iPhone Face ID Not Working? Here's How to Fix It
Face ID is great when it works. When it doesn't, you're constantly typing your passcode like a caveman. Here's how to bring it back.
Quick fix to try first
Wipe the top of your screen with a soft cloth, especially the area around the front camera. Hold the iPhone at arm's length, facing you directly. Try again. Dust on the TrueDepth camera is the most common cause.
1. Clean the TrueDepth camera
Face ID uses tiny infrared sensors near the front camera. A fingerprint smudge or dust there throws everything off. Wipe gently with a microfiber cloth.
2. Hold the iPhone at the right distance
Face ID works best 10-20 inches from your face. Too close, it can't see your whole face. Too far, the sensors don't lock on. Holding it on a desk or table while looking down also fails.
3. Make sure you're looking at it
Face ID requires "Attention" by default. Your eyes must be open and looking at the screen. If you wear sunglasses that block infrared (some polarized lenses do), take them off to test.
4. Check Face ID settings
Settings > Face ID & Passcode > enter your passcode. Make sure Face ID is enabled for the things you need (iPhone Unlock, Apple Pay, etc.). If "Require Attention" is causing issues, you can toggle it off, but it's less secure.
5. Reset Face ID
Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Reset Face ID. Then tap Set Up Face ID and scan again. Slow circular movement, both directions. If it failed before because you set it up wearing glasses, try without them this time.
6. Set up an Alternate Appearance
If you wear glasses sometimes and not others, or your appearance varies (hat, makeup, beard), use Set Up an Alternate Appearance. Two scans = more reliable recognition.
7. Restart and update
Force restart: Volume Up, Volume Down, hold Side button. Then Settings > General > Software Update.
"Face ID Unavailable" or "Face ID has been disabled"
This message means hardware failure or a serious issue. Try restart first. If it persists, it's almost always a hardware problem. Apple is the only place that can fix it. Third-party repair shops can't replace the TrueDepth camera because it's serialized to your phone.
If Face ID fails 5 times in a row
iOS disables Face ID and requires your passcode. This is by design for security. Just enter your passcode and Face ID re-enables.
Need help deciding what to do?
If Face ID is broken and you're weighing repair vs. trade-in, we can walk you through the math.