Why Apple iPhone 11 Face ID Not Working And How To Fix It

Apple Face ID is a biometric facial recognition scanner that somehow replaces Apple’s Touch ID Fingerprint system of previous iPhone models. It has the same functions with Touch ID wherein you can unlock your iPhone, secure apps and confirmed actions. You can also use Apple ID to authenticate transactions on Play Store, Apple Pay and iTunes as well. 

Apple Devices that supports Face ID: 

• iphone x
• iPhone XR
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• 11-inch iPad Pro
• 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2018)
• iphone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max

Face ID feature has had a fair share of problems reported even from the time it was first releases with iPhone X. It does not stop there, as many iPhone 11 users are also experiencing the same issue with Face ID not working. 

There can be a wide variety of reasons why this is happening, it’s probably the presence of dirt or moisture that preventing Face ID to detect your face completely, or there is a software glitch on your iPhone 11. Regardless of what causes Face ID to not work on your iPhone 11, do not worry you will find below ways on how to fix your iPhone 11 Face ID not working.

But before you do troubleshooting of your iPhone 11 device, make sure that you have successfully set up Face ID. 

To set up Face ID:

1. Go Settings from your Home screen.
2. Tap Face ID & Passcode.
3. Enter your Passcode to confirm.
4. Then, tap Set Up Face ID.
5. Tap on Get Started.
6. Now, position your face inside the circle.
7. Slowly move your head in a circle
8. Next, tap on Continue.
9. Then, move your head slowly in a second circle.
10. Finally, tap Done.

If you own an Apple iPhone 11 or any other iPhone models, we will be glad to assist you with any concerns that you may have with your device, feel free to contact us using this form. This is a free service by the way. We asked, however, that when you do contact us, please try to be as detailed as possible about your concern so that we can accurately assess and give appropriate solutions.

HERE ARE THE WAYS ON HOW TO FIX APPLE iPHONE 11 FACE ID NOT WORKING

Face ID on features are disabled: Probably the features on your iPhone 11 that you are trying to use Face ID is disabled that is why Face ID is not working. These features include but are not limited to using Face ID on App Store and Apple Play, you may not be able to authenticate payments using Face ID if it is not enabled.

Make sure to enable Face ID on the features of your iPhone 11 to have access to it using your Face ID, you can do this by following the steps below:

1. Go to Settings from the Home Screen of your iPhone 11
2. Tap on FACE ID & Passcode
3. Enter correct Passcode, if required.
4. Enable FACE ID how it is to be used for by selecting from the list of options such as iPhone Unlock, iTunes & App Store and or Password AutoFill, Apple Pay and other apps.

Make sure the Front Camera of your iPhone 11 is clean: since Face ID recognizes facial features to be able to work, make sure that the Front Camera of your iPhone 11 is clean. Which means nothing it covering it, not even dust or moisture. The presence of these residues can prevent Face ID to be properly detected. You can use a microfiber cloth to clean the camera lenses of your iPhone 11. Never ever use your fingers to clean the camera lens.

Also, aside from keeping the front camera clean and dust free, make sure to use a screen protector or an iPhone case that is not blocking the camera.

Make sure to use Face ID in Portrait Orientation : there’s a possibility that Face ID is not working with iPhone 11 is because of incorrect position. When trying to access features that requires Face ID, make sure that you are holding your iPhone 11 at arm’s length, in a Portrait Orientation mode. It should also be 10-20 inches at least close from your Face. 

Face Should not be covered: it is always a must that whenever you are trying to access features using your Face ID make sure that nothing is covering your face. Your entire face should be visible for the front camera to scan through. Your eyes, nose, mouth and your whole face. 

Although Face ID can when you are using a sunglasses, it is not always the case as not all sunglasses are supported with Face ID. Those that tends to block the infrared light Face ID uses thereby Face ID might not work with those types of sunglasses. 

Force restart your iPhone 11: If after doing those mentioned above and still Apple iPhone Face ID not working, you can do a force restart of your iPhone device. This is a simple and easy solution that might actually fix Face ID not working as this method is used to refresh your iPhone 11. 

Here’s how to do this: 

1. First, press and quickly release the Volume Up Button. It is located at the left side of your iPhone 11 device.
2. Next, press and quickly release the Volume Down Button,  located at the left side of your device just below the volume up button.
3. Then, press and hold the Side Button. It is located at the right side of your device. Then release until the device display turns off.
4. iPhone automatically turns on after a few seconds. Wait for Apple Logo to appear on the screen. 
5. Restart is complete. 

Add an Alternate Facial Appearance: this is a good alternative to prevent Face ID from working. Setting an Alternate Appearance basically means that you are registering an alternative facial recognition of your Face so that Face ID feature can have options to easily recognize you based on the facial appearances you’re registered.  The more Face ID the better to give Face ID feature more facial features to scan through. 

To add an Alternate Appearance:

1. Go to Settings from the Home Screen of your iPhone 11
2. If required, enter Passcode.
3. Then, tap on Set up Alternate Appearance tab.
4. Position your face inside the circle.
5. Slowly move your head in a circle
6. Then, tap on Continue
7. Move your head slowly in a second circle.
8. Finally, tap Done to finish the set up. 

Reset Face ID: if you’ve already set up your Face ID, and after all the above ways to fix still did not resolve the issue, perhaps you can reset and set up a new Face ID. Doing this can help fix Face ID not working.

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap on Face ID & Passcode
3. Then tap on Reset Face ID
4. After resetting Face ID, follow the on-screen instructions on how to set up a new Face ID. 

Reset all settings on your iPhone 11 : Doing a reset on all your iPhone 11 settings just might do the trick, as there have been reports that this might actually work. This step bring all settings on your iPhone to default. Which means, the settings and saved passwords will be deleted. Make sure to have a backup of the passwords i.e. WiFi password for future references in cases you need to enter it again.

To reset all settings:

1. Go to Settings from the Home Screen of your iPhone 11
2. By scrolling down from the list of options, find and ap on Reset 
3. Then tap on Reset All Settings
4. When required, enter Passcode to confirm action. 

Restore Factory Settings: If all else fails when trying to fix Apple iPhone 11 Face ID not working, this is considered to be a last resort as all apps, personal data and contents will be deleted making your iPhone a new one. Before doing this, make sure to back up your data and contents.

To Restore Factory Settings:

1. Go to Settings from the Home Screen
2. Scroll down to the list of options, tap on Reset.
3. Then tap on Erase All Content & Settings
4. If required, enter Passcode to confirm action.

Did any of the ways outlined on how to fix Apple iPhone 11 Face ID not working resolved the issue? If not, connect with us:

If you have any questions & concerns regarding your iPhone , feel free to connect with us using this form. We will be of help and will provide you with a free technical support. Just make sure to provide us with the details as possible for us to make an accurate assessment and provide you appropriate intervention. Also, do let us know your experience along the way. I look forward to hearing from you.