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iPhone's Face ID not working since 17.2.1 update

Since update 17.2.1 the FaceID will not work. I have tried to reset it but now it won’t even allow me to start setting up. The camera just sits on the “Fit your face into the frame” screen


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Jan 17, 2024 1:15 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 10, 2024 2:30 PM

I find it fascinating how, right after there is an OS upgrade--and thousands are experiencing the same problem--Apple will assert that it is something other than the OS upgrade. It's not a freaking hardware issue. It happened the very morning after I was automatically upgraded to iOS 17.5.1.


Now, for those of you experiencing the same thing, I can share that--although the Face ID setup just wouldn't work no matter how many times I tried it and no matter how many times I restarted my phone--it just did now, later in the day, approximately the 8th time I tried it. So I guess: just keep trying.

34 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 10, 2024 2:30 PM in response to ChrisF_91

I find it fascinating how, right after there is an OS upgrade--and thousands are experiencing the same problem--Apple will assert that it is something other than the OS upgrade. It's not a freaking hardware issue. It happened the very morning after I was automatically upgraded to iOS 17.5.1.


Now, for those of you experiencing the same thing, I can share that--although the Face ID setup just wouldn't work no matter how many times I tried it and no matter how many times I restarted my phone--it just did now, later in the day, approximately the 8th time I tried it. So I guess: just keep trying.

Dec 23, 2024 7:14 AM in response to ChrisF_91

Having trouble with face recognition on my iphone 14. It suddenly stopped working yesterday though there hasn't been a very recent update. Tried rebooting and when that didn't work I tried redoing the facial image but it kept not being able to "see" my face and ordering me to move one way or another or closer etc......unyil I gave up.

Also disrupted my library app and erased the book on it as well as the face id on my banking app....

wonder if anyone else had a similar experience recently?


Jan 19, 2024 10:40 AM in response to ChrisF_91

Same problem here. I did a tech support chat (after trying all the online troubleshooting issues) and they did a remote diagnostic test which came up with nothing. I mentioned how it happened right after the last update and they agreed it could be the issue but then suggested bringing it in for service. I did schedule a service appointment but postponed it a couple weeks, thinking it'll fix itself with the next update. Glad it's next week, hopefully it solves it!

Jan 21, 2025 5:54 PM in response to ChrisF_91


If Face ID isn’t working after the 17.2.1 update and gets stuck on the setup screen, try these steps:

  1. Restart your iPhone. Sometimes a simple reboot can resolve temporary issues.
  2. Make sure the TrueDepth camera is clean and free from dirt or smudges.
  3. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and reset Face ID. If it still doesn’t let you set it up, try resetting all settings (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings).

If the issue persists, there might be a software bug or a hardware issue. Check for another update or contact Apple Support to run diagnostics.

Jan 17, 2024 1:35 PM in response to ChrisF_91

If Face ID is not working because of a software bug, restarting your iPhone or iPad may be enough to fix the problem. If nothing works, it's best to reset your Face ID and set it up again. Go to Settings > Face ID and passcode and tap Reset Face ID.


if it’s still not working refer to If Face ID isn’t working on your iPhone or iPad Pro – Apple Support (UK)


Jun 25, 2024 10:03 AM in response to JonathanLockwood

It did it almost simultaneously on both my iPhone 15 Pro Max and my iPad Pro after the last update. I restart, reset the Face ID, restarted again and it will work for maybe an hour. The worst part is that you can see this faint Face ID icon that appears on the top camera bar and tell it is stuck in some kind of Face ID thinking loop as it won't easily bring up the passcode prompt until after it decides to give up

Jan 15, 2025 5:35 PM in response to beaglefire

What is “too many” out of the 1 billion or so iPhones with Face ID.


What did Apple say when you contacted them?


for personalized support:

Best way: 

  • Install the Apple Support app on your iPhone or iPad - you can contact support directly from the app, and the tech will have (with your permission) access to diagnostic data on your phone



Other options:

(Note that both of the above have options to receive a callback or chat)


Jan 22, 2025 8:41 AM in response to beaglefire

beaglefire wrote:

Thank you. I’ve already taken all those steps. It appears to be a bug. Hopefully, Apple admits to it and corrects it in the next round.

No, it is NOT a bug. It is a hardware problem. Contact Apple support for repair options.


Best way: 

  • Install the Apple Support app on your iPhone or iPad - you can contact support directly from the app, and the tech will have (with your permission) access to diagnostic data on your device



Other options:

(Note that both of the above have options to receive a callback or chat)


iPhone's Face ID not working since 17.2.1 update

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