Fix: Face ID Has Been Disabled TrueDepth Camera Problem

Apple’s amazing iPhone models, the iPhone X, XS, and XS Max have been available for quite a time now. These mobile devices by Apple are among the first ones to have Face ID – a feature that replaces Touch ID for unlocking your phone by scanning your face, which is done using the phone’s front camera and TrueDepth camera system. 

With an updated design and new features on both the front-facing and back-facing cameras, it’s not hard to see why many people are upgrading their smartphones. But there is one issue that a number of users have come across with these new models, i.e., Face ID has been disabled TrueDepth Camera.

If you’re an iPhone X user and have noticed that your Face ID has been disabled, unfortunately, it’s possible that something is wrong with the TrueDepth camera. Read this blog post, to find out how to fix this problem at the earliest!

What This Problem Actually Means

According to a subset of iPhone owners, the authentication feature Face ID stops functioning after a warning that says “A problem was detected with the TrueDepth camera. Face ID has been disabled”. A similar alert may appear, if you try to activate Face ID on an iPhone X, XS, or XS Max.

Indeed, this is a serious issue. The error message suggests that the TrueDepth camera is malfunctioning for some reason, which in turn prevents Face ID from functioning properly or precisely. This, in turn, means that Face ID cannot be used for iPhone unlocking, in-app purchase verification, logging in, etc. 

Reasons Behind the Problem of Interest

Several factors may contribute to the “A problem was detected with the TrueDepth camera. Face ID has been disabled” problem, and I’ve listed the most typical causes next.

• The issue could be encountered by the fact that the camera on your iPhone is obscured by the case’s design.
• Wearing a mask while attempting to use Face ID to unlock your iPhone, may prevent you from unlocking your device.
• It is also possible that a software bug is at the root of this problem.
• The TrueDepth camera had a mechanical or hardware malfunction.

See Also: Best iPhone 13 Cases with Card Holder (Mini, Pro, Pro Max)

Ways to Overcome the Face ID Has Been Disabled TrueDepth Camera Problem

Unlocking an iOS device with a Face ID instead of a password is a valuable and crucial security feature, and is a huge time saver. But, if your iPhone can’t capture a quality photo of your face or is having trouble recognizing your facial expressions, Face ID won’t function optimally.

So, if you’re having trouble unlocking your iPhone with Face ID and seeing the error message “Face ID Has Been Disabled” in the Settings menu, try the solutions below. If you want to fix the issue you’re facing with your iPhone X, XS, or XS Max, you must read through the information provided below. Well, here are some options to consider.

Look for New Available Updates

Install iOS 16 (Apple’s latest iOS), and make sure your iPhone X, XS, or XS Max (or any other model) supports Face ID. To check for software updates, go to your device’s “Settings” app, then select “General”, and finally, “Software Update”.

There’s a chance that if you update, the problem will go away shortly. Moreover, if you’re having trouble with some piece of software, an update install might be the answer. However, if you’re facing this issue after having your mobile device’s screen replaced, even then I’d advise installing the latest software update.

Restart Your iPhone

Your iPhone needs to be restarted and the confirmation code or password entered. Then use Face ID once more. There’s a chance that this will solve the problem.

1. To turn off your iPhone, you must first press and hold the side button and the volume up or down button simultaneously.
2. Now, you will see an option to power off your iPhone. Here, move the slider to the right.
3. Once that’s done, give your gadget around thirty seconds to completely power down.
4. Then, press and keep holding the side button until you see the Apple logo.

If the issue disappears after restarting your device, great; otherwise, continue troubleshooting until you find out what’s causing the Face ID Has Been Disabled – TrueDepth Camera error.

Purge the Dust From Your TrueDepth Camera

Make sure nothing is covering your iPhone’s TrueDepth camera. Remove any obstructions, such as a case, a screen protector, or dust particles and smudges, from the camera area. It’s also important to keep the lens and sensor array free of debris. The following are some important points to consider:

• You should try again after removing the case from your iPhone. It’s possible that the TrueDepth camera is protected by your mobile device cover.
• A piece of cotton fabric is ideal for keeping your TrueDepth camera in pristine condition. In the compatible models of the iPhone, the TrueDepth camera system takes the place of the standard front-facing camera, moving to the top of the screen. It has a dot in addition to sensors and cameras. If dirt is visible on your device’s front camera, wipe it down carefully. Also, wash your hands before touching the Face ID sensor.

Reset Face ID via iPhone Settings

In my opinion, resetting Face ID could be the answer to the problem at hand. Again configuring it after a reset, is required. Simply comply with the next provided guide:

Your iPhone’s Face ID can be reset by going to “Settings” -> “Face ID & Passcode” -> and tapping on the option i.e. “Reset Face ID”. Then again, select “Face ID & Passcode” from the “Settings” application. Once there, tap on “Set Up Face ID” and obey the on-screen prompts.

Inspect Your Face ID Settings

Navigate to the “Settings” app, then select “Face ID & Passcode”. Verify that Face ID is activated and that the features you wish to use it with are ready to go. Without this, it’s possible that the aforementioned error would show up.

Always Keep the TrueDepth Camera in Your Field of View

Only when holding an iPhone in portrait mode and looking directly into the TrueDepth camera will you be able to use Face ID. To put it another way, the field of view of the TrueDepth camera is comparable to that of a selfie or FaceTime call. Keep your iPhone within arm’s length (about 10–20 inches) of your face whenever you’re using it, whether it’s lying flat on a surface or in your natural holding position.

Keep Your Face Unobscured

Ensure that the TrueDepth camera can clearly see your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth. When something is in front of your facial parts, Face ID will not work by default. Make sure your eyes aren’t obscured if you’re using Face ID with a mask and have previously set it up.

Moreover, if you want to use your iPhone while wearing a face mask, you may need to raise your hand slightly. Masks worn too close to the eyes or too high on the face can prevent an iPhone from unlocking.

Besides, many pairs of sunglasses are compatible with Face ID, but mask-enabled Face ID isn’t designed to function properly with sunglasses. It’s possible that the TrueDepth camera’s infrared light won’t work if you’re wearing special sunglasses that filter out other wavelengths of light. Without your goggles, see if Face ID still works or not.

Use Apple’s Support Services

Do you still need help figuring out this problem after trying the aforementioned solutions? Perhaps there is a hardware issue preventing the TrueDepth camera from functioning (and thus rendering Face ID useless). Call Apple’s tech support line if you’re still having trouble enrolling your face.

For optimal device performance, have only a qualified technician perform maintenance. Your device may be serviced for free if it is still covered by its manufacturer’s warranty. Arrange a time to have Apple take a look at it, and that’s what I’d suggest doing in the end.

See Also: How to Share Focus Status on iPhone and iPad

Conclusion

If you’re seeing the “A problem was detected with the TrueDepth camera. Face ID has been disabled” error on your iPhone, there are a few things you can try as mentioned in the article above, to fix the issue as soon as possible.

First, make sure that there’s nothing blocking the camera lens or TrueDepth sensor. If that doesn’t work, try restarting your iPhone or resetting your Face ID settings. If all else fails, you may need to contact Apple Support for further assistance. Thanks for reading, and we hope this blog article was helpful!

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