Reasons Face ID is not working on your iPhone and iPad, and how to fix it

Is Face ID on your iPhone or iPad acting up? Does it seem to recognise you less often than usual, or perhaps not at all? 

First introduced in 2017 with the iPhone X, Apple‘s innovative facial recognition system – Face ID – offers a seamless unlocking experience and takes advantage of advanced facial recognition technology to securely unlock your device and authenticate payments.  

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However, various factors such as dirt on the camera, software glitches, or even changes in your own appearance can hinder Face ID’s functionality. So we thought we’d put together this little guide on how to troubleshoot it and get it working smoothly again. 

Fixes to Face ID not working on your iPhone or iPad

If you’re facing issues with Face ID not recognising your face or working unreliably, don’t worry! Several solutions can get it back on track. Here are some steps you can try: 

1. Clean the camera:

First things first, clean the TrueDepth camera system located at the top-notch of your iPhone or iPad. A dirty camera lens can block the sensors and make Face ID’s ability to scan your face less effective. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the area. 

2. Check your settings:

Ensure Face ID is enabled for the functions you want to use it for. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode, and then check if features including “Unlock iPhone” and “Apple Pay” are switched on. You can also add an alternative appearance here if your appearance has significantly changed, such as if you’ve grown a beard or taken a haircut. 

3. Restart your device:

A simple restart can often resolve software glitches that might be causing Face ID issues. Power off your iPhone and turn it back on following the usual method for your model. 

4. Update your iOS:

Outdated software can also sometimes cause compatibility problems. Back up your device and connect to Wi-Fi to ensure you have the latest iOS update installed. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and download any updates if available for your device. 

5. Reset Face ID and re-enroll:

If the above steps don’t solve the problem, you might need to reset your Face ID and set it up again. To reset your Face ID, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and tap “Reset Face ID.” Then, follow the on-screen instructions to re-enroll your face. 

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By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and fix any issues with Face ID on your iPhone or iPad. However, if you continue to have issues even then, we recommend you contact Apple Support for further assistance. Their technicians can provide more in-depth troubleshooting or determine if there might be a hardware issue with your device.