How do I make Face ID work while wearing glasses, sunglasses, or a mask?

Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode. Turn ON 'Face ID with a Mask' (iPhone 12 and newer) and tap 'Set Up an Alternate Appearance' while wearing your everyday eyewear so the biometric mesh adapts to varying lighting and accessories.

What should I do if Face ID stopped working after an iOS update?

System updates can occasionally desynchronize facial biometric tokens stored inside the Secure Enclave. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > tap 'Reset Face ID', reboot your phone, and re-enroll your face cleanly.

Can a third-party repair shop fix 'An Issue Was Detected with the TrueDepth Camera'?

No. The TrueDepth camera is cryptographically locked and paired to the iPhone logic board. Third-party shops cannot calibrate Face ID sensors. Only an Apple Store Genius Bar or Apple Authorized Service Provider can replace and serialize the module.

Can I still use my iPhone if Face ID is completely broken?

Yes! Your 4-digit or 6-digit alphanumeric passcode remains 100% active. You can still unlock your iPhone, authenticate Apple Pay, auto-fill passwords, and download apps using your passcode.

Pillar Hub

📱 Security & Biometrics 100% Zero Data Loss• 2 minutes

Face ID Not Working on iPhone? The 2026 Biometric Fix Guide

Why does Face ID say 'Move iPhone lower/higher' or fail to recognize you? Fix sensor obstructions, update desyncs, and TrueDepth issues with zero data loss.

By Marcus Vance

Updated: 2026-10-05•2026 Edition

Quick Answer (In 30 Seconds)

Over 75% of Face ID failures are caused by smudges or privacy screen protectors blocking the TrueDepth camera notch. Wipe the top sensor notch with a microfiber cloth, remove thick screen protectors, or reset Face ID in Settings > Face ID & Passcode.

Interactive Solution Selector

Select your Face ID or Touch ID issue to see the instant solution:

Biometric Security Fixes

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Solution: How to Fix "Face ID Is Not Available" / Move Lower/Higher

Root Cause: The TrueDepth infrared camera, flood illuminator, or dot projector at the top notch/Dynamic Island is covered by dust, smudges, or an opaque screen protector.

Clean Notch / Dynamic Island with Microfiber

Wipe the top glass area with a clean microfiber cloth. Face ID uses 3 separate infrared lenses that cannot penetrate oil smudges.

Check Screen Protector Cutouts

Check if your screen protector has air bubbles or opaque black borders over the camera notch. Cheap privacy screen protectors block infrared light.

Hold Phone in Portrait 10–20 Inches Away

Hold your iPhone vertically in portrait orientation, approximately 10 to 20 inches from your face, facing straight ahead in normal room lighting.

Force Restart iPhone

Perform a force restart (Volume Up > Volume Down > Hold Side button until Apple logo appears) to reboot the biometric camera controller.

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Advisor Takeaway: Cleaning the top camera glass and removing privacy screen protectors resolves over 75% of Face ID recognition failures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Security & Biometrics Troubleshooting FAQ

Face ID relies on an infrared dot projector and flood illuminator in the top notch. Makeup smudges, fingerprint grease, or opaque edges of privacy screen protectors block infrared light. Cleaning the sensor glass and removing bulky protectors resolves the vast majority of recognition issues.

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