
How to Fix Face Unlock Android Not Working [Ultimate Guide]
Jun 26, 2025 • Filed to: Remove Screen Lock • Proven solutions
As many users rely on facial recognition to unlock their phones quickly, it can be disturbing when it stops working. Face ID on Android phones is basically meant to save time and keep your data safe. Yet sometimes, it does not respond and fails to detect your face, or shows an error for no clear reason. This issue can happen suddenly and affect your daily phone usage.
However, this specific problem is not serious in most cases and can be resolved without expert assistance. That’s why this article will help you understand why the Face ID Android features stop working and what you can do about it. It will show you simple and effortless methods to resolve this problem without hassle.
- Part 1. What is Face Unlock on an Android Phone?
- Part 2. Why is My Face ID Not Working on Android?
- Part 3. 6 Ways to Fix Face ID Android Not Working Properly
- Way 1. Try Some Quick Actions
- Way 2. Disable and Re-enable Face Unlock
- Way 3. Remove and Add Your Face ID
- Way 4. Create an Alternate Face ID
- Way 5. Remove Problematic Apps in Safe Mode
- Way 6. Check for the Latest Software Updates
- Pro Tip. How to Remove Face ID on Android Using the Best Android Screen Unlocker
Part 1. What is Face Unlock on an Android Phone?
Face unlock is a smart feature that lets you open or unlock your phone just by looking at it. It employs advanced biometric technology to analyze unique points like your eyes, nose, and face shape. Referred to as Face Recognition on Android, it makes mobile unlocking and security verifications a lot faster and easier. It only enables you to unlock your phone and keep its data secure from others’ access.
Part 2. Why is My Face ID Not Working on Android?
In case you are using Android with face recognition, and it suddenly stops working, several things might be causing the issue. Below, we will explore a few common reasons that affect your phone's ability to detect your face:
- Bad Lighting: This unlock feature can fail when there is not enough light for the camera to scan your face accurately. Thus, your face might not be recognized by the phone if you are in a dark place or the light hits from behind.
- Blocked Front Camera: Many times, dust or fingerprints on it can prevent it from reading your face correctly during the unlock process. Besides, even a screen protector or case that is close to the camera might block its view without you noticing.
- Glasses or Hats: Some wearable items can alter the way your face appears to the camera and impact recognition. Such small changes can confuse the system and lead it to believe you are someone else.
- System Malfunction: Minor software issues inside your phone can sometimes interrupt how Face ID functions or responds to facial input. Beyond just affecting the unlocking, they might affect other features on the phone as well.
- Unlock Failures: In case the phone fails to recognize your face several times in a row, it temporarily stops this unlock feature. This happens as part of the phone's security to prevent someone else from trying to guess your identity.
Part 3. 6 Ways to Fix Face ID Android Not Working Properly
As you explore multiple causes behind this problem, various quick solutions also exist to overcome this challenge. Hence, the following section presents the top 6 ways to fix the facial recognition in Android if it is not working:
Way 1. Try Some Quick Actions
The first method to fix the face unlock Android issue is by cleaning the front camera. As discovered above, dust and fingerprints can block the camera's view, which ultimately affects face scanning. At this point, you need to just clean or wipe the front camera lens to remove any available dust particles. Anyhow, this quick action helps your phone detect your facial details more accurately and unlock them.
Way 2. Disable and Re-enable Face Unlock
Turning the face unlock off and on again can also refresh the system and fix minor issues. This method helps reset the Android face detection feature without needing extra tools or apps. Moreover, it allows your phone to reload the face data and improve recognition. Thus, follow the detailed steps below to find out how you can disable and re-enable this unlock feature on your smartphone:
Step 1. Upon accessing your device’s settings, tap the “Security and Privacy” option to opt for the “Biometrics” choice on the next screen.
Step 2. Moving ahead, press the “Face Recognition” option to disable and then re-enable the “Face Unlock” toggle.
Way 3. Remove and Add Your Face ID
Another solution is to remove and add this unlock feature again when Android phones with Face ID are not working on your phone. It helps refresh the stored data and even improves detection on most devices. This feature is helpful when facial changes or lighting differences affect detection. Anyhow, go through the quick steps below to understand how to remove and add this unlock feature again:
Step 1. After reaching the “Face Recognition” display from the phone’s “Security and Privacy” settings, tap the “Remove Face Data” option.
Step 2. Then, again, access the “Biometrics” screen and press the “Face Recognition” option to add this unlock feature.
