How to Fix the iPhone 18 Pro Face ID Bug That Freezes and Restarts the Phone

Use your device passcode instead of Face ID for affected apps, update those apps, and install iOS 27.0.1 or the latest iOS 27.0.x update available for your iPhone. The iPhone 18 Pro Face ID bug can freeze the phone or trigger an unexpected restart when Face ID is used to unlock a protected app. Treat this pattern as a software issue first rather than assuming the Face ID hardware needs replacement.

The fastest way to stop the Face ID freeze-reboot cycle

When a protected app offers a passcode option, select it instead of retrying Face ID. This avoids the authentication path that may be triggering the freeze or restart. Passcode availability can vary by app and security settings, including Stolen Device Protection.

Next, update the affected app. Open the App Store, tap your account picture, select App Updates, and install the update for that app. You can also choose Update All if several apps use Face ID protection.

Then check for an iOS update under Settings > General > Software Update. Apple released iOS 27.0.1 on September 28, 2026, and its listed fixes include unexpected restarts on iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max after failed Face ID authentication. The update addresses this issue, although a persistent problem may still require additional support.

What causes the iPhone 18 Pro Face ID crash?

The specific failure pattern occurs when Face ID is authenticating access inside a protected app. Instead of simply rejecting the face scan and asking for another attempt, the iPhone may become unresponsive, freeze, crash, or restart.

This can affect both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. It is different from Face ID merely failing to recognize you during normal use. If the phone works normally until you open a locked app and then reboots during authentication, the app-unlocking scenario is the most relevant clue.

Workarounds and software fixes to try

Use passcode authentication temporarily. If the app provides a passcode fallback, use it rather than repeatedly triggering Face ID. If no fallback appears, avoid repeated attempts and continue with the update steps below.
Update the affected app. An app update may improve compatibility with the current iOS version or correct an app-specific authentication problem.
Install iOS 27.0.1 or a newer available update. Keep the iPhone connected to power and use a reliable Wi-Fi connection while updating. Apple says a standard iOS update leaves your data and settings unchanged, but backing up the iPhone first is still a sensible precaution.
Restart the iPhone after updating. This helps the updated app and operating system reload cleanly. It is a normal troubleshooting step, not a sign that the device requires a reset or replacement.
Retest one affected app. Try the app that previously caused the freeze after each major change. Testing one app at a time can show whether the issue is limited to a particular app or continues across multiple protected apps.

Software bug or possible hardware failure?

A freeze or restart that began after an update and happens mainly when unlocking protected apps points first toward a software-related problem. The pattern alone does not prove that Face ID hardware is damaged or that it is completely healthy.

Seek Apple Support or a service evaluation if Face ID remains unavailable during ordinary iPhone use, repeatedly fails outside protected apps, or continues causing crashes after the affected apps and iOS are updated. This separates the post-update app-authentication problem from a broader Face ID failure that needs further diagnosis.

When a guided system repair path is worth considering

If the iPhone continues freezing or restarting after app updates, the iOS 27.0.x update, passcode use, and basic troubleshooting, a guided desktop workflow such as Dr.Fone - System Repair can be considered for a suspected system-level software issue before moving to more destructive recovery options. Back up the iPhone first, and treat this as an optional, non-guaranteed software-repair path—not a way to repair confirmed physical Face ID damage.