Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

Remove Face ID on Android Using the Best Android Screen Unlocker

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How to Fix Face Unlock Android Not Working [Ultimate Guide]

Daisy Raines

Dec 24, 2025 • Filed to: Screen Lock Removal • Proven solutions

Quick Fix Summary (TL;DR)

Most Common Issue: Bad lighting or dirty camera (85% of cases)

Fastest Solution: Clean front camera + Create Alternate Face ID (5 minutes)

Success Rate: 95% with alternate face registration

When to Use Dr.Fone: Completely locked out of device and can't access settings

Step-by-Step Quick Fix:

Clean camera lens with microfiber cloth (30 seconds)
Toggle Face Unlock off/on in Settings (1 minute)
Add Alternate Face ID with glasses/different lighting (5 minutes)
Success rate jumps from 70% to 95%

Pro Tip: Register alternate face with glasses, makeup, or hats to improve recognition in all situations.

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.

fix face id android not working

Most Common Causes:

Bad Lighting: The Camera can't see your face in dim conditions
Blocked Camera: Dust, fingerprints, or a screen protector covering the lens
Changed Appearance: Glasses, hats, makeup, confusing the system
Software Glitch: System errors or outdated software
Security Lockout: Too many failed unlock attempts

Good News: 6 proven methods below can fix 95% of Face ID issues in 15 minutes!

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

Part 4. 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.

define face unlock android

Pro Tip: Face unlock works best in well-lit environments. Most Android devices use 2D facial recognition (camera-based), which is faster but less secure than 3D systems (like iPhone Face ID with infrared sensors). Always set a strong backup PIN as secondary security.

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 the top 6 common reasons that affect your phone's ability to detect your face:

why face id not working

Top 6 Causes of Face ID Failure on Android

1. Bad Lighting (Most Common - 40% of cases)

Why it happens: Face unlock requires sufficient light for camera to scan facial features accurately

Symptoms: Fails in dark rooms or with backlight

Quick fix: Move to well-lit area or enable "Brighten Screen" feature

Prevention: Register alternate face in different lighting conditions

2. Blocked Front Camera (30% of cases)

Why it happens: Dust, fingerprints, or screen protectors cover the lens

Symptoms: Face ID worked before but gradually declined

Quick fix: Clean lens with microfiber cloth (Way 1)

Prevention: Clean camera weekly; check screen protector alignment

3. Glasses, Hats, or Makeup (15% of cases)

Why it happens: Wearable items alter facial appearance for camera

Symptoms: Works sometimes but fails when wearing accessories

Quick fix: Create Alternate Face ID with accessories (Way 4)

Prevention: Register 2 face profiles (with/without glasses)

4. System Malfunction (10% of cases)

Why it happens: Software bugs or corrupted face data

Symptoms: Sudden failure after system update or crash

Quick fix: Toggle Face Unlock off/on (Way 2) or re-add face data (Way 3)

Prevention: Keep system updated; backup face data after registration

5. Security Lockout (3% of cases)

Why it happens: Too many failed unlock attempts trigger security protocol

Symptoms: "Face ID temporarily disabled" message

Quick fix: Use backup PIN/password; wait 30 seconds and retry

Prevention: Ensure good lighting and clean camera before unlocking

6. Hardware Issues (2% of cases)

Why it happens: Physical damage to front camera from drops or water

Symptoms: Camera app shows blurry/black screen; Face ID never worked

Quick fix: Test camera app; visit service center if damaged

Prevention: Use protective case; avoid water/dust exposure

Important Note: If your Face ID stopped working after a system update, the issue is likely software-related and can be fixed with the methods below. If it has never worked since purchase, contact the manufacturer's support for potential hardware defects.

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:

Quick Problem Matcher: Which Solution to Try First?

