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ProblemFace ID failing to unlock or work in an app does not establish a TrueDepth fault. Enabled features, obstructions and positioning can affect the result.

Face ID not working on iPhone

Check that Face ID is enabled, nothing covers the TrueDepth camera and the iPhone can see your face. Leave reconfiguration until later.

Try this first

1 quick checks · ~4 min

  1. Check Face ID and uncover the cameraKeep the current setup for the first test.

Step-by-step solutions

01

Check Face ID and uncover the camera

  • Estimated time: 4 min
  • Easy
  • Low risk

Keep the current setup for the first test.

  1. Check that Face ID is set up and enabled for the feature that fails.

    1. Settings
    2. Face ID & Passcode

  2. Make sure a case, screen protector or dirt is not covering TrueDepth. Remove an external obstruction without forcing parts and gently wipe the surface with a soft lint-free cloth.

  3. Face the camera, hold the iPhone at a normal viewing distance and make sure it can see your eyes, nose and mouth. Retry the feature.

Sources:
02

Update iOS and test after restarting

  • Estimated time: 15 min
  • Easy
  • Low risk
  • Restart required

Save work and use stable connectivity and power.

  1. Check for an available iOS update. Prepare a backup and follow the iPhone prompts to install it without interruption.

  2. Restart normally if you have not already. Enter your passcode when requested after restarting, then test Face ID again.

Sources:
Advanced

Advanced checks

Continue if the earlier steps did not help. Read each procedure’s precautions first.

03

Set up Face ID again if the checks do not help

  • Estimated time: 10 min
  • Intermediate
  • Moderate risk
  • Data loss: Possible

Proceed only if you know the iPhone unlock passcode.

  1. Remove the current face setup, then choose Set Up Face ID to register it again.

    1. Settings
    2. Face ID & Passcode
    3. Reset Face ID

  2. Follow the onscreen setup without covering TrueDepth. If setup cannot finish, do not attempt hardware modifications yourself.

Sources:
Next step

Still not working?

If Face ID cannot be set up or a TrueDepth alert appears, contact Apple for device assessment. Do not open the iPhone or conclude it needs a new camera just because Face ID fails.

Sources

Documentation behind this guide. Editorial recommendations are identified separately.

Source review: . A documentation review, not a physical hardware test.