How to Fix iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max Face ID Not Working Issue

The Apple iPhone is widely known for its software and hardware durability, making it the world’s most popular and leading smartphone. As is customary, Apple has unveiled its latest flagship models, the iPhone 15 Series, which includes exclusive features and significant improvements that have captured the attention of many consumers.

The most significant upgrade Apple has promised to bring about is the new USB-C port, which is now available on all iPhone 15 models. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max boast the new A17 Pro Chip, while the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus come with the older A16 Bionic Chip, as we all know how crucial the processor is for the iPhone’s performance.

However, Apple users occasionally encounter issues and bugs on their iPhones. One common problem is “Face ID Not Working” on the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. If you’re experiencing the same issue or your face ID isn’t working, don’t worry. In this article, we will guide you through the most effective solutions to resolve the Face ID error on your device. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

Possible Reasons Why iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max Face ID Not Working?

The Face ID is a convenient feature on iPhone devices that allows the users to use face ID as a phone passcode, app lock, and access to payments app. But what if Face ID is not working on your iPhone? You may experience several issues if the Face ID isn’t functioning properly like you can’t unlock your app or iPhone by using Face ID.

Generally, the Face ID is not working on your iPhone due to third-party applications. There could be a number of reasons why iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max Face ID are not working or functioning correctly. Learn what triggered the biometric failure in your iPhone and tackle the problem by following the solutions we have mentioned in just a second. Here are some possible reasons includes:

Software Bugs/Glitches:

If you are having an issue with Face ID on your iPhone, then it could be possible that you cannot unlock your device or app by using the Face ID due to software bugs and glitches. As we all know, Apple optimizes the software to improve overall performance, battery, and a better experience. But sometimes, when the new software is installed, it comes with bugs and general issues. Therefore, software bugs and glitches might be the reason.

Incorrect Settings:

Sometimes, the Face ID isn’t functioning properly because of incorrect settings on the iPhone. However, Apple controls the services that use the biometric unlock feature. But one incorrect setting can alter the problem with the iPhone’s security features. In such a case, you can disable and re-enable biometric services on your iPhone or for third-party applications.

Dirty or Blocked Sensor:

It is possible that the Face ID is not working on your iPhone because of dust or a blocked sensor. Dust is the enemy of electronic products like smartphones, tabs, smartwatches, computers, etc. Therefore, inspect your iPhone, find the dust or debris particles on the surface, and ensure the sensor is not blocked. Clean the sensor and try to check whether the Face ID is working.

You Haven’t Set Your Face ID Correctly:

It might be possible that the Face ID is not working on your iPhone due to an incorrect Face ID. Sometimes, you set your Face ID incorrectly and that’s why your device is not recognizing the face ID.

Hardware Failure:

There may be a chance that your Face ID is not working or functioning properly due to hardware failure. If your iPhone falls to the ground or water, it’s feasible that the internal parts have been damaged. In that case, you must visit a nearby Apple service center to get it repaired.

Fix: iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max Face ID Not Working Issue

Try these troubleshooting strategies below if you cannot access your Face ID on your iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. Pay attention to every solution until the end, and you can easily use Face ID back on your iPhone.

Fix 1: Check Your Face ID Settings

Before attempting other solutions, it is essential to check whether your Face ID settings have been set up correctly. You seem to haven’t set up your Face ID correctly, causing the error. Make sure to check your Face ID settings. Here’s how to do it.

1. Head over to the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap on Face ID & Passcode.
3. If your Face ID is already set up on your iPhone, you will see the Reset Face ID option.
4. If the Face ID isn’t set up, choose the Set-up Face ID option and follow the screen instructions to set it up.
5. Ensure to turn on iPhone Unlock, iTunes & App Store, Wallet & Apple Pay, Password AutoFill, and Other Apps while setting up Face ID.

Fix 2: Force Restart Your iPhone

Most of the time, restarting the device fixes several issues and glitches without doing any other methods. However, a restart is the most basic method, but it’s also convenient. If the Face ID isn’t functioning or working, all we need to do is restart your iPhone. Here’s how to do it.

1. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
2. Next, press the Volume Down button and quickly release it.
3. After that, press and hold the Power button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
4. Now your iPhone will automatically start to boot up.

Once you have restarted your iPhone, the Face ID components that stopped working should function properly. However, you must enter your passcode to re-enable Face ID for security reasons. If it doesn’t work, try the next solution.

Fix 3: Allow Face ID in Third-Party Apps

Generally, third-party apps for banking payment, messaging applications, etc., might use Face ID for login authentication. If you cannot access Face ID in such third-party apps or services, then you will be prompted to enter the passcode of your iPhone each time you use these apps on your iPhone. In that case, you must allow Face ID in third-party apps. Here’s how to do it.

1. Head over to the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap on Face ID & Passcode.
3. At the bottom of the “Use Face ID For” option, select Other Apps.
4. Ensure the toggle for the concerned app, like WhatsApp or Instagram, is set to ON.

Alternatively, you can allow Face ID to the desired app. Simply tap the desired app in the list of applications (like Settings > WhatsApp) and verify whether Face ID has been turned on. If the issue persists, try the next solution.

