iPhone Face ID not working? 8 fixes to try

2 min read · 8 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Open Settings, Face ID & Passcode and check that Face ID is switched on for iPhone Unlock. Clean the camera area at the top of the screen, hold the phone 25 to 50 cm from your face and restart it. If it still fails, tap Reset Face ID and set it up again.

Face ID uses the TrueDepth camera at the top of the screen. It fails when that camera is covered or dirty, when part of your face is hidden, or after a restart, when the iPhone always asks for the passcode once.

Step by step

  1. Check the Face ID settings

    Open Settings, Face ID & Passcode and enter your passcode. Make sure Face ID is set up and that the features you want, such as iPhone Unlock, are switched on.

  2. Uncover and clean the camera

    Wipe the top of the screen with a soft cloth. Check that the case or screen protector does not cover the TrueDepth camera.

  3. Show your whole face

    Your eyes, nose and mouth must be visible to the camera. Some sunglasses block the infrared light that Face ID uses, so take them off as a test.

  4. Hold the iPhone at the right distance

    Face the camera with the phone at arm's length or closer, about 25 to 50 cm away.

  5. Hold it upright on older models

    Face ID works in both portrait and landscape on iPhone 13 and later with iOS 16 or later. On earlier models, hold the phone upright.

  6. Restart the iPhone

    Restart, enter your passcode and then try Face ID again.

  7. Add an alternate appearance

    If you sometimes look very different, for example with certain glasses or after a big change to facial hair, open Settings, Face ID & Passcode and tap Set Up an Alternate Appearance.

  8. Reset Face ID

    Open Settings, Face ID & Passcode and tap Reset Face ID, then tap Set Up Face ID and scan your face again. This removes only the stored face data. Your apps, photos and passcode stay as they are.

Good to know

On iPhone 12 and later with iOS 15.4 or later, Face ID can work while you wear a face mask, in portrait orientation. Your eyes must not be covered.

Install the latest iOS under Settings, General, Software Update before deciding the camera is faulty.

If Face ID cannot be set up at all, the camera may be damaged. Contact Apple Support. Your passcode keeps working in the meantime, so make sure you remember it.

In short: Settings, Face ID & Passcode: check the switches, clean the camera, restart, then Reset Face ID.

Sources
  • Apple Support: If Face ID isn't working on your iPhone or iPad Pro

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