The App Store keeps prompting for my password even though I have Face ID enabled for all purchases

Question

The App Store keeps prompting for my password even though I have Face ID enabled for all purchases

Whenever I try to install a new app (paid or free) on my iPhone XS I get presented with a blue "Install" button that prompts for my password when I press it even though I have Face ID enabled for all purchases. If I enter my password I am able to install the new app.

If I go into settings, [my name], iTunes & App Store I see "Face ID is enabled for all purchases". I can temporarily get around this problem by going to settings, Face ID & Passcode, and turning "iTunes & App Store" off and then back on again. After doing that when I install a new app I can use Face ID to authenticate and do not get a password prompt. However, the next day I'll be right back to being prompted for my password. I did not have this problem with my iPhone X.

iPhone XS (restored backup of iPhone X)

iOS 12.0.1

iPhone XS, iOS 12.0.1

Posted on Oct 24, 2018 3:38 PM

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Answer 1

Teddy_B

Community Specialist

Oct 25, 2018 2:25 PM in response to Need_Apple_Help

Hey Need_Apple_Help,

Thanks for reaching out with the issue your iPhone XS is experiencing with using Face ID to make purchases. I'd like to help out.

Because the issue seems consistent (the next day is when it goes back to requiring your password), do you find any of these instances as being accurate? These are some reasons why a password or passcode is needed:

If you need to enter your passcode

You might need to enter your passcode or Apple ID instead of using Face ID in these situations:

The device has just been turned on or restarted.

The device hasn’t been unlocked for more than 48 hours.

The passcode hasn’t been used to unlock the device in the last six and a half days and Face ID hasn't unlocked the device in the last 4 hours.

The device has received a remote lock command.

After five unsuccessful attempts to match a face.

After initiating power off/Emergency SOS by pressing and holding either volume button and the side button simultaneously for 2 seconds.

If Face ID isn't working on your iPhone X or later
If you're not finding these instances applicable, let us know if you're having issues using Face ID to unlock the device as well or if it's only with purchases.
Cheers!

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Answer 2

Nov 8, 2018 1:02 PM in response to CarlosP1228

I think that this problem has been corrected by iOS 12.1 without me having to do anything. After installing iOS 12.1 I was still having the problem. However, going to settings, Face ID & Passcode, and turning "iTunes & App Store" off and then back on again doesn't seem to be a temporary fix anymore. It seems to be permanent. It's been two days since I've done this and Face ID is still being used when I try to download a free app.

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Answer 3

Oct 25, 2018 6:55 PM in response to Teddy_B

Thanks for responding so quickly! Unfortunately none of those apply. I rarely turn off my iPhone. I unlock it dozens of times a day with Face ID and pay with Apple Pay with Face ID several times a week. Face ID almost always works on the first time and never has failed five times in a row. I can unlock my iPhone with Face ID and go immediately to the app store and try to install a free app and the install button will make the password prompt appear (where it should be using Face ID instead).

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Answer 4

chris_g1

Community Specialist

Nov 6, 2018 9:01 AM in response to Need_Apple_Help

Good morning Need_Apple_Help!

Great question. Reinstalling the iOS will only reinstall the iOS software, so no settings or information will be removed during this process. You can safely perform this step without having to set up Apple Pay again.

Have a great day.

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Answer 5

Nov 6, 2018 6:29 AM in response to CarlosP1228

If I go through these steps will it remove my credit cards from my Apple Wallet? I don't want to go through the setup for Apple Pay again for all of my cards. I'd rather just keep having to enter my password when I buy apps.

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Answer 6

i_rina

Community Specialist

Nov 11, 2018 7:20 AM in response to Need_Apple_Help

Good morning Need_Apple_Help!

Thank you for reaching back out and letting us know the steps you've taken. It sounds like the issue has been resolved, so I'm glad to hear that!

Have a great week.

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Answer 7

wym

Level 1

18 points

Dec 3, 2018 12:34 PM in response to i_rina

I bought the iPhone XR last week and upgraded to the latest OS. It probably asks me for my passcode a dozen times a day. What is the point of even having faceID if you have to type your passcode all of the time. On my old iPhone, I could download free apps with mout all the authentication. Not I have to use not only faceID, but have to type in a passcode every stinking time. It is completely annoying. I’m a long time Apple supporter, but I’m beginning to question that. If you don’t trust faceID then why should I???

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Answer 8

Oct 26, 2018 5:23 AM in response to Need_Apple_Help

Good morning Need_Apple_Help!

Thanks for following up with that extra information. Since it appears to be an issue with purchasing, I'd like for you to reinstall the iOS on the iPhone to see if this fixes the issue.

Before you proceed with reinstalling, please back up your data using the steps in the following article. Reinstalling the iOS only overwrites the iOS on the device, and does not affect personal data, but it’s always recommended to have a backup first: How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

Once you've verified that your backup is current, follow the steps below to reinstall iOS on your iPhone. Keep in mind that this article was written for a different issue, but these steps will still be helpful. Also be aware, you'll want click the "Update" button and not the "Restore" button when prompted as the "Restore" button will restore the device to factory settings: If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won't turn on or is frozen

Keep us updated. Take care!

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The App Store keeps prompting for my password even though I have Face ID enabled for all purchases

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