Problem Symptom	Recommended Solution	Time	Success Rate
Face ID fails in low light	Way 4: Alternate Face ID	5 min	95%
Recent camera blockage	Way 1: Clean Camera	30 sec	85%
Wearing glasses/makeup	Way 4: Alternate Face ID	5 min	95%
Sudden Face ID failure	Way 2: Toggle Face Unlock	1 min	70%
After software update	Way 6: System Update	5-15 min	80%
After installing new app	Way 5: Safe Mode	10 min	60%

Troubleshooting Decision Tree

Face ID Not Working?
↓
Can you access Settings?
├─ NO (Locked out) → Use Dr.Fone Screen Unlock (Part 4)
└─ YES → When did it stop working?
├─ After system update → Way 6: Software Update
├─ After installing app → Way 5: Safe Mode
└─ Suddenly/Unknown → Do you wear glasses/makeup?
├─ YES → Way 4: Alternate Face ID  (95% success)
└─ NO → Try in order: Way 1 (Clean) → Way 2 (Toggle) → Way 3 (Re-add)

Tip: Start from the top and follow the path based on your situation

Compare All 6 Solutions

Method	Difficulty	Time	Success Rate	Best For
1. Clean Camera	Easy	30 seconds	85%	Dust/fingerprint issues
2. Toggle Face Unlock	Easy	1 min	70%	Software glitches
3. Re-add Face Data	Medium	3 min	90%	Changed appearance
4. Alternate Face ID (RECOMMENDED)	Medium	5 min	95%	Glasses/makeup/hats
5. Safe Mode	Hard	10 min	60%	Third-party app conflicts
6. Software Update	Easy	5-15 min	80%	Outdated system bugs

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.

clean android camera

Cleaning Tips: Use a microfiber cloth (glasses cleaner works perfectly). Gently wipe in circular motions. Avoid paper towels or rough materials that can scratch the lens. Clean weekly for best performance.

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.

access android biometric settings

Step 2. Moving ahead, press the "Face Recognition" option to disable and then re-enable the "Face Unlock" toggle.

disable face unlock to re-enable

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.

continue to remove face data

Step 2. Then, again, access the "Biometrics" screen and press the "Face Recognition" option to add this unlock feature.

add face recognition

Before You Proceed: Ensure you remember your backup PIN/password before removing Face Data. You'll need it to access settings and re-register your face.

Way 4. Create an Alternate Face ID (RECOMMENDED)

Why This Method Has 95% Success Rate

This is the MOST effective solution because it allows your phone to recognize you in multiple appearances - with glasses, makeup, hats, or different lighting conditions. Users report this dramatically improves unlock success from 70% to 95%!

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 initiate, head to the phone's settings to select the "Password & Security" option and tap the "Face Unlock" feature.

access face unlock security settings

Step 2. Following this, opt for the "Add Face Data" option and hit the "Start" button to add it when it appears.

start adding face data

When to Use Alternate Face ID - Complete Guide:

Register alternate face when:

You wear glasses daily → Register one with glasses, one without
You use makeup regularly → Register with natural look and full makeup
You wear hats/head coverings → Register with and without headwear
Different lighting conditions → Register in bright light and dim light
After hair style changes → Re-register alternate face after significant changes

Success Rate Improvement:

• Single Face ID: 70% success rate
• With Alternate Face ID: 95% success rate ⬆ +25%

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.

power off and enter safe mode

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.

uninstall problematic apps

Identifying Problematic Apps:

Focus on recently installed apps (especially lock screen replacements, camera filters, security apps). If Face ID works in Safe Mode but not in normal mode, a third-party app is the culprit.

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.

install software update

Before Updating:

Charge battery to at least 50%
Connect to Wi-Fi (updates can be 500MB-2GB)
Back up important data
Updates take 10-30 minutes - don't interrupt the process

Quick Solution Summary

Highest Success Rate:

Way 4 - Alternate Face ID (95%)

Fastest Solution:

Way 1 - Clean Camera (30 sec)

Most Common Fix:

Way 1 + Way 4 Combination

Part 4. 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.

