Fix: iPhone 14 Pro/14 Pro Max Face ID is not working

Apple’s Face ID has replaced Touch ID in the latest flagship iPhones, providing a flawless security layer for iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max owners. However, when Face ID fails to work, it can be frustrating for users who have become accustomed to the convenience it offers. In such cases, users have to unlock their phones using the Passcode. In this article, I will show you what you can do when the Face ID feature on your iPhone 14 Pro/14 Pro Max is not working.

Why is the iPhone 14 Pro Face ID not working?

Many third-party apps have integrated with Face ID. The biometric security gives access to the payment apps, and you can make payments faster. You can remove the Face ID and register a new one in many ways. Learn what triggered the biometric failure in the smartphone and tackle the problem in a few minutes.

Software Bug:

Apple optimizes the software for maximum performance, battery, and a better experience. Almost all companies mess up when new software or device arrives. Take the rival Google Pixel 5a example. The device owners registered the right thumb. Users unlocked the Pixel 5a using the second thumb.

Mismatch:

The iPhone locks the phone after the Face ID is mismatched five times. iOS has strict security policies and locks the device when the owner fails five times. Of course, you can remove the pattern in the 14 Pro and register a new one.

Incorrect Settings:

Apple gave control over what services use the biometric unlock feature. One incorrect setting can alter the course of the iPhone’s security features. You can disable/enable biometric services for third-party apps. Let’s look into the settings and find out what’s preventing the device from unlocking.

Accessories:

Many accessories have arrived and are available online for the 14 Pro/14 Pro Max. Many polls have proved that 89% of iPhone owners apply screen protectors, cases, and covers. Remove cases and covers from the device. Of course, you can’t remove the screen protectors because they come at a price in different parts of the world.

Wrong Orientation:

The smartphone sensor follows a pattern and holds the iPhone in portrait mode. Put your smartphone in the portrait direction. Of course, you know what to do next and unlock the device easily.

Dust Particles:

Dust is the natural enemy of electronic products like computers, smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, etc. Inspect your phone and find the dust particles on the surface. The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max are new devices, and the dust won’t accumulate inside the board. Many construction workers and teams accumulate dust in a short time when compared to the average user.

Hardware Failure:

iPhone 14 and 14 Pro Max houses high-quality components. Apple ensured the use of quality materials for the construction. Many Apple devices return to the store after a few days of purchase due to defects. The Cupertino-based company issues a replacement if the device is under warranty—head straight to the authorized service center.

How to Fix If iPhone 14 Pro Series Face ID is Not Working

I have come across third-party tools promising to resolve the Face ID challenges. Avoid those tools because they can breach security and violate privacy. Reach the Apple store to claim the replacement if none of the solutions resolve the Face ID problems.

Restart iPhone

The iOS 16 mobile operating system seems flawless when compared to competitors. I believe that iOS is much more optimized than Ubuntu Touch and Android. The Apple mobile software has bugs, glitches, and shortcomings. You can resolve the issues temporarily by restarting the iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max model.

1. Press and hold the Side button for three seconds.

2. Release the button when the power slider appears on the screen.

3. Drag the slider to the right side.

4. Let the phone turn off.

Give a minimum of two minutes before you turn on the iPhone 14. Apple forgot to add the restart option in the menu. You can add the restart option in the virtual button, but it’s unnatural. Nonetheless, the 14 Pro will dump the previous session’s temp data and restart the services.

Clean Face ID Sensor

Remove cases or covers on the 14 Pro or Pro Max device. You can keep the tamper glass protector. Inspect the device for damages around the front camera and sensors. As I have said earlier, dust can create problems for the sensor to detect the face.

1. Pick up a microfiber cloth.

2. Clean the display and sensors gently.

3. Use isopropyl alcohol to clean the smudges and hard marks.

4. Rinse the area using the isopropyl alcohol.

I don’t recommend that 14 Pro users apply the liquid. Millions of electronic products reach landfills due to liquid damages.

Restart Face ID

The Face ID feature has glitches in the system. You can resolve the issue by temporarily turning off the biometric option. Let me show you how you can turn off and turn on the Face ID feature.

1. Open the “Settings” app from the Home Screen.

2. Swipe down.

3. Tap on the “Face ID & Passcode” to view more options.

4. Review the settings.

iPhone Unlock

iTunes & App Store

Wallet & Apple Pay

Password AutoFill

Other Apps (numbers)

Enable the apps for biometric confirmation to access the services.

5. Turn off all of them. Don’t remove the Passcode from the device because you need it.

6. Close the Settings app.

Enable all options in the Face ID & Passcode.

Add Alternative Face

The human species have evolved over the million years. Our faces have different shapes, colors, and features which poses a challenge for the iPhone sensors. My face structure is unique on both halves. Add an alternative face in the 14 Pro model. Help the iPhone to unlock the smartphone faster.

1. Open the “Settings” app from the Home Screen.

2. Swipe down.

3. Tap on the “Face ID & Passcode” to view more options.

4. Enter the Passcode.

5. Tap the “Set Up an Alternate Appearance” option.

6. Set up an alternative face.

You are helping the iPhone to recognize you from a different angle. Your smartphone will look for an alternative face while unlocking the device.

Disable Attention Aware Feature

Many iPhone users shared that disabling the Attention Aware feature helped resolve the Face ID issue.

1. Open the “Settings” app from the Home Screen.

2. Swipe down.

3. Tap on the “Face ID & Passcode” to view more options.

4. Enter the Passcode.

5. Swipe down.

6. Disable the “Attention Aware” feature.

Close the settings and turn off the phone. Give the 14 Pro a minute, then turn on the device using the Side button.

Reset iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max Settings

Use Windows or macOS machine to back up the iPhone data. Use iCloud storage for backup, but I choose the local storage option as a precaution. Reset the 14 Pro and resolve the software-related issues in the device. All incorrect settings will wash away along with the software. Charge your device up to 95% and avoid problems.

1. Open the “Settings” app from the Home Screen.

2. Swipe down.

3. Tap on the “General” to view more options.

4. Swipe down.

5. Tap on the “Reset” option.

6. Choose the “Reset All Settings” option.

7. Enter the passcode.

8. Tap on the  “Reset All Settings” option.

Leave the device on the table and give it five minutes. The smartphone will greet you at the Lock Screen and access the Home Screen. Customize the device as per your taste.

Bottom Line

The iOS 16 is the pre-installed 14 Pro and Pro Max software. I’m careful when suggesting that iPhone owners update the software. I recommend that readers go through the news and review videos online. Find out how the latest iOS update impacts newer and older models. One update can fix the existing known problems and invite new ones. Read the iOS update patch notes to find Face ID points. Let us know how you solved fixed iPhone 14 Pro/14 Pro Max Face ID problems.