The new iPhone 16 just came out last month, and iPhone users around the world couldn’t wait to get their hands on it. However, they had to face much disappointment when, after setting up their new devices, they found that the iPhone 16 Face ID not working.
But don't worry! Most Face ID problems can be fixed easily. It's usually something simple, like dirt on the camera or needing to set Face ID on your iPhone again.
In this guide, we will show you the top 9 ways to fix Face ID on your iPhone 15/16. With a little effort, you'll be back to unlocking your phone with a glance!
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If you're having some trouble with Face ID, it might be due to using an outdated iOS version.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.
Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS)
Fix iPhone 16 Face ID Not Working in Clicks.
- Only fix your iOS to normal, no data loss at all.
- Fix various iOS system issues stuck in recovery mode, white Apple logo, black screen, looping on start, etc.
- Upgrade and Downgrade iOS without iTunes at all.
- Work for all iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch, running on all iOS versions
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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