Face ID not working? 10 fixes for iPhone and iPad
Face ID problems are usually settings or something blocking the camera. The exact message on screen tells you whether it is a quick fix or a repair.
What message are you seeing?
If that did not work
Face ID simply fails and asks for your passcode
This is almost always fixable at home with the steps below.
“Face ID is not available. Try setting up Face ID later.”
Restart the iPhone and update iOS. If the message stays, the TrueDepth camera is not responding and needs a repair.
“Move iPhone lower” or “Move iPhone higher”
Hold the phone about 10 to 20 inches from your face and look straight at it. Clean the sensors if it keeps appearing.
How to fix Face ID
The fix
Try these in order
- 1
Clean the top of the screen.
Wipe the notch or Dynamic Island area with a soft, dry cloth. Smudges and dust block the sensors.
- 2
Remove whatever might be in the way.
Take off a case or screen protector that covers the sensors, and make sure your eyes, nose and mouth are visible.
- 3
Hold the phone in portrait orientation.
iPhone 12 and earlier only support Face ID in portrait. Newer models also work in landscape, but portrait is the most reliable.
- 4
Restart the iPhone.
Turn it off and on again. After a restart you need your passcode once, then Face ID should work.
- 5
Check that Face ID is turned on.
Go to Settings › Face ID & Passcode and make sure iPhone Unlock and any other features you use are switched on.
- 6
Turn on Face ID with a Mask if you wear one.
In the same menu, turn on Face ID with a Mask (iPhone 12 and later) and follow the setup.
- 7
Set up an Alternate Appearance.
If your look changes often, for example with glasses or makeup, tap Set Up an Alternate Appearance and scan your face in that look.
- 8
Update iOS.
Go to Settings › General › Software Update. Face ID bugs are sometimes fixed in updates.
- 9
Reset Face ID and set it up again.
Go to Settings › Face ID & Passcode › Reset Face ID, then tap Set Up Face ID. Do this in good light, without sunglasses.
- 10
Reset all settings.
As a last software fix, go to Settings › General › Transfer or Reset iPhone › Reset › Reset All Settings. Your photos and apps stay, but settings return to default.
Frequently asked questions
What does “Face ID is not available” mean?
It usually means the iPhone cannot talk to the TrueDepth camera. If a restart does not clear it, it is a hardware problem, often after a drop, water damage or a screen repair.
Why does Face ID not work with sunglasses?
Some polarized sunglasses block the infrared light Face ID uses. Try without them, or turn off Require Attention for Face ID if you often wear sunglasses.
Does a screen protector affect Face ID?
A thick or badly fitted protector that covers the top sensors can. A normal glass protector with a proper cutout for the notch or Dynamic Island should not.
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