iPhone 'Face ID is Not Available' — How to Fix It

What it means

'Face ID is not available — Try setting up Face ID later' (or 'Face ID has been disabled — passcode is required to enable Face ID') means iOS turned Face ID off for now.
The usual causes are something blocking the TrueDepth camera notch (a case, a screen protector, dirt), the iPhone being too hot or too cold, too many failed face attempts, or — in serious cases — a TrueDepth hardware fault from a drop.
The iPhone keeps working with the passcode; Face ID just needs to be re-enabled.

Affected Models

iPhone X and later (any iPhone with Face ID)
iPad Pro models with Face ID
Common after a screen replacement at a non-Apple repair shop

Common Causes

Phone case or screen protector covering the TrueDepth camera
Smudges, oil, or dirt on the TrueDepth camera notch
Phone is too hot (in direct sunlight or after gaming) or too cold (freezer / cold car)
Five failed Face ID attempts in a row — passcode required
iPhone hasn't been unlocked with the passcode in over 48 hours
Recent iOS update glitch
Screen replaced by a non-Apple shop without proper TrueDepth recalibration
TrueDepth sensor damaged after a drop or water exposure

How to Fix It

Take the case off, clean the notch, retry.

Look at the notch / island at the top of the screen.
Pull the case off in case it's blocking the dot projector.
Wipe the notch area gently with a soft, dry cloth — even a smudge of skin oil can stop Face ID working.
Tap the screen and look at the notch as if you're unlocking; many cases of 'Face ID not available' clear right here.
Cool down or warm up the iPhone.

Face ID stops working when the iPhone is outside roughly 0–35 °C (32–95 °F).
If it's been in the sun or you've been gaming, move it to the shade or take the case off and let it cool for 10–15 minutes.
If it came out of a freezing car, let it warm up to room temperature.
Enter the passcode, then try Face ID.

If you've had five failed Face ID attempts, iOS forces a passcode and disables Face ID until you've used the passcode again.
Type your passcode normally; the next attempt to unlock should accept your face again.
This is by design — a security feature, not a bug.
Restart the iPhone.

Hold the side button + a volume button, slide to power off, wait, hold the side button to power on.
A clean reboot clears stuck TrueDepth driver state, which fixes most 'Face ID is not available' messages that survive cleaning the notch.
Re-enrol Face ID.

Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Reset Face ID, then Set Up Face ID again.
You can also set up an Alternative Appearance in the same screen — useful if your face changes a lot (grew a beard, glasses, regular makeup).
If Face ID re-enrolment fails on its own, the TrueDepth sensor itself is the issue.
Update iOS.

Settings > General > Software Update.
Face ID bugs are a common thing Apple patches — install anything pending.
Restart after, then try Face ID.
If Face ID still won't work, the TrueDepth sensor may be damaged.

A phone that was dropped, exposed to water, or had its screen replaced by a non-Apple shop can have a TrueDepth sensor that no longer works.
Apple shows 'Face ID is not available' for hardware faults that other tests can't detect.
An Apple Store appointment or an Apple Authorised Service Provider can run diagnostics and replace the TrueDepth module if needed — third-party screen replacements that broke Face ID often can't be undone except by Apple itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Face ID stop working after my screen was replaced?

Because Face ID relies on the TrueDepth camera array — a small but precise set of sensors at the top of the screen — and the screen replacement process can disconnect, damage, or de-calibrate them.
Apple authorised replacements use a calibration tool that re-pairs the new screen to the iPhone's Secure Enclave so Face ID keeps working.
Many third-party shops don't have that tool, so Face ID is permanently broken after their repair, even though everything else looks fine.
If Face ID stopped right after a non-Apple screen replacement, going back to that shop won't fix it; an Apple repair to recalibrate or replace the TrueDepth module is usually the only route, and Apple sometimes can't recover it once a third party has been in.
For future repairs, choosing Apple or an Apple Authorised Service Provider keeps Face ID safe.