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

If your iPhone X suddenly says “Face ID is not available” and asks you to try again later, you’re not alone. It’s a common post-update issue or random system glitch that can keep Face ID from working — and it can be super annoying. Here’s a full guide to fixing Face ID problems on your iPhone X, step by step.

Install the Latest iOS Update

Apple regularly releases bug fixes that address system issues like Face ID errors. If you haven’t updated in a while, it’s worth checking for a new version.

To update your iPhone X:

Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
Make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi, has at least 50% battery, and enough free space.

After the update, try using Face ID again.

Turn Face ID Off and Back On

Temporarily disabling Face ID can sometimes fix bugs that are stopping it from working.

To disable and re-enable Face ID:

Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
Toggle iPhone Unlock off.
Restart your iPhone X.
Head back to the same menu and toggle iPhone Unlock back on.

Give Face ID another try to see if that solved the issue.

Reset Face ID and Set It Up Again

If Face ID is still glitching out, reset it and scan your face from scratch.

To reset Face ID:

Open Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
Tap Reset Face ID.
Then tap Set Up Face ID and follow the prompts.

After setup, do a quick soft reset of your iPhone and test Face ID again.

Do a Factory Reset (if nothing else works)

Still no luck? A deeper system reset might be needed to clear out whatever’s interfering with Face ID.

⚠️ Warning: This will erase everything on your phone. Back up first!

To factory reset your iPhone X:

Open Settings > General > Reset.
Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
Enter your passcode and confirm the reset.

Your iPhone will restart fresh. During setup, enable Face ID and check if it’s working.

Restore Using iTunes (Recovery or DFU Mode)

If Face ID is still broken after a reset, it’s time for a more advanced restore using a computer.

Option 1: Recovery Mode Restore

Connect your iPhone X to your computer.
Press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down.
Press and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
In iTunes or Finder, choose Restore.

If the process takes more than 15 minutes, your phone will exit recovery mode — just start over if needed.

Option 2: DFU Mode Restore (Deepest Level)

This is the most complete restore you can do — it reloads everything from scratch.

Plug your iPhone X into your computer.
Quickly press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down.
Press and hold the Side button until the screen goes black.
As soon as the screen goes black, press and hold Volume Down while continuing to hold the Side button for 5 seconds.
Release the Side button but keep holding Volume Down for another 5 seconds.

If the screen stays black and your computer detects the iPhone in recovery mode, you’re in DFU. You can now restore via iTunes or Finder.

Check for Hardware Problems

If Face ID still doesn’t work after all this, there might be something physically wrong with your phone. Face ID relies on the TrueDepth camera and other front-facing components — any damage here (even a cracked screen or camera misalignment) can break it.

Take your iPhone to an Apple Store or authorized repair center. Technicians often check the rear camera too, since Face ID and the camera system are connected through shared logic components.