Causes of iPhone Face ID Not Working
Because Face ID uses both software and the camera, either could be at fault when the feature malfunctions. You’ll have a few items to check when you’re troubleshooting the issue, but some possible reasons include:
The camera is dirty or blocked. Your face is obscured. Your version of iOS is out of date. Face ID has another issue.
Apple also has several features that stop Face ID from working to keep your device more secure. The following conditions will prompt your phone to ask for your passcode instead, but none of them mean that the feature is not working.
You haven’t unlocked your device in more than two days (48 hours). You haven’t used Face ID in over four hours and haven’t used your passcode in more than six and a half days (156 hours). You’ve used Find My iPhone to lock your device. The Emergency SOS feature is active on your phone.
How to Fix It When Face ID Isn’t Working
Because problems with Face ID can come from various sources, you’ll have to try several fixes to get it going again. Here are some things to try. If it isn’t your clothes obstructing the view, make sure your finger isn’t covering the lens. You might also try removing or adjusting your phone case to see if it’s getting in the way. Face ID also only works within a specific range of your face, so try holding your phone closer or farther away. On the Face ID & Passcode screen, tap Set Up an Alternate Appearance to add more looks to your phone. This option won’t replace your original face; it’s more like adding different fingerprints to Touch ID.
