Face ID Not Working After iOS 16.5 or Later? Here's How to Fix It

If Face ID stopped working after updating to iOS 16.5 (or any later iOS update), start by restarting your iPhone, then go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and make sure iPhone Unlock and the other Use Face ID For switches are on. Clean the TrueDepth camera area at the top of the screen, remove anything covering it, and install the latest iOS update. If Face ID still fails, tap Reset Face ID and set it up again. A message saying Face ID is not available or A problem was detected with the TrueDepth camera usually means a hardware problem that needs Apple service.

This guide goes through every fix in order, from quick checks to resets, and explains which error messages point to hardware. The steps apply to iOS 16.5 and all newer versions.

Fix 1: Restart your iPhone

A restart clears temporary glitches after updates. Press and hold the side button and either volume button, drag the slider, and turn the phone back on. Enter your passcode once, since Face ID always needs it after a restart.

Fix 2: Check Face ID settings

1. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and enter your passcode.
2. Under Use Face ID For, turn on iPhone Unlock and any other features you use, like Apple Pay or Password AutoFill.
3. If Face ID works except when you’re paying attention elsewhere, check Require Attention for Face ID. Leaving it on is more secure; turning it off can help if you wear certain sunglasses or have trouble looking at the screen.

Fix 3: Clear the TrueDepth camera

• Wipe the notch or Dynamic Island area with a soft, lint-free cloth.
• Remove cases or screen protectors that cover the top of the display. Thick or badly aligned protectors often cause problems.
• Hold the iPhone about 10 to 20 inches (25 to 50 cm) from your face, in portrait orientation. Newer models also support landscape.

Fix 4: Check what’s covering your face

Face ID needs to see your eyes, nose, and mouth. Some sunglasses block the infrared light it uses. On iPhone 12 and later with iOS 15.4 or later, turn on Face ID with a Mask to unlock while wearing one.

Fix 5: Update iOS

Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available update. Apple often fixes bugs from one release in the next.

Fix 6: Add an alternate appearance

If your look changes often, such as with glasses, makeup, or facial hair, tap Set Up an Alternate Appearance in Face ID settings and scan again.

Fix 7: Reset Face ID and set it up again

1. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
2. Tap Reset Face ID. This deletes your saved face data.
3. Tap Set Up Face ID and follow the prompts in good lighting, moving your head slowly in a circle.

Fix 8: Reset all settings

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings. This keeps your data but resets settings like Wi-Fi passwords, wallpaper, and privacy settings. Set up Face ID again afterward.

Messages that point to hardware

• “Face ID is not available. Try setting up Face ID later.” and the setup won’t start.
• “A problem was detected with the TrueDepth camera. Face ID has been disabled.”
• “Unable to activate Face ID on this iPhone.”
• Portrait mode on the front camera or Animoji also stop working.

These usually appear after a drop, water exposure, or a screen replacement that affected the TrueDepth system. Back up your iPhone and contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store. Repairs are often covered by AppleCare+.

Related: Whether the iPhone 13 Pro Max has a fingerprint sensor.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I have to enter my passcode even though Face ID is on?

iOS requires your passcode after a restart, after five failed Face ID attempts, after 48 hours without unlocking, and in a few other situations. That’s normal security behavior.

Can a screen replacement break Face ID?

Yes, if the replacement damaged the TrueDepth components. Genuine Apple repairs preserve Face ID.

Does iOS 16.5 have a known Face ID bug?

Some users reported Face ID problems after various iOS updates. The fixes above resolve most software causes, and later updates addressed many reported issues.