Face ID has become such a routine part of how I use my iPhone 18 Pro every day, from unlocking my device in an instant to making quick payments using Apple Pay. But after updating to the latest iOS 27 version, I found myself stuck – Face ID just wouldn’t unlock my phone anymore, and it kept asking me for my passcode instead. It’s funny how quickly you miss the little conveniences when they stop working.
If you’re also dealing with Face ID issues on your iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max after the update, you’re definitely not alone. This guide will walk you through some troubleshooting steps that helped me, with the hope that one of them can help you get Face ID working smoothly again.
Fix 1: Ensure Your Face Is Fully Visible
Face ID works best when your face is fully visible and unobstructed. Make sure you’re not wearing sunglasses or a mask that could block your face from being recognized.
Make sure that 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, make sure that your eyes aren’t blocked. You might 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 might not unlock.
Face ID works with many sunglasses, though Face ID with a mask isn’t designed to work with sunglasses. If you’re wearing sunglasses designed to block certain types of light, then your sunglasses might be blocking the infrared light used by the TrueDepth camera. Try using Face ID without your sunglasses.
Fix 2: Add an Alternate Appearance
If Face ID is still acting up, it might be worth adding an alternate appearance. This feature is particularly useful if your appearance has changed significantly since you first set up Face ID. For most users, Face ID will continuously learn as they change. If you have an appearance that can look vastly different, you can set up an alternate appearance so Face ID still recognizes you.
Steps to Add an Alternate Appearance:
- Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
- Enter your passcode.
- Tap Set Up an Alternate Appearance.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your face again.
Fix 3: Check Require Attention, and Whether Face ID Was Temporarily Disabled
Require Attention for Face ID. Apple says Face ID unlocks iPhone only when your eyes are open and looking at the screen. If you don’t want iPhone to check for your attention, go to Settings > Accessibility > Face ID & Attention, then turn off Require Attention for Face ID. Apple notes that requiring attention makes Face ID more secure, and that these settings are turned off by default if you turn on VoiceOver when you first set up iPhone.
Face ID may have been temporarily disabled. Apple says you can temporarily prevent Face ID from unlocking your iPhone by pressing and holding the side button and either volume button for 2 seconds, and that the next time you unlock iPhone with your passcode, Face ID is enabled again.
Setting up Face ID without moving your head. Apple says that if you can’t perform the full range of head motion, you can still set up Face ID without moving your head: go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode, tap Set Up Face ID, then tap Get Started. Position your face within the frame, then tap Accessibility Options. Apple notes that Face ID is still secure but requires more consistency when you unlock iPhone.
Fix 4: Reset Face ID
If you’re still experiencing issues, resetting Face ID might be the next best step. This can help clear any glitches or errors that might be causing the problem.
Steps to Reset Face ID:
- Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
- Tap Reset Face ID.
- Tap Set Up Face ID to scan your face again.
Fix 5: View Face ID Terms
Viewing the Face ID terms can fix this issue. Here’s how to do it:
Steps to View Face ID Terms:
- Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
- Enter your iPhone passcode.
- Tap the About Face ID & Privacy link.
- Scroll down and view the terms.
- Tap Done and then set up a new Face ID.
Fix 6: Check Screen Time Restrictions
If you use Screen Time, check that it allows changes to Face ID. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. Under Allow Changes, make sure Passcode & Face ID is allowed.
Fix 7: Ensure Nothing Is Covering the TrueDepth Camera
Check for any obstructions, such as dust or a case, that might be blocking the TrueDepth camera at the top of your iPhone. Remove anything that might be covering the TrueDepth camera like a smudge, case, or screen protector.
Steps to Check the TrueDepth Camera:
- Inspect the front of your iPhone for any obstructions.
- Clean the area gently with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Fix 8: Update to the Latest Version of iOS 27
Check for any available software updates, as Apple often releases fixes that can resolve bugs affecting Face ID after a major update.
Steps to Update Your iPhone:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
Fix 9: Contact Apple Support
If you’ve tried everything and Face ID is still not functioning on your iPhone 18 Pro, it may be time to reach out to Apple Support. There could be a hardware issue with the TrueDepth camera that requires professional assistance. There are various options you can use to reach Apple.
