Face ID not working after iOS 18.6 update on iPhone 13 Pro Max

After upgrading to IOS 18.6 FaceID is not working on my IPhone 13 ProMax.

I have erased my phone and the store for my iCloud back up and still the same issue.

When I try to set up Face ID, the app does not recognise my face in the square box when using. The Front camera appears to be working fine and using the camera app. I’ve also wiped the lens.

I have reported the issue to Apple via the provide feedback page

Any other suggestions?



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: IOS 18.6 install breaks FaceID IPhone 13ProMax

iPhone 13 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Aug 11, 2025 3:47 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 11, 2025 10:46 AM

Follow these steps, testing after each step:



If none of those options work, then:


Reset Face ID:

Since you have tried everything, let’s reset Face ID, then set it up again.


  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap Face ID & Passcode
  3. Tap Reset Face ID
  4. Next tap Set up Face ID to set it up again.


If that didn’t work, then it could be a hardware issue.


According to Apple:

Using diagnostics available in iOS 14.6 or later, Apple has detected an issue with your TrueDepth camera that might cause it to not function as expected. The TrueDepth camera contains lasers, which might be disabled for safety reasons if the device malfunctions or is damaged. This won't prevent you from using your iPhone or iPad, but until your iPhone or iPad is updated or serviced, you might not be able to use Face ID, Animoji, Memoji, and some other features that use the front camera.


As a result, I recommend service.


Service Checklist:



Click ▶︎ Start a Repair Request.



Need more help?


Click ▶︎ Check Repair Status. 🔧



Good luck! 👋🏼😉

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 11, 2025 10:46 AM in response to Scottgs62

Follow these steps, testing after each step:



If none of those options work, then:


Reset Face ID:

Since you have tried everything, let’s reset Face ID, then set it up again.


  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap Face ID & Passcode
  3. Tap Reset Face ID
  4. Next tap Set up Face ID to set it up again.


If that didn’t work, then it could be a hardware issue.


According to Apple:

Using diagnostics available in iOS 14.6 or later, Apple has detected an issue with your TrueDepth camera that might cause it to not function as expected. The TrueDepth camera contains lasers, which might be disabled for safety reasons if the device malfunctions or is damaged. This won't prevent you from using your iPhone or iPad, but until your iPhone or iPad is updated or serviced, you might not be able to use Face ID, Animoji, Memoji, and some other features that use the front camera.


As a result, I recommend service.


Service Checklist:



Click ▶︎ Start a Repair Request.



Need more help?


Click ▶︎ Check Repair Status. 🔧



Good luck! 👋🏼😉

Aug 11, 2025 11:22 AM in response to Scottgs62

Scottgs62 wrote:

After upgrading to IOS 18.6 FaceID is not working on my IPhone 13 ProMax.
I have erased my phone and the store for my iCloud back up and still the same issue.
When I try to set up Face ID, the app does not recognise my face in the square box when using. The Front camera appears to be working fine and using the camera app. I’ve also wiped the lens.
I have reported the issue to Apple via the provide feedback page
Any other suggestions?

Click on links below to troubleshoot:

If Face ID isn't working on your iPhone or iPad Pro - Apple Support

If an alert says Face ID has an issue on your iPhone or iPad Pro - Apple Support

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Face ID not working after iOS 18.6 update on iPhone 13 Pro Max

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