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Why Is Face ID Not Recognizing Me? Checks to Try First

Check Face ID settings and the TrueDepth camera area first. Then verify device orientation and position, restart, and re-enroll only if needed.

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If Face ID stops recognizing you, check the TrueDepth camera area and the Face ID setting for the feature that is failing before you reset anything. Then verify your device’s position and orientation, restart, and re-enroll Face ID only if the simpler checks do not help.

Check that your device and software support Face ID

Face ID is available only on supported iPhone and iPad models. Install the latest iOS or iPadOS update available for your device, then check whether the feature you are trying to use has a device or orientation requirement.

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For landscape unlocking on iPhone, Apple supports iPhone 13 and later with iOS 16 or later. Earlier iPhone models need to be held in portrait orientation. Face ID with a mask has a narrower requirement: iPhone 12 or later running iOS 15.4 or later, in portrait orientation. It is not available on iPad. See Apple’s Face ID compatibility and use guidance.

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Make sure Face ID is enabled for the feature that fails

Open Settings > Face ID & Passcode and check that Face ID is set up. Under the available options, confirm it is enabled for the specific task that is failing, such as iPhone Unlock or an app. Face ID can work for one task while being disabled for another. Apple’s troubleshooting steps cover these settings.

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Clear the TrueDepth camera area

Wipe away smudges and check that a case edge or screen protector is not covering the TrueDepth camera area at the top of the display. On iPad, make sure your finger or palm is not blocking the camera, particularly when holding the device in landscape. A soft, clean cloth can help remove a smudge, but cleaning is not a fix for a camera malfunction.

Check your face, distance, and orientation

Face the camera with your eyes, nose, and mouth visible, unless you have configured Face ID with a mask on a supported iPhone. Hold the device about 10–20 inches from your face. If you are wearing sunglasses, try removing them: some lenses block the infrared light Face ID uses.

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  • Earlier iPhones: Hold the phone in portrait orientation.
  • iPhone 13 or later with iOS 16 or later: Face ID can work in portrait or landscape.
  • iPad with Face ID: Either orientation is supported, but check that your hand is not covering the camera.
  • Face ID with a mask: On supported iPhones, use portrait orientation; mask mode does not work on iPad.

Restart, then try again

Restart your iPhone or iPad, unlock it once with your passcode, and test Face ID again. A passcode prompt after restarting is expected. Apple may also require a passcode in other situations even when Face ID is functioning normally; a prompt by itself does not prove the camera is broken. For Apple’s troubleshooting guidance, see If Face ID isn’t working.

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Try an alternate appearance or set up Face ID again

Add an alternate appearance

If your appearance changes substantially between uses, or Face ID has difficulty with clear or prescription glasses, an alternate appearance may help. In Settings > Face ID & Passcode, choose the alternate-appearance option if it is available and follow the on-screen instructions.

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Reset and re-enroll Face ID

If the camera area, settings, position, and restart have not solved the problem, open Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Reset Face ID, then select Set Up Face ID. Complete both scans in good lighting. If the camera is not working or setup repeatedly cannot progress, stop troubleshooting and arrange service rather than repeatedly resetting.

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When Face ID needs service

A camera that does not work, or Face ID setup that cannot be completed, can indicate a hardware problem. Contact Apple or an Apple-authorized service provider. Apple warns that improper repair or nongenuine components in the laser system could compromise safety mechanisms, and states: “Only a trained technician should service your device.” See Apple’s Face ID advanced technology safety information.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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