camera is taped shut?

Any device that uses a camera for Face ID is blind if the camera is covered.

(Could you identify someone's face with your eyes closed?)


No, Face ID will not function if the camera is taped shut.


15 replies

Jul 28, 2026 11:02 AM in response to cafox513

Why would Apple need to explain the obvious? "Face ID" surely implies the device needs to "SEE" your face to identify you. How would it "SEE" your face other than with a camera? And if the camera has been taped over how would the device "SEE" your face. This is common sense that should not need explaining.


Instead of blaming Apple for not explicitly explaining what is common sense maybe you should be looking in the mirror for the real reason. Or you could have taped over your camera and then tried to unlock your device with FaceID and found the answer immediately.


p.s. Apple does indeed carefully explain things to their users... it's called a Users Guide. Have you taken the time to read one? If you were expecting a personal phone call from Apple or and email, think again.

Jul 28, 2026 7:49 AM in response to cafox513

cafox513 wrote:
Many thanks to all who answered. We could have saved you time and energy had Apple explained things like Face ID, for their customers.

From this article:


Face ID provides intuitive and secure authentication enabled by the state-of-the-art TrueDepth camera system with advanced technologies to accurately map the geometry of your face.


About Face ID advanced technology - Apple Support


See also:


Use Face ID on your iPhone or iPad Pro - Apple Support

If Face ID isn't working on your iPhone or iPad Pro - Apple Support


Are you listening, Tim Apple?

Apple doesn't read here in this user-to-user oforum for feedback or suggestions. You can, however, let them know your thoughts here:


Product Feedback - Apple





Can Face ID work on iMac with a taped camera?

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