How to Enable Face ID on Your iPhone Fast - 8 Easy Fixes to Try

Penny Warren Published on August 06, 2025Unlock iOS3-min reading

Most iPhone users know that Face ID makes unlocking your phone faster and more secure. But getting it up and running is not always as simple as it seems. At times, your machine demands a passcode beforehand or continues to bother you repetitively. This guide is in case you have ever asked yourself why that is or how to organize the affairs so that they can run smoothly. In this guide, we will tell you how to enable Face ID on the iPhone, what you will encounter during the process and how to fix some issues that will arise.

Part 1: Why Does It Need a Password to Enable Face ID

Usually, Face ID handles screen unlocks in a snap, no need to type anything, just a glance and you are good to go. But sometimes, your iPhone pauses that convenience and says your passcode is required to enable Face ID. While it might feel like a glitch, it is actually a security step. Your iPhone switches to passcode mode when certain events raise a flag, like when someone is trying to unlock iPhone Face ID while you are sleeping. This is through rebooting the device, making too many unsuccessful Face ID attempts over a long period, or unlocking the device. It can be caused by pressing the wrong combination of buttons or even the remote lock. It is just a matter of keeping your data safe.

Part 2: How to Fix Constant Requests for Passwords

1. Restart Your iPhone

A reboot might seem simple, but it can resolve a great deal more. Minor bug, some memory stuff, and some temporary System Bug will affect how Face ID will work. If your iPhone has been on for a long time or starts acting up, restarting is the first thing to try, especially if you recently saw a prompt that says passcode required to enable Face ID after a failed scan or update.

2. Check for System Updates

Sometimes, bugs in older versions of iOS may cause Face ID to work inconsistently or not at all. If your iPhone hasn’t been updated recently, the issue might stem from outdated software. Keeping your device up to date ensures better compatibility with Face ID and fixes behind-the-scenes issues that could be triggering the annoying your passcode required to enable Face ID message.

3. Turn Off Raise to Wake

Raise to Wake causes your screen to turn on every time you lift your iPhone. While convenient, it sometimes triggers Face ID scans before you are in position, leading to failed attempts. If this happens too often, your iPhone will fall back to asking for your passcode. This can be mistaken for an error, but it’s part of how the system protects your data.

4. Clean the TrueDepth Camera

Face ID uses the TrueDepth camera system to recognize your face. Even a thin layer of dust, a smudge, or a screen protector misalignment can stop it from working properly. If your camera is even slightly blocked, your phone might default to asking for your passcode. This is one of the most common reasons users end up searching for how to enable Face ID on an iPhone after repeated failures.

5. Add an Alternative Appearance

Your iPhone might have trouble recognizing your face if your look changes often, maybe you switch between glasses and contacts, wear makeup one day and not the next, or even grow facial hair. In these cases, setting an alternative appearance can improve reliability and reduce the chances of being asked for your code. With this, you can learn how to fix iPhone Face ID not working.

6. Reset Face ID

Sometimes Face ID settings or scan data can become corrupted or outdated. If you have tried other fixes and your phone still says passcode required to enable Face ID, resetting it can refresh everything and give your iPhone a clean slate.

7. Set Face ID with a Mask

For users who often wear masks, Face ID fails to recognize their full faces, especially in public places. Thankfully, Apple now allows Face ID to work with a mask by focusing on the upper facial area. If this feature is off, repeated failures may trigger the passcode prompt more frequently.

8. Adjust When Your Passcode Is Required

Your iPhone can also request your passcode even though Face ID is configured correctly under certain circumstances, such as after a reboot or when the device has been idle for 48 hours. When it occurs frequently, then a way forward could be to change the time limit after which one is supposed to enter the passcode, and this can reduce the distractions.

Part 3: How to Fix It If You Forget Your Lock Screen Password

When a message passcode is required to enable Face ID, imyPass iPassGo offers a fast and beginner-friendly solution. This professional tool helps you remove various types of iPhone screen locks, including 4-digit, 6-digit, Face ID, and Touch ID, without needing your original code. It supports most iOS versions and works even if your device is disabled after too many failed attempts. With a clean interface and simple on-screen instructions, iPassGo makes it possible to regain access to your iPhone and set up Face ID again without hassle.

Conclusion

In summary, if you keep seeing the message that your passcode is required to enable Face ID, it often means your iPhone is following built-in security measures. Whether it is due to a forgotten passcode or repeated scan failures, tools like imyPass iPassGo, and the right settings adjustments can help you restore full access and get Face ID working properly again.