Why Your iPhone Face ID Not Working and How to Fix It

Penny Warren Published on March 06, 2026Unlock iOS3-min reading

"My Face ID is suddenly not working and not recognizing me. How can I resolve this problem?" Since the iPhone X, Apple has introduced Face ID. It allows users to unlock their iOS devices quickly by scanning their faces. However, if it stops working or works abnormally, you will be locked out of your device. This article shares effective solutions to help you fix this problem and regain access to your iPhone.

Part 1: How Face ID Works on iPhone

Face ID works on iPhones with both hardware and software. The TrueDepth camera located on the top of your iPhone is used to scan your face. The built-in sensors and components project 30,000 infrared dots onto your face to map curves and wrinkles. Then, the result will be matched with the Face ID. If it has a match, your iPhone unlocks. If not, you are asked to try again or unlock your device with the passcode.

When you cannot unlock your iPhone with Face ID?

• 1.The battery level of the iPhone drops below 10%.
• 2.After restarting your iPhone, the first time you must unlock it with the passcode.
• 3.You must unlock your iPhone with the passcode at least once every week.
• 4.Your iPhone has not been unlocked for more than 48 hours.
• 5.Your iPhone is locked remotely.

Part 2: Why Is Face ID Not Working

As mentioned previously, Face ID relies on a tightly integrated system of sensors, infrared imaging, and machine learning models. If any part of the chain is disrupted, this security measure won't work. The common causes why my Face ID is not working include:

• 1.Your iPhone gets stuck on the lock screen.
• 2.The TrueDepth camera or your face is blocked.
• 3.You set up Face ID incorrectly.
• 4.Face ID is stuck or temporarily freezing.
• 5.Improper settings.
• 6.Software glitches.
• 7.Outdated software or a beta version of software.
• 8.Hardware damage.

Part 3: How to Fix Face ID Not Working

Solution 1: Restart Your iPhone

A quick solution to fix Face ID not working on iPhone is restarting your device. That closes all apps and processes on your iPhone, and fixes minor glitches. Moreover, it can improve your iPhone's performance.

Solution 2: Clean Your Camera

If you are prompted Face ID is not available, try again later, remove all block items from your face, like the mask and sunglasses. Plus, ensure your eyes, mouth, and nose are fully visible to the front camera, especially when you are told Face ID is not working, and move the iPhone lower.

Moreover, you'd better remove the screen protector and iPhone case. Plus, you should clean the TrueDepth camera on the top of your device and remove the dirt or dust. They may block the infrared light TrueDepth camera relies on.

Solution 3: Configure Face ID Correctly

Face ID can be used for unlocking your iPhone, purchasing apps, using Apple Pay, and more, depending on your configuration. If Face ID is not available when you unlock your device, check your settings.

Solution 4: Disable Face ID and Enable Again

If you have enabled Face ID for iPhone Unlock or other cases but Apple Face ID is not working, you'd better re-enable it. While this solution is simple, it can fix the stuck Face ID and other basic issues.

Solution 5: Set up an Alternative Face ID

With iOS 12 and above, you can have up to two Face IDs. While Face ID can learn your face changes and makeup with facial recognition technology. However, if you prefer to face mask, you can set up an alternative Face ID.

Solution 6: Reset Face ID

If your Face ID is still not working on iOS 26, resetting it might be helpful. Bear in mind that resetting Face ID will erase all faces you have saved automatically. iOS won't ask for confirmation.

Solution 7: Turn off Stolen Device Protection

Some users reported that Face ID is not working after Stolen Device Protection is enabled. This feature adds additional security to your device when you take it to unfamiliar locations. It may lead your device to become complete inaccessible.

Part 4: How to Fix Face ID Not Working after Screen Replacement

Face ID is a complex system that includes several components, including the TrueDepth camera, infrared sensors, and a neural engine. If your Face ID is not working after screen replacement, the process may disrupt any part of the chain. For example, misaligned components or non-genuine parts can lead to Face ID malfunction.

You'd better access Apple or an authorized service provider to purchase a screen or tools and software for your iPhone model. You can ask for help from Apple and see if it would be willing to replace the screen on your iPhone. In some cases, they may refuse to touch iPhones that have been tampered with and have parts installed that are not authentic.

If you are refused, look for a reputable third-party repair service to check your screen and match the Face ID components.

Part 5: How to Fix Face ID Not Working after Update

Some people complaint that Face ID is not working after updating to iOS 26. In fact, Apple adds new features and fixes bugs in each update. To test the updates, Apple releases the beta version for developers and the public. However, the beta version is unreliable. If you are suffering the same problem, you have two options: update to the latest software or uninstall the beta version.

Update Software

Uninstall iOS 26 Beta

Quickly press the Volume Up button.

Do the same thing to the Volume Down button.

Hold down the Side button until it enters Recovery Mode.

Part 6: How to Access iPhone If Face ID Is Not Working

When Face ID is not recognizing me, the big problem is that I am locked out of your device. Fortunately, iPassGo can help you regain access to your device and remove all screen locks, including Face IDs. Moreover, the user-friendly interface makes it easy to use for beginners.

How to Access Your iPhone When Face ID Is Not Working

Launch the iPhone passcode removal software once you install it on your PC. It is available on Windows 11/10/8/7. There is another version for Mac. Hook up your iPhone to your PC with a Lightning cable. If prompted, tap Trust on your screen to trust this computer. Choose the Wipe Passcode mode to proceed.

Click the Start button after your iPhone is detected. Then, your device information will be loaded. You must confirm each of them carefully. Once you are done, click the Start button to begin downloading the firmware package.

After the firmware downloads, click the Unlock button to continue. Read the alert message and confirm the Face ID removal process. Enter 0000 into the box and initiate the process. A few minutes later, your iPhone will restart. You can unlock your device without any block and set up Face ID again.

Conclusion

This article shared why my Face ID is not working and what you can do to get rid of the problem. We firstly explained how Face ID works on iPhone. More importantly, we listed the proven solutions to correct settings, configurations, and takeaways for Face ID on your iPhone to make it work normally. iPassGo is a one-stop solution to remove the malfunction Face IDs from your iPhone without technical skills or a password.