Face ID Not Working on iPhone 13? Here’s How to Fix It

Face ID is one of the handiest features on the iPhone 13—until it suddenly stops working. Whether your phone won’t unlock, can’t recognize you in apps, or fails when making purchases, it can be a serious headache. Good news: there are several things you can try to get it working again.

Here’s a complete list of fixes you can try to troubleshoot Face ID problems on your iPhone 13.

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1. Make Sure Face ID Is Enabled

Sometimes the simplest fixes are the most overlooked.

• Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and enter your passcode.
• Make sure iPhone Unlock, Apple Pay, and other toggles are turned on.
• Tap Other Apps to make sure Face ID is enabled for third-party apps too.

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2. Clean the TrueDepth Camera

Face ID depends on a clear TrueDepth camera system.

• Wipe the front-facing camera area with a soft, dry microfiber cloth.
• Remove any case or screen protector that might be blocking the top of the screen.

Even a little dust or smudge can mess with Face ID recognition.

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3. Avoid Blocking Your Face

Make sure nothing is covering your:

• Eyes
• Nose
• Mouth

Also, ensure you’re in a well-lit environment and holding your iPhone 13 10–20 inches from your face.

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4. Take Off Sunglasses (If Needed)

Some polarized or dark sunglasses can interfere with the infrared sensors Face ID uses. Try taking them off and see if Face ID works better without them.

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5. Set Up an Alternate Appearance

If your appearance has changed—like growing a beard or changing hairstyles—Face ID might not recognize you as easily.

• Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode
• Tap Set Up an Alternate Appearance

This helps Face ID adjust to your new look without erasing your original scan.

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6. Restart Your iPhone

A good old restart can clear temporary bugs.

• Hold the Side button and either Volume button until the power slider appears.
• Slide to power off.
• Wait 30 seconds, then press the Side button again to turn it back on.

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7. Check for iOS Updates

Face ID glitches are sometimes fixed in iOS updates.

• Go to Settings > General > Software Update
• Tap Download and Install if an update is available

Always keep your device up to date for bug fixes and security patches.

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8. Reset Face ID

If Face ID still won’t work properly, try setting it up fresh.

• Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode
• Tap Reset Face ID
• Then tap Set Up Face ID to start over

Scan your face in good lighting and from multiple angles.

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9. Reset All Settings

This resets system settings (like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Face ID preferences) but keeps your data.

• Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset
• Tap Reset All Settings

You’ll have to reconfigure a few things afterward, but it might resolve hidden software bugs.

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10. Hold Your iPhone Correctly

Face ID works best when your iPhone is:

• Held in portrait orientation (unless you’re on iOS 16 or later)
• Positioned about 10–20 inches from your face
• Facing you straight on (not tilted or off-angle)

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11. Try Face ID Without a Case or Screen Protector

Some bulky cases or poorly fitted screen protectors can interfere with Face ID sensors. Try removing them temporarily and see if Face ID starts working.

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12. Contact Apple Support

If Face ID stopped working after a drop or water exposure—or nothing else has helped—it could be a hardware issue.

• Contact Apple Support
• Visit an Apple Store or authorized repair center

If your iPhone 13 is still under warranty, repairs may be covered.