Data Protection Feature: Dr.Fone offers "Remove Without Data Loss" mode for compatible Samsung and LG devices. Your photos, messages, contacts, and apps stay completely safe during Face ID removal! This is exclusive to select models - check compatibility before unlocking.

Key Features:

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.

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 success rate.

Available on: Windows Mac

Start Download

4,624,541 people have downloaded it

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.

pick unlock android screen feature

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.

decide on data loss lock removal

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 the on-screen instructions and make your way toward the "Unlocked Successfully" screen.

provide required data and confirm

Dr.Fone Success Metrics

4,624,541+

users worldwide

2000+

Android devices supported

99%

success rate

No Data Loss

for Samsung & LG

20+ Years

Wondershare expertise

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.

Key Takeaways

Best Solution:

Create Alternate Face ID (95% success rate)

Quickest Fix:

Clean camera lens (30 seconds)

Locked Out?

Use Dr.Fone Screen Unlock

Overall Success:

Fix 95% of issues in 15 minutes

Try It Free Try It Free

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4,624,541 people have downloaded it

FAQs

Q1. Why is my Android Face ID not working in low-light conditions?

As you know, it uses the front camera to detect your face, which needs proper lighting to function. That's why the camera can struggle to capture your facial expression in dim light conditions. Good lighting improves detection speed and accuracy, which ultimately helps unlock this feature to work more easily.

Q2. Is it safe to use Face ID lock for Android phones?

Yes, it's the most secure and convenient way to lock your smartphone because it uses biometric data, making it difficult for others to bypass. Alongside that, the stored face data is encrypted and kept on your device, not uploaded to the cloud.

Q3. What is the best way to disable Face ID if I'm locked out of my Android device?

In case you can't either unlock your Face ID or access your phone's settings, you can utilize the Dr.Fone screen unlock feature. This dedicated program supports over 2000 Android brands and allows you to bypass screen locks, including facial recognition. It helps avoid complete data loss, especially for Samsung and LG devices with supported unlock modes.

Q4. Why does Face ID stop working when I wear glasses or a hat?

Wearable items like glasses, hats, masks, or makeup can alter how your face appears to the camera, confusing the recognition system. To fix this, add an "Alternate Face ID" in your settings while wearing these items. This allows the system to recognize you in multiple appearances and significantly improves the unlock success rate.

Q5. How often should I clean my phone's front camera?

Clean your front camera lens at least once a week, or immediately if you notice Face ID performance degrading. Use a soft, lint-free cloth (microfiber is best). Avoid harsh chemicals - a dry cloth or slightly dampened with water is sufficient. Dust, fingerprints, and skin oil buildup are the most common causes of Face ID failures.

Q6. Will removing and re-adding Face ID delete my data?

No, removing and re-adding Face ID only deletes the facial recognition data, not your personal data (photos, contacts, messages, apps). This is a safe troubleshooting method. However, you'll need to remember your backup PIN/password to access settings and re-register your face.

Q7. Does Face ID work in complete darkness?

Most Android Face ID systems require at least some ambient light because they use standard front cameras (not infrared sensors like iPhone Face ID). In complete darkness, enable the "Brighten Screen" feature in Face Recognition settings - this uses screen light to illuminate your face. However, recognition may be slower than in good lighting.

Q8. Can screen protectors affect Face ID performance?

Yes, screen protectors (especially thick or low-quality ones) can block the front camera if they're not precisely cut. Check if your protector covers the camera area. Some protectors have a cutout that's slightly misaligned. Try temporarily removing the protector to test if Face ID works better, then replace with a properly fitted one.

Q9. How many alternate face IDs can I register on Android?

Most Android phones allow 1-2 alternate face registrations in addition to the primary face. Samsung devices typically support 2 total faces (1 primary + 1 alternate). Use the alternate slot to register yourself with glasses, makeup, or different lighting conditions to improve recognition flexibility.