Face ID Not Working on iPad or iPhone (Solved!)

Face ID feature is exclusive only to iPad Pro models and to iPhones, but sometimes it acts up and doesn’t work or doesn’t recognize you, making you type in your PIN.

Which can get frustrating. This bug is rare, but it happens occasionally. And here are the things you should try when your Face ID is not working.

1. Restart Your iPad 

Restarting your iPad is like hitting the quick refresh button. It can often resolve minor hiccups in Face ID recognition.  

In order to restart your iPad:

• Tap the volume up button once.
• Tap the volume down button once.
• Hold the power button until it allows you to shut down the device.
• Wait 5-10 seconds.
• Hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears.

8/10 times, a simple reboot fixes all the problems.

2. Clean Your Camera

A clean camera lens is essential for Face ID to function correctly. Small smudges or fingerprints sometimes prevent the face ID sensor from recognizing you. 

Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe off any dirt, smudges, or fingerprints from the front camera area. It might seem minor, but this can make a significant difference in recognition accuracy.

I recommend cleaning your iPad once a week. Camera, body, screen, ports.

3. Hold Your iPad Correctly

I have seen many people holding the iPad incorrectly and then complaining about the Face ID not working. It’s like blaming your toaster for not making toast when you forgot to plug it in! 

If you are going to hold your iPad upside down, the Face ID might not work. The same goes for the iPhone.

Position your iPad at eye level and make sure you’re not accidentally covering the camera with your fingers. Hold it naturally and avoid any obstructions that might be blocking your face from the camera’s view. 

If it’s dark in the environment, turn up the screen brightness so it can recognize you better.

4. Update Software

It is important to keep the software on your iOS device up to date. Apple often releases updates that include improvements and bug fixes, which can address Face ID issues. 

• Open ‘Settings’
• Tap on ‘General’
• Tap on ‘Software Updates’
• Update to the latest version.

5. Reset Your Face ID

Sometimes, Face ID data can become outdated or corrupted. You can review and retrain Face ID in the settings.

How to reset Face ID:

1. Open ‘Settings’
2. Scroll down and tap on ‘Face ID & Passcode’
3. Enter your passcode when asked
4. Tap on the ‘Reset Face ID’
5. After resetting, select ‘Set Up Face ID’
6. Set up Face ID once more.

This process can help improve Face ID accuracy and resolve any recognition problems you may be facing.

6. Make Sure Anything Isn’t Blocking Your Face

Remove accessories, hats, masks, and glasses when unlocking your iPad. Sometimes, even hair can cause problems if it’s in front of your face.

Make sure nothing is blocking your face.

I’ve noticed that sometimes, when my beard and hair get a bit longer, my Face ID takes a longer time to recognize me. So, it’s a good idea to set up some backup Face IDs, like one with a mask, one with glasses, or even one wearing your favorite hat. 
On your device, you can set up an “alternate Face ID.” Just follow these steps:

• Open ‘Settings’
• Scroll down and tap on ‘Face ID & Passcode’
• Enter your passcode when asked
• Look for ‘Set Up an Alternate Appearance’ option and tap on it.

Additionally, if you wear glasses, you can also add them to your Face ID settings:

• Still, in ‘Face ID & Passcode,’ you’ll find the ‘Add Glasses’ option.

You can add up to four pairs of glasses to improve Face ID recognition when you wear them.

7. Applying Pressure to the Sensor

This method may be a bit awkward, but it works.

In some cases, gently applying pressure to the iPad/iPhone camera area can help re-seat any loose connections. 

Here is a guide to what to do in detail:

• Apply gentle pressure to the sensor area
• Continue applying pressure while moving along the top bezel
• Similarly, press lightly on the back of the device

If you want to see how to do it, here’s a video on that:

What if the Problem Remains?

If none of the above solutions solve the problem, it could be a hardware issue. If so, get in touch with Apple Support for help.

If your iPad is under warranty, the repair will likely be covered at no cost.

How much does it cost to fix Face ID?

The cost to fix Face ID on an iPhone or iPad can vary depending on several factors, including the model of the device, whether it’s under warranty, and the specific nature of the issue. Repair expenses may range from $150 to $299, depending on the kind and extent of the needed repairs.

Does Apple Face ID work in the dark?

Yes, Apple’s Face ID technology is designed to work in low-light conditions and darkness. The TrueDepth camera system used for Face ID includes infrared sensors that enable facial recognition even in the dark.

If it’s not working in dark, it’s recommended to increase the brightness

Can Apple Face ID be fooled by a photo?

No, Apple’s Face ID is designed to be highly secure and includes several features to prevent being fooled by a photo. The TrueDepth camera used for Face ID creates a detailed 3D map of your face by projecting and analyzing over 30,000 infrared dots.

This depth-sensing technology helps in distinguishing a real face from a two-dimensional photo.

it’s not entirely impossible to fool Apple’s Face ID. High-quality 3D face models might fool Apple’s Face ID recognition.