iPhone Face ID stopped working. Tech support unable to fix.

iPhone 13 mini running iOS 26.1


Face ID stopped working altogether. Following steps were taken:

1) Software update

2)Settings/Face ID & Passcode

3) Reset Face ID was light pink & did nothing when clicked (see screenshot)

4) Alternate Appearance brought up frame for photo, I followed instructions, and it never got past the screen with the frame. (see screenshot)

5) Powered off and tried the previous steps again with the same result.


6) Called Apple Support and screen shared with representative, followed his instructions to

7) Turn Stolen Device Protection off

8) Try Set Up Face ID again. This time the link took me to where you get the frame to capture your face and move it around. Same result as with Alternate Appearance (above #4) followed instructions, and it never got past the screen with the frame.

9) Representative gave me instructions to turn off the phone (press volume up button; press volume down button; press and hold power button. He said this would disconnect us and he would call me back.

10) In looking at the Recents in my Phone app, I do see that he did call me back, but my iPhone, which is right next to me neither rang nor vibrated and I missed the call. Number he called from does not take messages and calling general Apple Support number will not get me back to the same representative I was working with on this.


How do I fix this. It's nearly impossible to get an appointment at the local Apple Store.



iPhone 13 mini, iOS 26

Posted on Nov 11, 2025 1:15 PM

Reply
5 replies

Nov 11, 2025 1:28 PM in response to Wet Baloney

You likely have an issue with the True Depth camera on your iPhone, so I suspect you likely know the answer. Schedule an appointment at your Apple Store Genius Bar --> Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple


It's usually not that difficult to get an appointment and this is a user to user only forum. We can't fix your phone from our living rooms. You need direct from Apple itself. And that may mean paying for a new screen on your iPhone. But only Apple directly can determine what is required.


And I agree with sberman. Your face is clearly not centered within the frame. Your entire head needs to be in the frame.

Nov 11, 2025 2:42 PM in response to Wet Baloney

Wet Baloney ~ As your iPhone 13 mini could be 4 years old, it's worth checking for a weak, aging battery. Face ID particularly puts a heavy demand on the battery which, if not healthy, may cause the failure you're seeing. So...


Does your iPhone 13 mini still have its original battery?


And what's the Maximum Capacity % here?...


Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging


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Nov 12, 2025 2:48 AM in response to Wet Baloney

Assuming that this is not a major software issue on the phone, you might be able to walk into a store and any apple store employee may be able to help you change the setting that might have been accidentally enabled while setting up face ID.

Another option you can do is turn ALL security setting is off and set them up all over. Meaning turn off and delete face ID and turn off passcode, then set them up from scratch.

  • Finally as always factory reset the device.

Then after all that is done you can look into calling Apple again, you should have been provided a case number in an email associated with your Apple ID. They should be able to run a hardware diagnostic with you over the phone. If hardware is to blame, then you want to look into having the phone physically serviced and they can provide more options, for where you live, in case the store is too busy. For example Best Buy has some service options available, they are certified Apple repair.

iPhone Face ID stopped working. Tech support unable to fix.

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