Dealing with Face ID problems on the iPhone can be pretty frustrating, especially if it’s your main way to unlock or authenticate. It’s kind of weird how sometimes a simple restart or a quick software update can fix the issue, but other times, it feels like you have to get a bit more hands-on. These common fixes have helped quite a few folks, especially iPhone 13 users, who found their Face ID just stopped working out of nowhere. Just a heads-up—because the Face ID tech is so intertwined with the device hardware, some problems might actually need a visit to Apple or an authorized repair center. But before going that route, here’s what might do the trick. The goal is to get Face ID working again without too much hassle. Usually, it’s some software glitch, loose camera parts (on older models), or a setting that just decided to freak out. Keep in mind, sometimes a quick sequence of buttons and a software update can bring things back to normal. If that didn’t help, here’s what might:
How to Fix Face ID Not Working on your iPhone
Fix 1 – Force restart the device
Yeah, it sounds basic, but force-rebooting often clears out temporary glitches that mess with Face ID. On some setups, it works like magic after a reboot, especially if the screen froze or the Face ID sensor didn’t initially register properly.
- Press and quickly release the Volume + button.
- Press and quickly release the Volume – button.
- Then, press and hold the Power button until the Apple logo shows up. Keep holding that Power button—it’s like giving your device a fresh start.
Once the iPhone restarts, unlock it with your passcode, then try Face ID again. Sometimes, weird little glitches clear right after a force reboot. On one setup it worked, on another…not so much, but worth a shot.
Fix 2 – Update the software
Some bugs in iOS can cause Face ID hiccups, especially if you’re running an older version. Apple tends to patch these things pretty fast, so updating is worth the effort.
- Open Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
- If prompted, enter your passcode, and let the update run. A force reboot after the update isn’t a bad idea to make sure all the new stuff kicks in properly.
Updating usually fixes bugs that cause Face ID to stop working. Be patient, the update might take a few minutes, but it’s worth it. Once done, test Face ID; more times than not, this clears up the issue.
Fix 3 – Reset Face ID and disable stolen device protection
This step is more involved. You can’t really reset Face ID if you haven’t turned off the stolen device protection (which isn’t on by default unless it’s enabled for some reason).First, disable that, then reset Face ID.
- Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
- Scroll down to Stolen device protection and turn it off. It’ll ask for your passcode, so have that handy. Sometimes, this security stuff gets in the way of resetting Face ID, so turning it off first helps.
- After that, tap Reset Face ID in the same menu.
This reset involves your passcode or Apple ID password. It might seem like a hassle, but it often sorts out errors that prevent Face ID from working properly. Once reset, set it up again and see if the issue clears up.
Fix 4 – Reset all settings
Not sure what’s causing the problem, but resetting all settings can clear out any corrupted config—without deleting your data, just your personalized settings.
- Head into Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Select Reset > Reset All Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm. The device will restart with default settings. You’ll have to reconnect Wi-Fi, re-enable Face ID, and adjust other preferences, but it often solves stubborn issues.
Once reset, check if Face ID works again. Sometimes, a clean slate is all it takes.
Fix 5 – Contact Apple Support
If none of the above fixes work, then it’s probably time to get professional help. Face ID relies on intricate hardware—sometimes a component just dies or gets out of alignment, meaning a visit to an Apple Store or authorized service center is the only way to go. If your iPhone is still under warranty, don’t hesitate to get it checked out; it might be a hardware fault that needs repair or replacement.
Trying out these fixes covers most scenarios where Face ID refuses to work. Honestly, on some devices, a restart or software update has sorted everything out, but if it’s deeper, don’t shy away from support. Hardware faults can be sneaky, but hopefully, one of these steps gets Face ID back in action.
Summary
- Force restart the iPhone by holding buttons in sequence
- Update iOS to the latest version
- Disable stolen device protection, then reset Face ID
- Reset all settings if nothing else works
- Contact Apple Support for hardware issues
Wrap-up
Most of the time, these fixes do the trick – or at least point out if hardware is the real culprit. It’s kinda annoying how involved Face ID stuff can get, but that’s modern security tech for you. Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone, and Face ID is back to normal. Just remember, a lot of Face ID problems boil down to quick resets or software updates—so give those a shot first. Good luck, and fingers crossed this helps!