iPhone 16/15 Face ID Not Working? Here are 9 Fixes!

Part 1. Why Is Face ID Not Working iPhone 15/16 iOS 18?

If you notice that the Face ID not working after update iOS 15, it could be due to a number of reasons. These include:

• Obstructed TrueDepth Camera

If you have dirt or smudges on the TrueDepth camera or a screen protector is obstructing it, it can cause the iOS 5.3 Face ID not working issue.

• Incorrect Face Alignment

There’s also a chance that your eyes, nose, and mouth are not properly aligned with the camera, causing it to not detect your face.

• Face ID Disabled

If you have restarted your device or updated to a new iOS version, it can disable Face ID temporarily.

• Software Issues

If you're having some trouble with Face ID, it might be due to using an outdated iOS version. Updating your iPhone to the latest iOS version could help.

• Hardware Damage

If the issue is not with the system or software, it is possible that physical damage to the TrueDepth camera can be the reason why the iPhone 15 Face ID not working.

Part 2.Quick Fixes for iPhone 16 Face ID Not Working

Now that you know the reasons why Face ID not available iOS 16, let us move on to the solutions to fix this issue:

Fix 1: Reset Face ID

Before we get to the more technical solutions, let’s start with the basic ones. If the Face ID not working after the iOS 16 update, it is very much possible that it has been disabled. Therefore, we suggest resetting it.

Here’s how:

Step 1: Go to “Settings > Face ID and Passcode.”

Step 2: Turn the toggle on for “iPhone Unlock.”

Step 3: If the toggle is already on and still the Face ID isn’t working, tap on “Reset Face ID.”

Step 4: Follow the on-screen prompts to set it up again.

In most cases, this will resolve the “Face ID not working iOS 15” issue. However, if it doesn’t work, you can try the next solution.

Fix 2: Make Sure the TrueDepth Camera is Not Obstructed

As we mentioned earlier, if the TrueDepth camera is obstructed due to dust particles, smudges, or the screen protector, it won’t be able to scan your face, resulting in iOS 15 Face ID not working.

Therefore, using a soft cloth, gently clean the lens, readjust the screen protector, and make sure your fingers are out of the way when using the Face ID to unlock the screen or access an app.

Fix 3: Disable Attention Feature

The Attention feature is a robust security feature designed to keep your iPhone safe by ensuring that you can unlock it only when you're looking at the screen with your eyes open. It's a great way to enhance your privacy.

However, it can be a bit tricky if you're wearing sunglasses or a mask, as it might not recognize you right away. Therefore, if your iOS 15.3 1 Face ID not working, you can try disabling the Attention feature.

Here are the steps for it:

Step 1: Go to “Settings > Face ID and Passcode.”

Step 2: Turn the toggle off for “Require Attention for Face ID.”

Fix 4: Check Whether Your Device Supports Face ID

The Face ID feature on an iPhone is compatible with iPhone X and later versions. Therefore, there is a possibility that you have an older iPhone model which does not support Face ID.

So, if the Face ID not working iOS 15.5, check whether you have the right iPhone model.

Fix 5: Disable Face ID With Mask Feature

Some newer iPhone models, like iPhone 12 and later, support Face ID with a mask. This means that even if you’re wearing a mask, your device will still recognize your face and unlock the screen or apps.

However, sometimes, this feature may not work properly, especially if you’re trying to unlock your device in landscape mode. Therefore, if your iPhone X Face ID not working iOS 15, disabling this feature might help.

Here’s how to go about it:

Step 1: Go to “Settings > Face ID & Passcode.”

Step 2: Scroll down to “Face ID with a Mask” and turn its toggle off.

Turning off this feature might help your Face ID to start working again. However, if you are still facing the issue of the iPhone 16 Face ID not working, try the next method on our list.

Fix 6: Restart Your iPhone

Another reason your iOS 16.1 Face ID is not working is a system glitch. You can resolve this by simply restarting your device.

Here are the steps for it:

Step 1: Press and hold the power button and volume down button on your iPhone simultaneously.

Step 2: After a few seconds, you will see the “Power Off” slider. Slide it to power off your device.

Step 3: Wait for 30 seconds, and press and hold the power button again until you see the Apple logo.

In most cases, restarting your device can fix this issue.

Fix 7: Update Your iPhone to Latest iOS Version

If you haven’t updated your iPhone in a while, there is a high possibility that due to the outdated version, some features of your device are malfunctioning.

Therefore, updating your device to the latest iOS version might resolve the issue.

Here’s how to check for an update:

Step 1: Go to “Settings > General > Software Update.”

Step 2: If you see an available software update, tap on “Update Now” to update your device.

Step 3: Also, turn on the toggle to install and download iOS automatically for your convenience.

Fix 8: Reset All Settings

Another quick fix for iOS 16.2 Face ID not working is to reset all the settings in your iPhone. This will restore your device to its factory settings, erasing all data and settings. Once you set it up as new, chances are you won’t face the Face ID issue.

Let’s see how to go about it:

Step 1: Go to “Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.”

Step 2: Your device will notify that erasing will remove all the apps, data, Apple account, and Find My. Tap “Continue.”

Step 3: Tap on “Erase All Content and Settings” to continue.

Step 4: Tap “Erase iPhone” to confirm your selection and enter your passcode to initiate the resetting process.

This will erase all the data and settings from your device, and you can set it up as new and set a new Face ID.

Fix 9: Fix iPhone 16 Face ID Not Working in Clicks

If the above-mentioned solutions fail to work and you’re still facing the iOS 16.5 Face ID not working issue, it’s time to put your trust in a third-party tool, Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS).

It is designed to help you fix those annoying problems that keep your device from running smoothly. Whether it's getting your phone out of recovery mode, fixing a frozen screen, or even tackling that tricky Face ID issue on your iPhone 16, this tool has got you covered.

It’s versatile and user-friendly, making it easier than ever to get your iPhone back on track.

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How to Fix iOS 16.6 Face ID Not Working via Dr. Fone

Here are the simple steps to resolve the iPhone 16 Face ID not working issue using Dr. Fone:

Step 1 Download and launch Dr. Fone on your PC, and select “System Repair” from the interface. Also, connect your iPhone to your PC.

Step 2 Dr. Fone will ask you whether you want to fix your Android device or iOS device. Click on “iPhone.”

Step 3 You will get a whole set of repair options. Click “iOS Repair” to continue.

Step 4 Select “Standard Mode” from the repair mode options.

Step 5 Follow the on-screen instructions to put your device in Recovery Mode.

Step 6 Dr. Fone will detect your device model and give you several firmware options to download. Click on the appropriate one.

Step 7 This will download the firmware for your device. It might take a few minutes; therefore, keep both devices connected.

Step 8 Once the firmware is installed, click on “Repair Now” to repair your device’s system.

Step 9 Once the repair process is completed, click “Done.”

This will fix the Face ID not available issue, without erasing your device.

Final Words

Apple Face ID feature is a great way to keep your iPhone safe from unauthorized access. However, many people faced the iPhone 16 Face ID not working issue after upgrading their devices to the new iOS version.

In this guide, we have discussed 9 tried and tested ways to fix this issue and get your device up and running again. But if you’re looking for guaranteed results, we suggest going for Dr. Fone - System Repair (iOS).

It’s a great tool that gets the job done in just a few clicks. So, fix all known and unknown iPhone-related system issues with Dr. Fone!

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