If Face ID isn’t working on your iPhone or iPad Pro

Check for updates

Update your iPhone or iPad to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. And make sure your iPhone or iPad model supports Face ID.

Check your Face ID settings

To check your Face ID settings, go to Settings, then tap Face ID & Passcode. Make sure that Face ID is set up

Make sure nothing is covering the TrueDepth camera

Remove anything that may be covering the TrueDepth camera, such as a smudge, case or screen protector.

If you’re using iPad in landscape orientation, make sure your finger or palm isn’t covering the TrueDepth camera. If it is, an alert may appear at the top of the screen that says “Camera covered” with an arrow pointing at the TrueDepth camera.

Make sure your face isn’t blocked

Make sure your eyes, nose and mouth are fully visible to the TrueDepth camera. By default, Face ID doesn’t work if anything is covering your mouth and nose. If you’re wearing a face mask and have already set up Face ID with a Mask You may need to hold your iPhone higher if you’re wearing a face mask. If you wear a face mask too high or too close to your eyes, your iPhone may not unlock.

Face ID works with many sunglasses, although Face ID with a Mask isn’t designed to work with sunglasses. If you’re wearing sunglasses designed to block certain types of light, your sunglasses may be blocking the infrared light used by the TrueDepth camera. Try using Face ID without your sunglasses.

Make sure you’re facing the TrueDepth camera

Face ID works in portrait and landscape orientation on iPhone 13 models and later using iOS 16 and later. For earlier models, Face ID only works on iPhone when it's in portrait orientation and you're facing the TrueDepth camera. On iPad, you can use Face ID when your iPad is in any orientation.

The TrueDepth camera has a similar range of view as when you take a selfie or make a FaceTime call. Whether your iPhone or iPad is lying on a surface or you’re holding it in a natural position, make sure your iPhone or iPad is an arm’s length or closer (25-50cm) from your face.

Restart your device

Restart your iPhone or iPad Then try using Face ID again.

Add an alternative appearance

For most users, Face ID will learn continuously as they change. If you have an appearance that can look vastly different, you can set up an alternative appearance

Reset Face ID

If you still need help, reset Face ID then set it up again. Go to Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode, then tap Reset Face ID. Next tap Set up Face ID

Get service

If you still can’t register your face, contact Apple Support.

Only a trained technician should service your device. Improper repair, modification or use of non-genuine Apple components in the laser systems may prevent the safety mechanisms from functioning properly, and could cause hazardous exposure and injury to eyes or skin.