If Face ID on your iPhone no longer works, this may have several causes. We will tell you what to do to solve the problem.
Face ID no longer works
Apple’s Face ID generally works very reliably. Since the iPhone Or with newer devices in the Dynamic Island.
However, if iPhone refuses to unlock and Face ID doesn’t work, don’t worry. Only in rare cases does your iPhone really need a repair. So first, take a look at the following tips and tricks that will help you resolve most Face ID issues.
1. Is there something in front of the camera?
As mentioned, Face ID uses the TrueDepth camera. This “captures precise facial data by projecting and analyzing thousands of invisible dots to create a depth map of your face,” according to Apple. It also records an infrared image of your face.
If there is something in front of the TrueDepth camera, it obviously cannot do its job properly. Therefore, make sure that nothing covers the camera.
Is there something on the display where the camera is (for example, due to make-up, cracks in the protective film or cracks in the display)? You may have a cover on the TrueDepth camera so that your face cannot be recognized. Or did you accidentally cover the camera with your finger? This happens faster than you think, especially with iPads with Face ID.
It’s easy to find out if the camera is covered. If this is the case, a notification will appear on the screen with an arrow pointing to the TrueDepth camera. If not, try the next tip.
2. Is there something on your face?
Face ID doesn’t work if your mouth and nose are covered – unless you’ve set ‘Face ID with mask’. In that case, you should make sure that your eyes are not covered either.
What should work in normal mode can be a little more complicated with a face mask. Even normal reading glasses can cause problems. Does a face mask or scarf cover your face and do you also wear sunglasses? In that case, Face ID will not work.
Also keep in mind that if you are wearing a face mask, you may need to hold your iPhone slightly higher so that the device can be unlocked.
Face ID works in both landscape and portrait mode when unlocking without a face mask. If you want to unlock the iPhone while wearing a face mask, it won’t work in landscape mode.
3. Is your device up to date?
A look at the Settings may also be helpful. If iOS updates are available, you should install them. This way you rule out bugs as the cause of the problem. It works like this:
- Open the Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Software Update.
4. Please restart
Sometimes restarting the device also helps. After restarting, test Face ID immediately to see if the restart resolved the problem.
5. Do you look different?
With each unlock, the iPhone gets to know you better. In other words, the iPhone is constantly learning as your appearance changes. And that’s a good thing! Or do you want to have to reset Face ID every few weeks because your hair gets longer or you decide to grow a beard?
But if your appearance changes too much overnight (beard loss and short hair instead of long), it’s best to add an alternate look to your iPhone if you’re having unlocking issues.
To configure a different face to be recognized by Face ID, go to ‘Settings>Face ID & Passcode>Configure a different appearance’.
6. Reset Face ID
If the previous tips didn’t help, reset Face ID in Settings. The reset option can be found under ‘Face ID & passcode’. If the problem persists, nothing will help other than contacting Apple Support.