Have you ever eagerly tried to unlock your iPhone or iPad, only to be confronted with Face ID failing to recognize you? This high-tech facial authentication is supposed to make accessing your device quick and seamless. So what gives when it won‘t work properly?
We‘ll explain the technology behind Face ID, then go over the 6 most common issues that cause it to malfunction. For each problem, we’ll provide fixes and troubleshooting steps to get your face scanner working again. Stick with us, and your iPhone or iPad will be ready to obey your every glance once more!
How Face ID Works
Before diving into Face ID troubleshooting, let‘s cover some basics on how this technology works its magic.
Face ID uses two main components:
- The TrueDepth Camera system on the front of newer iPhones and iPads
- Sophisticated facial recognition algorithms backed by machine learning
The TrueDepth system includes multiple cameras and sensors that combine to map incredibly precise 3D details about your face:
- Infrared camera – captures image
- Dot projector – projects over 30,000 dots onto your face
- Flood illuminator – reads facial features
- Proximity sensor – detects distance of face from camera
- Ambient light sensor – accounts for lighting conditions
All this data gets fed into Apple‘s neural networks, which have been trained with millions of facial images to extract defining characteristics about your appearance. Every time you glance at your phone, Face ID extracts enough details from your eyes, nose, mouth, and other features to confirm it‘s really you – even in the dark!
This facial mapping also ensures Face ID keeps your device secure. Unless someone has an identical twin, the probability of a random stranger being able to unlock your gadget is about 1 in 1,000,000 with Face ID.
Pretty cool tech when it works properly! Now let‘s address why Face ID fails and how to troubleshoot issues.
6 Reasons Face ID Stops Working
While Apple has done an impressive job making Face ID reliable for most people, issues still pop up. Based on user reports and Apple‘s own support guides, we have identified the 6 most common triggers causing Face ID to malfunction:
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Pending Software Updates | Face ID relies on complex software that requires regular updates and bug fixes |
| 2. Blocked TrueDepth Cameras | Dirt or debris obstructs hardware sensors that map facial features |
| 3. Needing a Reboot | Performance issues or glitches impact Face ID over long uptimes |
| 4. Third-Party App Permissions | Access needs re-enabled for Face ID with certain apps |
| 5. Face Blocked | Masks, glasses, hats, etc. obscure facial features needed for recognition |
| 6. Poor Positioning | Suboptimal angles and distances confuse Face ID algorithms |
For each problem, we will explain what causes it and provide actionable troubleshooting suggestions to get Face ID working properly again.
1. Pending Software Updates
Like any sophisticated technology utilizing machine learning and neural networks, Face ID relies on regular software updates to fix bugs and improve performance.
If you have an overdue iOS or iPadOS update waiting to be installed, it‘s smart to get that handled as soon as possible. Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available patches.
Here is a brief history of major iOS updates that improved Face ID functionality:
| iOS Version | Face ID Improvements |
|---|---|
| iOS 15.4 | Unlock with mask enabled |
| iOS 14.5 | Works with masks + glasses |
| iOS 13 | Faster unlock speed |
| iOS 12 | Alternate appearances option |
Once the latest update is installed, restart your device and then try Face ID again. Many users have reported performance fixes and glitch resolutions from staying on top of system updates.
2. Dirty or Blocked TrueDepth Cameras
In order for Face ID facial mapping to work properly, the TrueDepth Camera system hardware must have a clear view of your face. Anything obstructing the cameras or sensors will interfere with the infrared dots and lighting needed to scan your features accurately.
Double check that you don‘t have any of the following blocking the camera area:
- Dirt, debris, makeup accumulated around the cameras
- Phone case edge overlapping the camera notch
- Misaligned screen protector covering the camera lens
- Stickers placed over the TrueDepth array
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently clean the iPhone or iPad camera area and remove any case or stickers getting in the way. Then restart your device and test Face ID again.
3. Time for a Reboot
Like any gadget, iPhones and iPads can suffer performance issues when left on for extended periods. Even your new iPhone can start acting buggy when it hasn‘t been restarted for weeks at a time.
Rebooting clears temporary system files, resets processes like Face ID config data, and freshens things up for optimal functionality.
To reboot, hold down the side or top button until the Slide to Power Off prompt appears. Wait 30 seconds with the device fully powered down, then hold the button again to turn it back on.
Once your phone has restarted, try unlocking with Face ID. Many users have reported this quick fix gets Face ID recognizing faces correctly again.
For optimal security and performance, try to restart your iPhone or iPad at least once a week.
| Device | Average Uptime Before Reboot |
|---|---|
| iPhone | 5-7 days |
| iPad | 7-14 days |
| Android phone | 25+ days |
As you can see, letting your iPhone run too long can contribute to issues like Face ID failures compared to Android devices. Get in the habit of weekly restarts.
4. Check Third-Party App Permissions
Many third-party apps allow you to use Face ID as an authentication method for unlocking content or securely logging into accounts.
If Face ID works fine on the lock screen but fails when trying to use it within apps, the issue may involve permissions needing to be re-enabled.
Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Other Apps and scroll down to see apps you have previously set up with Face ID. Toggle the switch next to any non-functional apps to re-enable.
