If an alert says Face ID has been disabled on your iPhone or iPad Pro

If you see this message on the Home Screen or in Settings, your iPhone or iPad may need an update or a service.

You may see the following message on your iPhone X or later, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) or later, or iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation) or later:

“A problem was detected with the TrueDepth Camera. Face ID has been disabled.”

What to do next

  1. Update your iPhone or iPad to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.

  2. Check if there's an issue with Face ID in your iPhone parts and service history. To do this, open the Settings app, tap General, then tap About.

  3. If you still can’t enrol your face or unlock your iPhone or iPad with Face ID, you may need a service. Get a service

An iPhone shows the Settings > Face ID & Passcode screen with an alert at the top that says “A problem was detected with the TrueDepth Camera. Face ID has been disabled.”

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

What the message means

Using diagnostics available in iOS 14.6 or later, Apple has detected an issue with your TrueDepth camera that may cause it to not function as expected. The TrueDepth camera contains lasers, which may be disabled for safety reasons if the device malfunctions or is damaged. This won't prevent you from using your iPhone or iPad, but until your iPhone or iPad is updated or serviced, you may not be able to use Face ID, Animoji, Memoji and some other features that use the front camera.

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