iOS 26 unlocks my iPhone without Face ID or passcode

goranex17 wrote:

Can you elaborate please?

I think they mean that it is simply not the case. Your phone has either seen your face, there is an alternate Face ID that has been added, or you have given your Passcode to someone else that has "learned" that users face when initially denied and the Passcode has been entered.

Face ID automatically adapts to changes in your appearance, such as wearing cosmetic makeup or growing facial hair. If there is a more significant change in your appearance, like shaving a full beard, Face ID confirms your identity by using your passcode before it updates your face data.

About Face ID advanced technology - Apple Support

The solution is to reset your Face ID data to remove all alternate appearances and set it up again. After that cover your camera completely with an opaque mask. Restart your phone and you will see that it requires the Passcode. Also when the phone is locked, it will require your Face to unlock it.

• The probability that a random person in the population could look at your iPhone or iPad Pro and unlock it using Face ID is less than 1 in 1,000,000 with a single enrolled appearance whether or not you're wearing a mask. 
• The statistical probability is higher — and further increased if using Face ID with a mask — for twins and siblings that look like you, and among children under the age of 13, because their distinct facial features might not have fully developed. If you're concerned about this, we recommend using a passcode to authenticate. You can also use Face ID without enabling Face ID with a mask.

goranex17 wrote:

Thank you. Everything that was previously said doesn’t apply. The phone worked just fine and it required Face ID or passcode to unlock it for the last three years including this morning when I opened it to trigger the update. After the update, anyone could open it including my neighbor that I asked her to do it without using passcode. After I did reset on Face ID as you suggested, the phone won’t open without Face ID or passcode. It works again as it was since I bought it. Thank you again for your help!

Useful test for anyone else with the problem.: Put your thumb over the faceID camera and try again.

It's not always the iOS update's fault!  Many things can cause phone problems.  If you tell people you think it's an iOS update, it might make it harder to fix or find a solution for the real issue.

Remember, the right question often leads to the solution!

Was/Is your device Jailbroken? If that's the situation, please be informed that attributing the issues to iOS updates may not be accurate.

iOS updates aim to enhance user experience, boost security, and fix bugs rather than disrupt core features. The majority of the issues after updates might stem from underlying, unmentioned factors. Updates won't typically alter personal data but may refine settings or features. Backup before major updates for safety. Review Apple's update details and backup advice for a smooth process.

Kindly consider checking your settings and addressing any device issues before attributing the issue to external factors. This could be a pure coincidence that the iOS update affected the iPhone functions.

Before initiating a standard iOS update, it's advisable to create a backup. Have you completed this step? If yes, proceed with the restoration from the backup.

See what each update does: OS — iOS 26, About iOS 18 Updates, About iOS 17 Updates, About iOS 16 Updates, About iOS 15 Updates, About iOS 14 Updates, About iOS 13 Updates, About iOS 12 Updates, and so on...

goranex17 wrote:

Original Title: OS 26 security flaw

There is no security flaw regarding Passcode and Face ID protection on an iPhone with iOS 26.1

You are mistaken.

Great! glad I could help.