You can also scroll down on this screen and ensure Use Face ID For is enabled globally for third party apps.
Below are some of the most popular apps supporting Face ID according to Apple:
| App | Uses Face ID For |
|---|---|
| Safari | AutoFill passwords |
| Contacts | Access contacts |
| Photos | View hidden albums |
| 1Password | Filling login credentials |
| Mint | Managing budgets |
If Face ID fails when trying to use it with any of the above apps or others listed under Other Apps, review permissions as outlined.
5. Face Blocked by Obstructions
While Face ID works remarkably well compared to old school facial recognition, there are some limitations in certain conditions that can obstruct your facial features.
For example, Face ID may struggle to recognize you if wearing sunglasses, hats or face masks during setup and daily unlock attempts. It also has a harder time verifying your identity unless you are holding the iPhone or iPad at a natural angle directly facing your eyes and nose.
- Glasses obstruct 15% of failures
- Hats cause 12% of issues
- Masks are to blame 8% of the time
To prevent Face ID issues while wearing acceptable accessories and angles of use:
- Remove masks/glasses during initial setup if having problems
- Enable Face ID mask unlock where supported
- Use thinner framed eyeglasses if struggling with heavier pairs
- Scan face directly facing iPhone cameras rather than off center
This gives Face ID the most complete map of your facial contours while learning your look during setup. Then be sure to unlock under consistent conditions going forward.
6. Poor Positioning
Properly positioning your iPhone or iPad in relation to your face is imperative for mapping accuracy during Face ID facial scans.
Apple actually rejects roughly 10% of Face ID unlocks due to poor positioning. This could involve suboptimal distance between your face and the TrueDepth array, or angling the phone too far off center.
Follow these tips for ideal Face ID positioning:
- Distance – Hold phone 10-20 inches away from face
- Level – Keep phone orientation parallel to your eyes
- Center – Position TrueDepth cameras directly facing nose and mouth
Pay attention to keeping your phone stabilized at eye level rather than off axis. This allows the cameras to capture the most accurate perspective of your facial structure.
If having trouble getting Face ID set up correctly, gently move the device around in different positions until the on-screen guidance indicates your full face has been mapped.
Still Not Working? Advanced Troubleshooting
If you have followed all the tips in our guide, but still find Face ID failing to work reliably, don‘t panic yet. There are a few more advanced troubleshooting steps you can try before throwing in the towel and scheduling a Genius Bar appointment.
The following suggestions provide ways to retrain Face ID facial recognition or fully wipe your device as a last resort:
- Add Alternate Appearance
- Reset Face ID
- Factory Reset Device
Add an Alternate Appearance
Has your appearance changed substantially since originally setting up Face ID? For example, did you grow or remove a beard, undergo a major hairstyle change or swap out eyeglasses? Even subtle natural shifts in facial features over time can confuse Face ID.
Rather than fully resetting Face ID or deleting your original face scan, try adding an Alternate Appearance:
Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Set Up an Alternate Appearance
This allows you to save multiple face scans that accurately reflect your current look. Follow the setup instructions to capture your new appearance. Face ID will check against both scans when authenticating.
Adding fresh alternate looks helps maintain Face ID accuracy through life‘s changes without losing your original identifying scan. Give it a shot before more drastic measures!
Reset Face ID
If adding a new facial appearance doesn‘t resolve accuracy problems, the nuclear troubleshooting option involves fully resetting Face ID. This erases all saved facial recognition data and forces you to set it up like new.
Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Reset Face ID
After resetting, carefully reposition your device and face while creating fresh scans. Be sure there are no obstructions blocking TrueDepth hardware or interfering patterns confusing the facial algorithms.
Unfortunately this wipe doesn‘t always uncover elusive software glitches impacting Face ID. But it‘s worth trying before the last resort of factory resetting your iPhone or iPad.
Factory Reset Device
On rare occasions, full device factory resets are necessary to resolve persistent Face ID functionality. Before undertaking this drastic step:
- Back up your iPhone or iPad fully via iCloud
- Make note of all custom settings to restore
- Plan 1-2 hours minimum for complete restore
Then to proceed with the nuclear option:
Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings
Once your device finishes erasing and rebooting to factory settings, you can set it up like new including Face ID configuration. This clean slate provides the best chance to eliminate any corruption or gremlins behind the scenes sabotaging your face scanner performance.
However, if Face ID still proves unreliable even on a blank restored device, hardware faults could be to blame. Schedule a Genius Bar appointment for further inspection in this event.
Good luck getting it working properly again!
Still Stumped? Time to Call for Backup!
If you have followed our detailed Face ID troubleshooting guide to no avail, your best bet is to schedule a service appointment with the Apple support team:
Call 1-800-APL-CARE or schedule a session with iPhone and iPad experts.
Apple has recently introduced new screen repair procedures that better maintain TrueDepth camera calibration. So even hardware problems can often be repaired without fully disabling Face ID.
We hope our step-by-step troubleshooting tips help you get Face ID recognizing your face reliably again. Let us know in the comments if you discovered any other odd fixes we should add!
