Several users have said that they are unable to set up Face ID and receive the following error message:
Face ID is not available. Try setting up Face ID later.
Some users have further complained that Face ID stopped working after updating their iPhone or iPad devices and they run into this issue when they want to set up Face ID again.
Face ID is available on several iPhone and iPad models. And this issue affects both iPhone and iPad users. With Face ID, you can unlock your iPhone or iPad by looking at your device. You can also use it to pay for items via Apple Pay. If you can’t use Face ID, then you won’t be able to use your face to authenticate your identity.
This article lists several tips to fix the iPhone Face ID “‘not available” error.
Update your device
Ensure that your device is running the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. Here’s how to check if you are running the latest version or not::
- Open Settings.
- Select General.
- Select Software Update.
- If there is an update, tap Update Now.
- Follow the onscreen instructions.
After updating your device, try setting up Face ID on your iPhone or iPad again. Does it work now? If you’re still having this problem, move onto the next solution.
Restart your device
Restarting your iPhone or iPad is a quick fix for a minor software glitch that could be the reason why Face ID is not available. Here is how you can restart your device:
iPhone X or later and iPad without a Home button that supports Face ID
- Press and hold the Side or Top button and Volume Down (or Volume Up) buttons together until the slide to power off slider appears.
- Drag the power off slider from left to right.
- Wait a few moments for your device to shut down completely.
- Press and hold the power button to turn your device on again.
Please note that you can also shut down your iPhone or iPad by going to Settings > General > Shut Down.
Reset Face ID
Reset Face ID and then set up again. Here is how you can do this:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Go into Face ID & Passcode.
- Enter your passcode (if you have a passcode).
- Tap Reset Face ID.
This will remove all your current Face ID settings. Then follow these step to set up again. Here’s how:
- Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode. And enter your password.
- Tap Set Up Face ID.
- Follow the onscreen instructions.
Force restart your device
Force restart your iPhone or iPad.This is also called a soft reset. This will not erase anything. This is very similar to a restart.
iPad without a Home button and iPhone X and later that support Face ID
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Then press and hold the power button (side or top) until you see the Apple logo.
iPhone & iPad Repair Options
You’ll probably have to take your iPhone or iPad into your nearest Apple Store if it still says “Face ID Is Not Available”. There could be a hardware problem with the TrueDepth Camera.
Don’t delay in setting up an appointment at your local Apple Store! Apple will swap your faulty iPhone or iPad with a brand new one, if you’re still within the return window. Apple also has a great mail-in program in case you can’t make it to a brick and mortar location.
Did You Get The Screen Replaced With A Non-Apple Part?
If you recently had your iPhone screen replaced with a non-Apple part, that’s likely the reason why Face ID is disabled. When your iPhone detects the non-Apple part, it locks Face ID.
Unfortunately, an Apple tech won’t touch your iPhone when they recognize the non-Apple part. If you can, try to have the original screen put back on — but even that’s not a guarantee.
The best an Apple tech can do when they see the non-Apple part is replace the iPhone entirely, which as you can probably guess, will be more expensive than a screen replacement.
Conclusion
Face ID is available on your iPhone or iPad and now you can unlock your device just by looking at it! Next time “Face ID Is Not Available” on your iPhone or iPad, you’ll know how to fix the problem. Feel free to leave any other questions you have about Face ID down below in the comments section!