Face ID stopped working on your iPhone
Start by restarting your iPhone. This fixes Face ID about half the time. If that doesn't work, check that you're not wearing a mask or sunglasses that covers your face, and make sure nothing is blocking the camera at the top of your phone. If it still doesn't work after a restart, your Face ID hardware can need replacing.
Face ID uses a special camera and sensors at the top of your iPhone to recognize your face and unlock your phone. When it stops working, it's because something is blocking the camera, there's a software glitch that a restart will fix, or the hardware is damaged. We'll start with a restart and some quick checks, then move on to harder fixes if needed.
- ✓Have your passcode ready in case you need to unlock your phone manually
- ✓Make sure you're in a well-lit area where Face ID can see your face clearly
- ✓If you wear a mask or sunglasses, remove them during testing steps
Fix-IT-Bot will walk you through each step, just tap, no typing needed.
Skip, I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Not checking if something is covering the camera. A small piece of dust or a screen protector can block Face ID
- Forgetting that a mask, sunglasses, or hat blocks Face ID. These aren't Face ID failures, they're just how it's designed to work
- Not doing a full restart. Just unlocking the phone isn't the same as a complete shutdown and restart
Signs you need professional help
- Your iPhone shows 'Face ID Unavailable' and a restart doesn't fix it. Your iPhone was dropped or got wet and Face ID stopped working right after. You've set up Face ID from scratch but it still won't work.
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