Face ID / Touch ID Not Working: Causes and Solutions

Biometric authentication makes our daily routines much easier, but what should you do when Face ID / Touch ID isn't working? The causes and solutions are often much simpler than they seem. Before heading to a service center, check out these practical troubleshooting tips.

Why Has Face ID Stopped Working?

Apple's TrueDepth camera system is quite delicate and sophisticated. The most common reasons Face ID stops working include:

• Dirty sensor or camera: Dust, smudges, or a low-quality screen protector around the top of the display (Notch or Dynamic Island) can block the infrared sensor.
• Software glitches: Temporary system bugs or errors in iOS.
• Blocked field of view: Sunglasses, face masks, or holding the phone at an awkward angle.
• Unqualified repairs: If the screen or front camera module was replaced with a non-genuine part, Apple's security algorithms will automatically disable Face ID.

Why Is Touch ID Not Recognizing Fingerprints?

The Touch ID sensor uses a high-resolution capacitive surface that can easily be disrupted by simple physical factors:

• Moisture or dirt: Slightly wet, sweaty, or moisturized fingers almost always hinder accurate fingerprint recognition.
• Damaged Home button: Micro-cracks or damage to the internal flex cable.
• System lag: Glitches or caching errors in the stored fingerprint data.

Step-by-Step: How to Fix the Problem Yourself

1. Clean the sensor: Gently wipe the surface with a dry microfiber or lens cloth. Make sure your screen protector is not obstructing the sensors.
2. Restart your device: A simple reboot or Force Restart resolves up to 80% of temporary software glitches.
3. Check your settings: Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode) and verify that all necessary toggles are enabled (e.g., iPhone Unlock).
4. Reset your biometrics: Erase your previous scans (Reset Face ID / delete fingerprints) and set them up again in a well-lit room.
5. Update your operating system: Ensure you are running the latest software update (Settings > General > Software Update).

Important: If an error message like “A problem was detected with the TrueDepth Camera” appears on your screen, or if Touch ID will not let you add a fingerprint at all, the issue is likely hardware-related and requires professional repair.

How to Avoid These Issues

When buying a used phone, malfunctioning Face ID or Touch ID is a common headache, usually resulting from poor-quality repairs. That is why all used and new devices imported from the USA available at usmobi.ge undergo strict multi-stage testing.

When purchasing from US MOBI, you can be confident that all original features are 100% operational. Every purchase comes with an official warranty, and flexible online installment plans are available through leading banks: TBC, Bank of Georgia, and Credo.