How to Fix Face ID Not Working on iPhone 11 Pro

Face ID is one of the amazing features iOS users enjoy on their iPhones. With Face ID, you can easily unlock your iPhone by just looking at the screen. These new features were embedded in the newer latest iPhone and the iPhone 11 Pro and even the 11 Pro Max inclusive.

If your Face ID stopped working, maybe after your device fell or it refused to set-up, below is how to fix it.

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Note: This method of fixing Face ID stop or not working is applicable on the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, XS Max, iPhone SE 2020, iPhone 8, etc.

Update Your iPhone 11 Pro

Check for an update and make sure your device is running on the latest update. You can do that by going to Settings < General < Software Update. You should see a notification there is any pending update. Just tap on it to install the update.

Reboot Your iPhone 11 Pro

A simple reboot may be all that you need to fix the Face ID not working on your iPhone.
To do that follow the steps below.

Step 1: Press and hold both the Side and Volume Up buttons for a few seconds
Step 2: Then, release both buttons when the Slide to Power off bar appears.
Step 3: Swipe the bar to turn your device off.
Step 4: After some seconds, press and hold the Side button and then release it when the Apple logo appears.

Now, wait for your device to finish rebooting and try the Face ID.

Check Your iPhone 11 Pro Face ID Settings

You need to check and make sure that the Face ID is enabled and well set-up on your iPhone. To do that, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode. Make sure that Face ID is set up by ensuring all the options are on.

Ensure nothing is covering the TrueDepth camera

If your iPhone fell on the ground, you should ensure that nothing is covering the TrueDepth camera on your iPhone 11 Pro. Make sure that your iPhone case or protective glass is not blocking the front camera. Also, check if residue or dirt is covering the TrueDepth camera.

Ensure nothing is covering your face

Now on your face make sure that your eyes, nose, and mouth are fully visible to the TrueDepth camera. Face ID will not work if anything is covering your mouth and nose, like a face mask.

However, if you are wearing a Face mask, you will be asked to enter your passcode automatically after swiping up. Face ID indeed works with many sunglasses. However, if you are wearing one, try removing it and see because some glasses might be blocking the infrared light used by the TrueDepth camera on your iPhone 11.

Ensure you are facing the TrueDepth camera

Face ID works when it’s in portrait orientation and you’re facing the TrueDepth camera. So make sure you are facing the camera.

Add an alternate appearance

If you are someone that is not always in the same appearance. For example, after applying makeup, your Face ID may reject you. That is why Apple allows users to add an alternative appearance that will make the Face ID work even in a different appearance.

To set-up, an alternative Face ID follows the steps below.

Step 1: Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode. Enter your passcode if asked.
Step 2: Tap Set Up an Alternate Appearance.
Step 3: Now look straight into your iPhone and place your face inside the frame.
Step 4: Gently move your head to complete the circle. If you are unable to move your head, tap on the Accessibility Options.
Step 5: When you finish the scan, tap Continue.
Step 6: Again move your head to complete the circle for a second time.
Step 7: When Face ID set-up is complete, tap Done.

Reset Face ID

If you still can’t use Face ID on your iPhone 11 Pro, then it’s time to reset your Face ID. To do that, head over to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and tap Reset Face ID. Then tap Set up Face ID to set it up again.

Contact Apple Support

If you still can’t set-up Face ID on your iPhone 11 Pro. Maybe your face can’t enroll, then you need to contact Apple or your carrier. Meanwhile, as you do that, you can always use the traditional passcode to access your iPhone.

However, you should know that iPhone will expect you to enter the passcode if you are wearing a face mask, you just turn on your device, the device has not been unlocked for the past 48 hours, the iPhone has received a remote lock command, you have attempted to unlock it five times with Face ID, etc.