Face ID Not Available Try Setting Up Later, How to Fix Face ID Not Available Try Setting Up Later?
by Abinaya
Updated Jul 27, 2023
What is Face ID?
Face ID is an advanced facial recognition system developed by Apple Inc. primarily for the iPhone and iPad Pro. This biometric authentication technology enables users to unlock their devices, make secure payments, access sensitive data, and even utilize features like Animoji with detailed facial expression tracking.
Introduced in November 2017 with the iPhone X, Face ID has since been integrated into several newer iPhone models and all iPad Pro models. The hardware components of Face ID include a laser dot projector, a flood illuminator, and an infrared camera. Together, they project a grID of small infrared dots onto the user's face, capture an infrared image, and generate a 3D facial map.
This map is then compared to the registered face using a secure subsystem, and the user is granted access if the two faces match with sufficient accuracy. Notably, Face ID is designed to adapt to changes in appearance over time and can recognize faces with glasses, clothing, makeup, and facial hair.
While Face ID is statistically more advanced than its predecessor Touch ID fingerprint scanning, it has been a subject of debates regarding security and privacy. Although it exhibits fewer false positives and incorporates multiple security features to prevent bypassing using photos or masks, it has shown limitations in differentiating IDentical twins.
Privacy advocates have also expressed concerns about third-party app developers' access to "rough maps" of user facial data, despite Apple's strict requirements on data handling. One notable challenge faced by Face ID is its inability to recognize users wearing face masks, which became more relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Apple addressed this concern by offering faster fallback options for passcode input and provIDing Apple Watch users with the ability to confirm their intention to unlock their iPhone. In March 2022, Apple released iOS 15.4 with an update to Face ID, making it compatible with face masks on iPhone 12 and later devices.
How to Fix Face ID Not Available Try Setting Up Later?
If you encounter the message "Face ID Not Available, Try Setting Up Later" on your iPhone or iPad, it means there is an issue with the Face ID feature and it's currently not accessible. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the problem:
Check for Updates:
Ensure that your device is running the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. Face ID-related issues are sometimes fixed with software updates.
Verify Face ID Settings:
Go to "Settings" and then tap on "Face ID & Passcode." Make sure that Face ID is set up correctly and that it is enabled for the features you want to use, such as unlocking your device or authorizing app purchases.
Clear Camera Obstruction:
Check if anything is obstructing the TrueDepth camera, such as a smudge, screen protector, or case. Remove any obstructions that might affect the camera's functionality.
Ensure Visibility of Your Face:
Make sure that your eyes, nose, and mouth are fully visible to the TrueDepth camera. Face ID won't work properly if any of these facial features are covered.
Adjust Face Mask Position (If Applicable):
If you wear a face mask, ensure that your eyes are not blocked, especially if you have already set up Face ID with a mask. You might need to adjust the position of the mask or hold your device higher for Face ID to work effectively.
Check Face Orientation:
Face ID works best when you are facing the TrueDepth camera directly. For some iPhone models, ensure that the device is in portrait orientation while using Face ID.
Restart Your Device:
Try restarting your iPhone or iPad and then attempt to use Face ID again.
Set Up Alternate Appearance:
If you have different looks that might affect Face ID recognition, consIDer setting up an alternate appearance to improve accuracy.
Reset Face ID:
If the issue persists, you can reset Face ID in the settings. Go to "Settings," tap on "Face ID & Passcode," then select "Reset Face ID." Afterward, set up Face ID again.
Contact Apple Support:
If none of the above steps resolve the problem, it's best to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance. They can provIDe additional troubleshooting steps or determine if there might be a hardware issue with your device.
How to Handle Touch ID Activation Issues?
If you encounter issues with activating Touch ID, there are several troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve the problem:
Unplug your device:
Disconnect your iPhone or iPad from power or the computer's USB port. This simple action can sometimes help with Touch ID activation problems caused by cable issues, overheating, or software glitches.
Turn off your passcode:
Go to the "Touch ID & Passcode" section in Settings and turn off the passcode. This soft reset of security settings can potentially fix Touch ID activation issues. You can re-enable the passcode after the process is complete.
Sign out and log back in to your Apple ID:
Navigate to Settings, tap your name at the top, and choose "Sign Out" at the bottom. Follow the on-screen instructions to log back in when the option becomes available.
Restart your device:
A simple restart can often resolve minor glitches, whether or not you have Touch ID set up.
Update your device's software:
Ensure your device is running the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS, as newer updates may address known issues with Touch ID activation.
Reset network settings:
Touch ID communicates with Apple servers to verify your fingerprint, so resetting your network settings may help. Look for the network reset option under "General" in the Settings app, usually listed under "Reset" or "Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad."
Contact Apple for repair options:
If all else fails, it's possible that your Touch ID sensor is defective or broken. Reach out to Apple's support team to explore repair options.
Face Id Not Available Try Setting Up Later - FAQ
If you encounter this message on your iPhone or iPad, it indicates an issue with the Face ID feature, making it inaccessible.
Face ID is a facial recognition technology developed by Apple for iPhone and iPad Pro models. It uses a combination of a laser dot projector, flood illuminator, and infrared camera to create a 3D facial map for authentication. It adapts to changes in appearance over time and is supported on newer iPhone models and all iPad Pro models.
While Face ID offers advanced security features, it has limitations, such as differentiating identical twins. Privacy advocates have expressed concerns about third-party app developers accessing "rough maps" of user facial data, despite Apple's strict data handling requirements.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Apple introduced updates to address Face ID recognition issues with face masks. Fallback options for passcode input were offered, and Apple Watch users gained the ability to confirm their intention to unlock their iPhone. iOS 15.4 brought compatibility with face masks for iPhone 12 and later devices.
No, Face ID is available on certain iPhone models starting from iPhone X and later, as well as all iPad Pro models.