Face ID not working on iPhone 16e

I’m also experiencing this. Almost daily, Face ID becomes unresponsive, failing to recognize my face for unlocking the device or authorizing applications. This issue is distinct from the occasional prompt to enter my passcode after several unsuccessful Face ID attempts; even after entering the passcode, Face ID remains non-functional. The only temporary solution I’ve found is to restart the phone, after which Face ID operates correctly for a limited time before the problem recurs.

You will need to use the passcode when the iPhone rebooted, or at a few other instances, including every few days.

If Face ID was set up, iOS is updated, not freshly rebooted, and troubleshooting doesn’t resolve this:

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

Then check with Apple Support, yes.

If purchased directly from Apple, buyers usually have 14 days for a full refund, too.

What happens if a user returns a phone to Apple with Face ID lock? Can Apple bypass the lock and still issue a refund? A friend of mine did this and is unsure if he will receive his refund.

EliTR wrote:

What happens if a user returns a phone to Apple with Face ID lock? Can Apple bypass the lock and still issue a refund? A friend of mine did this and is unsure if he will receive his refund.

If your friend followed the Apple instructions to disable Activation Lock and reset, the iPhone will be in the correct state.

Per the instructions, the iPhone gets returned with Activation Lock and Find My disabled, so there is no Stolen Device Protection set. That means the iPhone including Face ID can be reset.

The iPhone was also preferably reset to clear your data, so there is already no Face ID enabled.

Background: The device passcode and Activation Lock are the basis for device security. Face ID itself is a shortcut that avoids needing to enter the passcode quite as often, making the use of a longer and more complex passcode easier. Face ID is not mandatory for security (outside of Stolen Device Protection, when that is enabled), and (again) Face ID gets reset when the iPhone contents are reset.

TL;DR: you’re fine.

So I have had similar problems. Do you have Microsoft authenticator installed, and or apps you use for work? I removed my work-releatad stuff from my personal phone, and after that Face-ID haven't been acting up.

mm_aapl wrote:

I’m also experiencing this. Almost daily, Face ID becomes unresponsive, failing to recognize my face for unlocking the device or authorizing applications. This issue is distinct from the occasional prompt to enter my passcode after several unsuccessful Face ID attempts; even after entering the passcode, Face ID remains non-functional. The only temporary solution I’ve found is to restart the phone, after which Face ID operates correctly for a limited time before the problem recurs.

This is seemingly a very different issue from the original question, and from the expected and normal requirements for entering the passcode on first use and then entering the passcode again on occasion afterword. Face ID is a means to enter the iPhone passcode less often. Not to replace it.

All of which is entirely expected behavior.

Your case is different, however.

Your iPhone 16e may be malfunctioning.

Contact Apple Support. Official Apple Support