Face ID stops working after updating to iOS 26 (iPhone 16 Pro)

After updating to iOS 26, Face ID has stopped working properly on my iPhone 16 Pro. I never had any Face ID issues before this update.


Here's what I'm seeing:


  • If I reboot the phone, Face ID works normally for about a day.
  • At some point, usually when an app tries to use Face ID to fill in a password, Face ID suddenly stops working.
  • The Face ID icon no longer appears in apps that normally support it.
  • When unlocking the phone, the screen sometimes stays black longer than usual. I have to tap the screen manually to wake it, then Face ID will work only for unlocking the phone lock screen.
  • After this happens, Face ID no longer works in apps or in Settings (for example, to sign in or change settings that require Face ID).


Another consistent issue:

  • If an app on my computer shows a QR code that's supposed to open the corresponding app on my iPhone and start a Face ID sign‑in flow, scanning the QR code appears to "break" Face ID.
  • Example: On my computer, I go to Chase's website. It shows a QR code to scan with my phone.
    • I scan the QR code with my iPhone.
    • The Chase app opens, but the sign‑in/approval flow with Face ID does not start (it used to start automatically before iOS 26).
    • Even if I tap the Face ID button in the app, nothing happens.
    • Closing and reopening the app does not fix it.
  • Only a full reboot of the iPhone restores Face ID, and then it works again in apps—until the issue reappears.


Things I've tried so far:

  • Rebooting (temporary fix only)
  • Reseting the entire phone from within the phone itself.
  • Reseting the phone using my MacBook (selecting the ipsw file.)


Is anyone else seeing this on iOS 26 with an iPhone 16 Pro?

Any known workarounds or is this likely a software bug that needs an update from Apple?


Thanks in advance.

iPhone 16 Pro, iOS 26

Posted on Nov 30, 2025 1:39 PM

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Face ID stops working after updating to iOS 26 (iPhone 16 Pro)

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