Remove screen passcode, Apple ID, MDM and Screen Time from iPhone safely.
Face ID Is Not Available on iPhone: 5 Causes and 6 Fixes
Seeing "Face ID is not available, try setting up Face ID later" on your iPhone can be confusing, especially if Face ID was working normally before. This error does not always mean your iPhone is damaged. It can be caused by temporary system errors, blocked sensors, incorrect settings, or iOS bugs. In this article, you can learn the common reasons why Face ID stops working and practical ways to fix the problem. Moreover, you can get an effective tool to unlock your iPhone when Face ID fails here.
Guide List
Why Is Face ID Not Available on iPhone How to Fix "Face ID Is Not Available" on iPhone New Way to Unlock iPhone When Face ID FailsWhy Is Face ID Not Available on iPhone
When Face ID is not showing or working on an iPhone, the problem can come from different areas. Below are the most common reasons.
Face ID Is Temporarily Disabled for Security Reasons
- Your iPhone has just been restarted or turned on.
- You have not unlocked your iPhone for more than 48 hours.
- Face ID failed five times in a row.
- Emergency SOS was activated.
- Your iPhone was locked remotely through Find My.
The TrueDepth Camera Is Blocked
- Dust or fingerprints on the front sensor area.
- A screen protector covering the Face ID sensors.
- A phone case is blocking the top edge of the screen.
- A damaged or scratched screen protector affects sensor accuracy.
Temporary iOS Errors or Software Bugs
- Failed or incomplete iOS updates.
- Temporary system crashes.
- Bugs in certain iOS versions.
- Incorrect Face ID settings.
Face ID Settings Got Changed
Incorrect settings can also make Face ID unavailable or prevent it from recognizing your face. You need to check whether Face ID is properly enabled on your iPhone.
Hardware Damage
- Screen replacement with non-genuine parts.
- Water damage.
- Drops or strong impacts.
- TrueDepth camera damage.
- Internal cable or sensor connection problems.
How to Fix "Face ID Is Not Available" on iPhone
Now that you know what might be causing the issue, let's get into the actual fixes.
1. Clean the TrueDepth Camera Area
- 1.Turn off your iPhone's screen.
- 2.Gently wipe the camera area with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Pay close attention to the small sensor just left of the speaker, that's the infrared sensor, and it's especially sensitive to grime.
- 3.If you have a case or screen protector, take it off for a moment to make sure nothing is blocking the sensors.
- 4.Turn the screen back on and try Face ID again.
Don't use any liquids or cleaning sprays near this area. A dry cloth is all you need.
2. Remove or replace the screen protector
If the iPhone screen protector is older, scratched, or made of thick tempered glass, it can interfere with the infrared sensor that Face ID depends on. It also works if your iPhone overheats suddenly. Face ID is not available on iPhone due to extreme cold and extreme heat temperatures.
3. Restart Your iPhone
As for temporary system problems, you can reboot iPhone to fix Face ID issues easily. Just press and hold the Side button and either Volume button at the same time. Don't release them until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider right, then wait for about 30 seconds for the iPhone to turn off completely. Later, you can keep pressing the Side button to turn on the iPhone.
4. Check Face ID Settings
Face ID may stop working if some features are accidentally turned off. So go to the Settings app, tap the "Face ID & Passcode" button. Check iPhone Unlock, App Store purchases, Password AutoFill, and other Face ID features to fix Face ID not working.
5. Reset Face ID and Set It Up Again
If Face ID still isn't working after checking your settings, the stored face data itself might be the issue. You can fix Face ID not available on iPhone by resetting it.
- 1.Open the Settings app. Then go to "Face ID & Passcode".
- 2.Enter your passcode.
- 3.Tap the "Reset Face ID" button.
- 4.Set up Face ID again from scratch with the onscreen prompts.
6. Update iOS to the Latest Version
If Face ID stops working all of a sudden after an update, you can also perform an update to bypass bugs.
- 1.Back up your iPhone if necessary. Then connect to Wi-Fi.
- 2.Open the Settings app.
- 3.Tap the "General" button.
- 4.Tap the "Software Update" button.
- 5.If there is an available update, tap the "Download and Install" or "Update Now" button.
- 6.Follow the instruction to complete the iOS update.
New Way to Unlock iPhone When Face ID Fails
Face ID troubleshooting should always be the first step when your iPhone shows "Face ID is not available." However, some users face a more serious problem: Face ID does not work, and they also cannot remember the iPhone passcode. In this situation, 4Easysoft MobieTool is your smart choice. You can regain access to your locked iPhone without Face ID or a forgotten passcode.
Fix Face ID or Touch ID not working on iPhone/iPad.
Remove forgotten 4-digit or 6-digit iPhone passcodes.
Get into a disabled iPhone after too many failed attempts.
Support iPhone 17 and iOS 27 beta (and iOS 26).
100% Secure
100% Secure
Step 1Open 4Easysoft MobieTool. Click the "Start Unlocking" button. Connect your iPhone to the computer via a lightning USB cable. Later, click the "Start Now" button.
Step 2Click the "View Details" button to see iPhone information. If it is correct, click the "Start Now" button to download the required firmware.
Step 3Click the "Start Removing" button to move on. Later, click the "Confirm Again" button to remove the passcode from your iPhone.
Conclusion
The "Face ID is not available" error can happen for many reasons, from blocked sensors and iOS glitches to TrueDepth camera problems. In most cases, simple fixes like cleaning the camera area, restarting your iPhone, resetting Face ID, or updating iOS can help restore normal use. However, if Face ID fails and you are also locked out because of a forgotten passcode, you may need an additional solution. 4Easysoft MobieTool can give you a reliable way back into your device.
100% Secure
100% Secure