iPhone 11 Face ID Not Working — How to Fix
Face ID on the iPhone 11 uses a TrueDepth camera system housed in the notch — including a dot projector, infrared camera, and flood illuminator. When any of these components fail, Face ID stops working. The good news: many Face ID issues are software-related and fixable at home. This guide walks you through every fix, from the simplest settings check to determining when you need hardware repair.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This costs you nothing extra and helps keep this site free.
⚡ Recommended for This Repair
Tools and accessories matched to this guide.
Microfiber + brush + alcohol wipes
64 bits, pro-grade — for serious DIY repair only
Required for safe electronics cleaning
Required for safe electronics cleaning
📋 Common Causes of Face ID Failure on iPhone 11
- After a drop: The #1 cause. Even without a cracked screen, impact can shift the dot projector out of alignment or damage the flex cable connecting the TrueDepth module
- Screen replacement: If a previous screen repair damaged or disconnected the Face ID flex cable, Face ID will not work — this is permanent unless the original TrueDepth module is intact
- Software glitch: iOS updates occasionally cause Face ID bugs that are fixable with a reset
- Dirty or blocked sensors: Cases, screen protectors, or grime covering the notch area can block the infrared sensors
- Water damage: Moisture in the TrueDepth camera assembly causes intermittent or permanent failure
- iOS settings misconfiguration: Face ID may be turned off for specific features (Apple Pay, App Store, etc.) without the user realizing it
🛠️ Tools You'll Need
- Phone Charging Port Cleaning Kit (plastic picks)
- MFi-Certified Lightning/USB-C Cable
- 99% Isopropyl Alcohol
- Anti-Static Brush Kit
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
📋 Difficulty & Time
🔧 Diagnose & Fix Charging Issues: Step by Step
Step 1: Try a Different Cable AND Adapter
Cables fail more often than ports. Borrow a known-good cable from a friend, or grab a spare. Use a different wall adapter too — counterfeit chargers are a common silent killer.
Step 2: Inspect the Charging Port with a Flashlight
Hold the device under a bright light and look directly into the port. You're looking for:
- Gray pocket lint compressed against the back wall (most common)
- Bent or recessed pins (drop damage)
- Green corrosion on the contacts (liquid damage)
- Stuck-on residue from sticky drinks
Step 3: Clean the Port with a Plastic Pick
Power the device OFF first — this prevents short-circuits while you work. Then:
- Insert a plastic precision pick at a slight downward angle
- Work toward the back wall, then drag forward to pull lint OUT (never push deeper)
- Repeat from different angles — port lint is layered
- NEVER use metal — paperclips, needles, or pins will short the contacts
Step 4: Brush + Compressed Air
After picking visible debris, sweep the port with a soft anti-static brush, then short bursts (1 sec) of compressed air from 6 inches away. Keep the can upright to avoid propellant spray.
Step 5: Try Wireless Charging
If the device supports MagSafe/Qi: try wireless charging. If wireless works but wired doesn't, the port is dead — you need replacement (see escalation below). If wireless ALSO doesn't work, the issue is likely the battery or charging IC.
Step 6: Force Restart
Sometimes iOS/iPadOS gets stuck in a charging-block state. Force restart resets the power management chip:
- iPhone 8 and later: press Vol Up, then Vol Down, then hold Side until Apple logo
- iPad with no Home button: same as iPhone 8+
- iPad with Home button: hold Top + Home until Apple logo
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Pushing lint deeper instead of pulling it out
- Using metal tools (instant short risk)
- Skipping the cable test — cables fail more than ports
- Cleaning while the device is powered on
🏥 When to Call a Pro
If the port has bent pins, visible corrosion, or the contacts feel loose, you need a replacement (Apple: $129, third-party: $79–$99, AppleCare+: $99). Skip DIY for this — bent contacts can damage the logic board.
🔧 Software Fixes (Try These First)
Fix 1: Check Face ID Settings
- Go to Settings → Face ID & Passcode
- Enter your passcode
- Verify that Face ID is toggled on for: iPhone Unlock, iTunes & App Store, Apple Pay, and Password AutoFill
- If any are off, toggle them on and test again
Fix 2: Clean the TrueDepth Camera Area
- Remove your case and screen protector
- Use a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth to wipe the entire notch area
- Pay attention to the small sensors on either side of the earpiece speaker
- If you use a screen protector with a notch cutout, make sure it is not misaligned and blocking sensors
Fix 3: Reset Face ID and Re-Enroll
- Go to Settings → Face ID & Passcode
- Tap Reset Face ID
- Tap Set Up Face ID and follow the prompts to re-scan your face
- Make sure you are in a well-lit area and holding the phone 10–20 inches from your face
Fix 4: Configure Face ID with a Mask
- The iPhone 11 supports "Face ID with a Mask" starting with iOS 15.4
- Go to Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Face ID with a Mask
- If this feature was enabled and is causing issues, try toggling it off and testing without a mask first
- You can also set up an Alternate Appearance (sunglasses, different hairstyle, etc.) in the same menu
Fix 5: Update iOS
- Go to Settings → General → Software Update
- Install any available update — Apple frequently patches Face ID bugs in point releases
- After the update completes, test Face ID again
Fix 6: Force Restart
- Quickly press and release Volume Up
- Quickly press and release Volume Down
- Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo
- This clears temporary system glitches that can affect Face ID
Fix 7: Reset All Settings
- Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset All Settings
- This resets Wi-Fi passwords, display settings, and privacy settings but does NOT delete your data
- After the reset, set up Face ID again from scratch
⚠️ When It Is a Hardware Problem
If none of the software fixes above restored Face ID, you likely have a hardware issue. Here is how to tell:
- "Face ID is Not Available" message in Settings → this almost always means the TrueDepth hardware has failed or been disconnected
- "Unable to activate Face ID on this iPhone" → the dot projector or infrared camera is damaged beyond software repair
- Face ID works intermittently → a loose flex cable connection, often caused by a previous drop
- Front camera also not working → the entire TrueDepth assembly may be damaged
Important: The iPhone 11's Face ID module is paired to the logic board at the factory. Apple is the only entity that can replace it and re-pair it to your device. Third-party shops can sometimes repair a loose connection but cannot replace the dot projector itself.
💰 Repair Cost Estimates
- Software fixes: Free
- TrueDepth flex cable reseating (independent shop): $50–$100
- Apple TrueDepth camera replacement: $249–$329 (out of warranty)
- Apple full device replacement: $299–$399 (if repair is not possible)
- Third-party Face ID repair: $150–$250 (limited success rate — depends on what is damaged)
If the repair cost approaches the value of the phone, it may be worth considering an upgrade. But if the phone is otherwise in great shape, Face ID repair extends its useful life significantly.
🆘 Need Professional Help?
Face ID hardware repair requires micro-soldering expertise and specialized diagnostics. Do not attempt to open the TrueDepth assembly yourself — one wrong move disables Face ID permanently.
📞 PC Medics of NJ
iPhone 11 Face ID diagnostics and repair — we will determine if it is a cable issue or a module failure before any work begins.
Call: 856-914-1074
Free diagnosis — you only pay if we can fix it!
🛒 Recommended Products
Precise cutout that never blocks Face ID sensors — tempered glass 3-pack
Military-grade drop protection — prevent the drops that kill Face ID
The #1 repair kit — 64 bits, pro tools, lifetime warranty