Way 4. Create an Alternate Face ID
Apart from the above, you can create alternative face data and allow your phone to recognize you even with slight changes in appearance. This feature improves face recognition on Android by storing a second version of your face. Alongside that, the system compares both saved faces to increase the chances of a successful unlock. Hence, adhere to the steps given to add alternate face data without hassle:
Step 1. To inaugurate, head to the phone’s settings to select the “Password & Security” option and tap the “Face Unlock” feature.
Step 2. Following this, opt for the “Add Face Data” option and hit the “Start” button to add it when it appears.
Way 5. Remove Problematic Apps in Safe Mode
Booting your phone into Safe Mode also helps find apps that may be blocking the Face ID on Android from working properly. In this mode, your phone only runs the native apps and stops others from interfering. As you enter this mode, you can easily uninstall any problematic app and restore normal unlock functionality. Thus, take guidance from the guide below and learn how you can perform this action:
Step 1. Initially, press and hold the “Power” button and then tap the “Power Off” option for a few moments to select the “Safe Mode” option.
Step 2. When you enter this mode, press the problematic app for a few seconds to opt for the “Uninstall” option. Upon seeing the prompt screen, hit the “OK” button to confirm your selection and remove it.
Way 6. Check for the Latest Software Updates
While exploring the solutions, you can also check for software updates to fix minor issues and improve the performance of Face ID on Android. As we all know, these updates boost compatibility between face unlock and new apps or settings. Plus, it even includes performance improvements that make unlocking faster. Follow these instructions to start the process of updating the phone’s software to its latest version:
Instruction. From your phone’s settings, head to the “Software Update” section and opt for the “Download and Install” option. Now, if any update is available, use the “Install Now” button to initiate it and launch the latest version.
Pro Tip. How to Remove Face ID on Android Using the Best Android Screen Unlocker
Many times, users want to turn off the Face ID on an Android phone but can't access the settings due to a locked screen. At this point, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) is a great solution to cater to this need. It helps you remove all types of screen locks, including pattern or Face ID, in just a few minutes.
Notably, it supports more than 2,000 Android devices to unlock them from brands like Xiaomi and Huawei. Plus, users can utilize this dedicated software to unlock phones, even for older devices running Android 2.1 or newer. Along with that, Dr.Fone can unlock specific Samsung and LG phones without erasing the content to make it a helpful choice for regaining mobile access.
In addition, users can even unlock their phones after too many failed password tries without waiting or resetting them. It also lets you skip Google account verification on Samsung phones after a factory reset quickly and safely. The tool even supports EDL mode to unlock Samsung Snapdragon phones without flashing firmware manually.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)
Remove Face ID on Android Using the Best Android Screen Unlocker
- Completely unlinked from the previous Google account, it won’t be traced or blocked by it anymore.
- Remove all Android screen locks (PIN/pattern/fingerprints/face ID) in minutes.
- Compatible with various Android models.
- Provide specific removal solutions to promise a good success rate.
Step - by - Step Guide to Remove Face ID on Android: Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock
Step 1. Access the Dr.Fone Unlock Android Screen Feature
Run this software on your PC/Mac and access the “Toolbox” tab to opt for the “Screen Unlock” feature. After that, click the “Android” option on the next screen and choose the “Unlock Android Screen” to continue.
Step 2. Unlock the Face ID of Your Preferred Mobile Brand
Going ahead, opt for the mobile brand that you want to unlock, and then choose “Remove Without Data Loss” for lossless unlocking.
Step 3. Add Device-Related Data and Get Phone Successfully Unlocked
Now, provide device information and agree with the terms by checking the respective box. Click "Next" at the bottom-right and type "000000" in the pop-up to confirm unlocking. Finally, follow on-screen instructions and make your way toward the "Unlocked Successfully" screen.
In summary, Face ID Android problems can be disturbing, but most issues are easy to fix with the right steps. This article has explored several quick and effortless ways that you can try to unlock this feature again. Besides, if you are locked out and can’t access settings, it is recommended to utilize the Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (Android) tool. It supports over 2000 mobile brands and unlocks phones without hassle.
Conclusion
In summary, Face ID Android problems can be disturbing, but most issues are easy to fix with the right steps. This article has explored several quick and effortless ways that you can try to unlock this feature again. Besides, if you are locked out and can’t access settings, it is recommended to utilize the Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (Android) tool. It supports over 2000 mobile brands and unlocks phones without hassle.
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Daisy Raines
staff Editor