Fix 4: Clean Face ID Sensor

Over time, your iPhone’s camera lens (TrueDepth camera) could become dirty due to dust or debris particles, preventing the Face ID from functioning properly. In that case, try cleaning the Face ID sensor on your iPhone. Use a soft and dry cloth to wipe the sensor array at the top of your iPhone so nothing covers it.

Alternatively, the rugged cases and thick screen protectors may sometimes cover the Face ID sensors, so the Face ID is not working properly. Therefore, we suggest you remove the thick screen protector or rugged cases.

Fix 5: Hold Your iPhone Correctly

To access Face ID on your iPhone, it is essential to hold your iPhone correctly or at a comfortable distance, which means not too far away or close to your face. Usually, Face ID works best at arm’s length. Also, if you cover the Face ID sensor with some objects, you will see a “Camera covered” message on the screen. Make sure to hold your iPhone correctly and try accessing Face ID.

Fix 6: Forget Face ID and Set it Up Again

If the Face ID isn’t working or fails to detect, then try resetting the Face ID and set it up again on your iPhone. By doing so, the device will remove the saved face ID, and you will need to set up your Face ID again from scratch. Here’s how to reset Face ID and set it up again:

1. Head over to the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap on Face ID & Passcode.
3. Tap the Reset Face ID option.
4. Finally, tap the Set up Face ID option to set it up again.

Fix 7: Add Alternative Face ID

If you tried the above solutions and it failed to work, try adding an alternative Face ID. Setting up an additional Face ID may help the facial recognition more and it performs better even if you are wearing sunglasses. Here’s how to add an alternative Face ID on your iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max.

1. Head over to the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap on Face ID & Passcode.
3. Next, tap on the “Set Up an Alternate Appearance” option.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to set up the Face ID on your iPhone.

Once you have set up an alternate Face ID on your iPhone, it will easily recognize you even from a different angle. However, your device will look for an alternative Face while unlocking the phone. In case this method doesn’t work, try the next solution.

Fix 8: Disable Attention Aware Feature

You can also try to disable “Attention Aware Feature” on your iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max to resolve the Face ID not functioning issue. As several users reported that they fix their problem by applying this method. Here’s how to disable the feature.

1. Head over to the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap on Face ID & Passcode.
3. Enter the iPhone Passcode.
4. Swipe down and disable the “Attention Aware” feature.

Once you have disabled the feature on your iPhone, close the settings app and try restarting your iPhone. After that, check if the issue has been resolved.

Fix 9: Reset Device Settings

Resetting all settings on your iPhone might fix several issues including Face ID not working issues. But it will also restore your Home Screen’s layout, keyboard dictionary, network preferences, and other settings to their default state.

In addition, all incorrect settings will wash away when you reset the settings. But the installed applications and personal data like pictures, videos, music, and documents won’t be deleted. Therefore, don’t worry about losing your personal data as it’s not a factory reset process. Here’s how to reset all settings on your iPhone.

1. Head over to the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on General.
3. Next, tap on the “Reset” option.
4. Tap the “Reset All Settings“ option.
5. Enter the device passcode and tap the “Reset All Settings” option.

Once you have proceeded with the reset process you leave your iPhone idle for at least five minutes to complete the process. After that, check if the issue has been resolved on your iPhone.

Fix 10: Check for Software Update

Sometimes, an outdated system software version can cause several issues with the device, including Face ID, connectivity issues, performance, and much more. Updating your device to the latest version is essential to fix software issues and glitches. Updating the software version improves the overall performance of the device as well.

Here’s how to check for software updates on your iPhone:

1. Head over to the Settings app.
2. Tap on General.
3. Next, tap on Software Update.
4. Download and install the update if available.
5. Enter the device passcode to proceed with the download process.
6. Once the update is finished, the iPhone will reboot automatically.
7. The bootup process may take some time. So, have some patience.

Note: If no update is available on the screen, you will see an ‘iOS is up to date’ message.

Fix 11: Perform a Factory Reset

If you have tried the above workarounds and it fail to resolve the issue of Face ID not working on your iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, it’s our last resort that you can do by yourself on your iPhone is to perform a factory reset. Resetting the iPhone will completely wipe all your data, like photos, videos, documents, and installed apps.

Make sure to take a complete data backup before proceeding with this method. Once you’re ready with backup data, you can proceed with this method on your iPhone. Here’s how to do factory reset on your iPhone.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap on General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
3. Next, tap on Reset > Reset All Settings.
4. Enter your iPhone passcode, and your device will start the process automatically.

This process may take a few minutes, so have some patience. Once the iPhone boots up, set up your iPhone by following the screen prompts. After that, set up your Face ID by applying the first solution and then check if the issue has been resolved.

Fix 12: Contact Apple Support

If none of the above solutions works for you in fixing the Face ID issue on the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, you should visit the nearby Apple service center or an authorized service center to get your iPhone checked and repaired. There may be a chance that your iPhone Face ID isn’t working because of hardware failure. The best choice is to contact the Apple support team or the Apple service center.

The support team will probably suggest their best solutions to fix the Face ID issue if there are no hardware faults. If there’s an issue with the hardware, they will repair your iPhone without taking any charges (if a warranty is available). Otherwise, they will take charge to fix the problem. In the end, I hope the problem has been resolved.

That’s it, guys. We assume that this guide was helpful to you. Let us know in the comments section if you have any queries or questions.