Face ID isn’t working on your iPad Pro and you don’t know why. No matter what you do, you can’t unlock your device or set up Face ID for the first time. In this article, I’ll explain what to do when your iPad Pro says “Face ID Is Not Available” so that you can fix the problem for good.
Face ID is available on iPad Pro models only — specifically iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd through 6th generations), and iPad Pro 13-inch (M4 and M5). All other iPad models use Touch ID.
Restart Your iPad Pro
Restarting your iPad Pro is a quick fix for a minor software glitch that could be the reason why Face ID is not available.
Press and hold either volume button and the top button until the “slide to power off” slider appears on the display. Drag the slider, then wait 30 seconds for your iPad Pro to turn off. Press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears to turn it back on.
Make Sure Nothing Is Covering The TrueDepth Camera
If your iPad Pro’s TrueDepth camera is obstructed, Face ID won’t be able to recognize your face, so it won’t work. The TrueDepth camera is located in the slim bezel at the top of your iPad Pro.
Remember to make sure the top of your iPad Pro is completely clean and clear, otherwise Face ID might not work properly! First, grab a microfiber cloth and wipe off the top of your iPad Pro’s display. Then, make sure your case isn’t obstructing the TrueDepth camera. If you’re using your iPad Pro in landscape orientation, make sure that your finger or palm isn’t covering the TrueDepth camera. If it is, an alert might appear at the top of the screen that says “Camera covered” with an arrow pointing at the TrueDepth camera.
Make Sure Nothing Is Covering Your Face
Another common reason why Face ID might not be available is because something is covering your face. This happens to me quite often, especially when I’m wearing a hat and sunglasses.
Take off your hat, hood, sunglasses, or ski mask before trying to set up Face ID on your iPad Pro. If your face is clear and Face ID is not available, move onto the next step.
Face ID Works In Any Orientation On iPad Pro
Face ID on iPad Pro works in any orientation — portrait, landscape, or even flat on a table. You don’t need to hold it a specific way. The TrueDepth camera just needs a clear view of your face from about 10–20 inches away. If Face ID isn’t recognizing you in landscape, double-check that your finger or palm isn’t accidentally covering the camera in the top bezel.
Update To The Latest Version Of iPadOS
iPadOS is the operating system that runs on your iPad. iPadOS updates introduce new features and sometimes fix minor or major software problems.
Head to Settings > General > Software Update to see if a new version of iPadOS is available. Tap Download and Install if a software update is available.
Put Your iPad Pro In DFU Mode
Our final software troubleshooting step when your iPad Pro says “Face ID Is Not Available” is to put it in DFU mode and restore. A DFU (device firmware update) restore is the deepest restore you can perform on an iPad. It erases and reloads every line of code on your device, giving it a completely fresh start.
I recommend saving an iPad Pro backup before putting it in DFU mode. When you’re ready, check our step-by-step DFU restore guide for iPad Pro.
iPad Pro Repair Options
You’ll probably have to take your iPad Pro 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 iPad Pro 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 iPad Pro screen replaced with a non-Apple part, that’s likely the reason why Face ID is disabled. When iPad Pro detects a nongenuine display or TrueDepth camera, it can’t complete the calibration required for Face ID to function, leaving it disabled. Apple will flag the nongenuine part in Settings > General > About with an “Unknown” message.
Taking your iPad Pro to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider is the right move. A technician can replace the nongenuine part with a genuine Apple part and complete the calibration process, which restores Face ID. Apple does service iPads that have had non-genuine repairs — a full device replacement is not your only option.
Face ID: Available Again!
Face ID is available on your iPad Pro and now you can unlock your device just by looking at it! Next time “Face ID Is Not Available” on your iPad Pro, 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!
