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Why is my Face ID not working on my iPhone 12?

Published in Face ID Troubleshooting 3 mins read

Your iPhone 12's Face ID might not be working because your face is obstructed.

Here's a breakdown of possible reasons and solutions:

Potential Causes and Troubleshooting Steps

  • Facial Obstructions: Ensure that the TrueDepth camera on your iPhone 12 has a clear view of your face. This means:

    • No coverings: Make sure that your eyes, nose, and mouth are fully visible. By default, Face ID will not work if anything is covering your mouth and nose. This includes masks, scarves, or anything else that might be blocking your face.
    • If wearing a mask: If you've configured Face ID to work with a mask, ensure your eyes are not obscured by glasses, sunglasses, or anything else.

  • Camera Obstruction: Check the TrueDepth camera for any dirt, smudges, or screen protectors that could be interfering with its operation. Clean the camera lens gently with a soft, lint-free cloth.

  • Incorrect Angle or Distance: Make sure you're holding your iPhone 12 at a comfortable distance (roughly 10-20 inches) and angle in relation to your face. Avoid extreme angles or distances.

  • iOS Issues: Software glitches can sometimes cause Face ID to malfunction.

    • Restart your iPhone 12: A simple restart can often resolve temporary software issues.
    • Update to the latest iOS version: Apple often releases updates that include bug fixes and performance improvements, so ensure your iPhone 12 is running the latest version of iOS. To check for updates, go to Settings > General > Software Update.

  • Face ID Settings: Double-check your Face ID settings to ensure everything is configured correctly.

    • Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
    • Make sure that "iPhone Unlock" is toggled on.
    • If you're still having problems, try resetting Face ID and setting it up again. To do this, tap "Reset Face ID" and then follow the on-screen instructions to enroll your face.

  • Certain Environments: Face ID performance can be affected by extreme lighting conditions.

    • Very bright sunlight: Direct sunlight can sometimes interfere with Face ID.
    • Very dark environments: While Face ID uses infrared light, extremely dark environments can still pose challenges.

  • Hardware Issues: In rare cases, there might be a hardware problem with the TrueDepth camera system. If none of the above solutions work, you may need to contact Apple Support or take your iPhone 12 to an authorized service provider for repair.

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