iOS 18.5 Face ID Not Working? 9 Quick Fixes

The issue of Face ID not working is one of the main problems users encounter after updating their iPhone to iOS 18.5. If you're facing the same problem, don't worry. This guide is here to assist you, addressing why Face ID is not working on iOS 18.5 and providing you with 9 effective ways to help restore proper functionality to your iPhone.

Let's dive right in.

Why Face ID Isn't Working on My iPhone Running iOS 18.5?

Face ID not working on iPhones running iOS 18.5 can be attributed to various reasons. While pinpointing the exact causes might be challenging, here is a list of the most common reasons that many users encounter during their usage:

• System glitches.
• Outdated iOS.
• 5 times not matching Face ID.
• Face ID works on iPhone only when it's in portrait orientation and you're facing the TrueDepth camera, if you are using earlier models.
• Great change in your face.
• Covers with your eyes, nose, mouth, etc.
• The device wasn't unlocked for a long time.
• Face ID with a mask doesn't work in landscape orientation.

How to Fix the "Face ID Not Working/Not Available" Issue on iOS 18.5

1. Update Your iPhone

Occasional issues with iPhone Face ID not working may be caused by an outdated iOS. Follow the steps below to update your iPhone:

Open Settings＞General＞Software Update, then download and install the update.

Or if you can't unlock your iPhone, update your iPhone with iTunes/Finder (You must have synced and trusted your iPhone with your computer before, or it will ask you to enter your iPhone's passcode.):

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer via a USB.
2. Open Finder/iTunes.
3. Find and click your iPhone's icon＞click Update.

   

2. Check Face ID Settings on Your iPhone

There are multiple optional features in Face ID Settings. Choosing which items you want to use Face ID for is fully adjustable. Adding a Face ID with a Mask and glasses is also available.

Setting up Face ID with a mask can greatly enhance the Face ID recognition success rate. Go and check Face ID Settings on your iPhone:

Open Settings＞Face ID & Passcode＞Enter your passcode.

3. Check and Clean the TrueDepth

The TrueDepth camera is a key component that may cause Face ID to stop working. Make sure it isn’t covered by anything. If it is, remove the obstruction immediately. Common culprits include smudges, phone cases, or screen protectors.

4. Restart Your iPhone

Restarting your iPhone can fix most of the occasional errors. If you checked and cleaned the TrueDepth but still failed to make your iPhone Face ID work properly, restart your iPhone.

The "Face ID Is Not Available" issue can also be fixed by restarting your iPhone.

5. Face the TrueDepth Camera in Portrait Orientation

Apple explains that on earlier iPhone models, Face ID only works when the device is in portrait orientation and you’re facing the TrueDepth camera directly. So make sure you’re holding your iPhone upright and looking straight at the camera.

However, if you’re using an iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 running iOS 16 or later, Face ID works in both portrait and landscape orientation.

6. Add an Alternate Appearance

It’s recommended to set up an alternate appearance in case Face ID isn’t working on your iPhone.

7. Reset Your Face ID

As there is a great change in your appearance, another solution to fix it not working on your iPhone is to reset your Face ID.

Follow the steps below to reset your Face ID:

Open Settings＞Face ID & Passcode＞Reset Face ID＞Set up Face ID.

8. Factory Reset Your iPhone

If you can still access your iPhone using your passcode, try performing a factory reset to fix the Face ID issue on iOS 18.5.

Here’s how to factory reset your iPhone using Settings:

1. Open Settings＞General＞Transfer or Reset iPhone＞Erase All Content and Settings.
2. Tap Continue＞enter the passcode＞tap Erase iPhone.
3. Wait for the erasing process to be completed. Once completed, set up your iPhone.

9. Contact Apple Support

If none of the above methods fixed the Face ID issue on your iPhone running iOS 18.5, you may need to contact Apple Support for further assistance.

In addition to the tips above, try holding your iPhone lower or matching your appearance to when you first set up Face ID, with or without makeup, as applicable. If you’ve tried these steps and still can’t access your iPhone, follow the other methods outlined in this post.

Bonus Tip: How to Unlock Your iPhone if Face ID Isn't Working

In general, if the Face ID is not working, your iPhone will ask you to enter the passcode. So just enter your iPhone's passcode to unlock your iPhone.

However, some users may forget their passcode as they are used to Face ID. In this case, you may need to use iTunes or an iPhone unlocker to get access to your iPhone again.

BuhoUnlocker is one of the most professional and reliable iPhone unlockers. With it, you can easily unlock your iPhone without entering a passcode or using Face ID.

If Face ID doesn't work, here's how to unlock your iPhone using BuhoUnlocker:

1. Download and install BuhoUnlocker on your computer (Mac or PC).
2. Launch it and click Unlock Screen Passcode.

   

3. Click Unlock Now.

   

4. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable and put it into recovery mode.

   

5. Download the latest firmware for your device, click Unlock Now, and wait for the unlocking process to complete.

   

6. When you see the Hello screen on your iPhone, set up your iPhone.

Final Words

After finishing this post, have a try at the method you think is most useful. Hope at least one of the 9 ways helps you out of the iPhone Face ID not working on iOS 18.5 issues.

FAQs

1. What to Do if iPhone Face ID Not Working for Apple Store?

   Many users have also encountered iPhone Face ID not working for the App Store. To solve this problem, check if you enabled Face ID used for Apple Store in Settings first. Go to Settings＞Face ID & Passcode＞check iTunes & Apple Store under USE FACE ID FOR is enabled.

   If you have already enabled it, try to enter your iPhone's passcode or wait for a while and retry while using the Apple Store.

2. Does Face ID work with Sunglasses/glasses?

   Many users are confused about iPhone Face ID not working with sunglasses/glasses, iPhone Face ID not working in the dark, etc. In fact, Apple suggests that Face ID is designed to work with hats, scarves, glasses, and many sunglasses. Furthermore, it's designed to work even in total darkness. So sunglasses, glasses, and darkness are nothing to be blamed for.