Skip to content
Osnivo Fix

Face ID isn't working

Apple: “If you need help using Face ID to unlock your iPhone or iPad, authenticate purchases, sign in to apps, or if you're asked to enter your passcode, learn what to do.”

iPhone iPad · 9 steps, in Apple's order

Step of 9

Fixed at step

You've tried every step

  3. 3

    Uncover the TrueDepth camera

    Didn't fix it

    • Remove anything that might be covering the TrueDepth camera like a smudge, case, or screen protector.
    • If you're using iPad or iPhone 18 Pro models in landscape orientation, make sure that your finger or palm isn't covering the TrueDepth camera.

    Apple: If Face ID isn't working on your iPhone or iPad Pro ↗

    Did this fix it?
  4. 4

    Make sure your face isn't blocked

    Didn't fix it

    • Make sure that your eyes, nose, and mouth are fully visible to the TrueDepth camera. By default, Face ID doesn't work if anything is covering your mouth and nose.
    • If you're wearing sunglasses designed to block certain types of light, then your sunglasses might be blocking the infrared light used by the TrueDepth camera. Try using Face ID without your sunglasses.

    Apple: If Face ID isn't working on your iPhone or iPad Pro ↗

    Did this fix it?
  5. 5

    Add an alternate appearance

    Didn't fix it

    • If you have an appearance that can look vastly different from facial hair, heavy makeup, or other changes, you can set up an alternate appearance so Face ID still recognizes you.

    Apple: If Face ID isn't working on your iPhone or iPad Pro ↗

    Did this fix it?
  6. 6

    Face the camera, arm's length or closer

    Didn't fix it

    • Whether your iPhone or iPad is lying on a surface or you're holding it in a natural position, make sure that your iPhone or iPad is an arm's length or closer (10-20 inches) from your face.

    Apple: If Face ID isn't working on your iPhone or iPad Pro ↗

    Did this fix it?
  9. !

    Get service

    If nothing above worked Didn't fix it

    Apple: “Only a trained technician should service your device. Improper repair, modification, or use of nongenuine Apple components in the laser systems might prevent the safety mechanisms from functioning properly, and could cause hazardous exposure and injury to eyes or skin.”

    • If Face ID repeatedly asks you to position your face within the frame without continuing the set up process or if your camera isn't working and you can't set up Face ID on your iPhone, you might need service.

    Apple: If Face ID isn't working on your iPhone or iPad Pro ↗

Glad it's fixed

We've added one to this step's “fixed it” count — anonymously, nothing about you or your device is stored. It helps the next reader start with what works.

Still not fixed?

Seeing an alert?

Other fixes

All fixes

Sources for this page

Spotted something outdated? Tell us