“Face ID Is Not Available” on iPhone XS? Here’s How to Fix It

Getting the “Face ID is not available. Try setting up Face ID later” error on your iPhone XS can be frustrating—especially when it’s a brand-new device. This problem usually points to a software glitch, but in some cases, it may be a sign of hardware trouble. Before heading to an Apple Store, try these practical fixes to get Face ID working again.

1. Restart Your iPhone

A quick reboot often clears up temporary software hiccups that can interfere with Face ID.

To restart (soft reset):

Press and hold the Side button + either Volume button until the power-off slider appears.
Drag the slider to turn off the phone.
After 30 seconds, press and hold the Side button again to turn it back on.

To force restart:

Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
Then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

Try using or setting up Face ID again after the restart.

2. Check That Face ID Is Set Up Correctly

Sometimes the issue is simply an incomplete or incorrect setup.

Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
Enter your passcode.
Make sure Face ID is turned on for the features you want to use (like iPhone Unlock or App Store).
If not set up yet, tap Set Up Face ID and follow the prompts.

After setup, restart your phone and try using Face ID again.

3. Update to the Latest iOS Version

Outdated software or buggy iOS versions can mess with Face ID functionality.

Connect to Wi-Fi.
Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
If an update is available, download and install it.

After updating, restart your phone and try setting up Face ID.

4. Reset Face ID and Set It Up Again

If Face ID setup completed but still doesn’t work, try resetting it:

Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
Tap Reset Face ID.
Then tap Set Up Face ID and follow the steps to scan your face.

Restart your device once setup is complete, then test if Face ID works now.

5. Set Up an Alternate Appearance

If you frequently change your look (e.g., glasses, hats, makeup), you can add a second scan:

Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
Tap Set Up an Alternate Appearance.
Position your face inside the frame and move your head in a circle.
Tap Continue, then repeat the scan.

This helps Face ID recognize you more consistently.

6. Restore Your iPhone via Recovery Mode

If none of the above works, restoring your iPhone through iTunes or Finder can resolve deep software issues:

Connect your iPhone XS to your computer using a Lightning cable.
Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina or later).
Force restart your iPhone:
- Quickly press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
On your computer, choose Restore when prompted.

This will erase your phone and reinstall the latest iOS version. After restoring, set up Face ID as new.

7. Clean the TrueDepth Camera

Face ID won’t work if the camera sensors are obstructed:

Remove any screen protectors or cases that might cover the notch.
Gently wipe the top of your screen with a microfiber cloth to remove smudges or dust.
Make sure nothing blocks your eyes, nose, or mouth—Face ID needs to see your whole face.

Also, make sure your iPhone is held in portrait orientation and is 10–20 inches from your face.

8. Remove Sunglasses (If Applicable)

Some sunglasses block the infrared light used by the TrueDepth camera. If Face ID isn’t working with your shades on, try taking them off and testing again.

Still Not Working? It Might Be a Hardware Issue

If none of these steps solve the problem, your iPhone XS might have a faulty TrueDepth camera or internal hardware damage. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to get it diagnosed.