You may be confused when you see the message prompting “Face ID is not available, try setting up later” on your iPhone. Actually, it is a common issue with the Face ID system. Many iOS users have encountered the Face ID is not available or not working now problem.
The Face ID not available error is more than just an inconvenience. It indicates that there is a problem preventing the TrueDepth camera system on your iPhone from operating correctly. This article explains why it happens and explores effective solutions.

Before troubleshooting the problem, let’s explore the possible reasons why your iPhone displays the “Face ID is not available. Try setting up Face ID later” message.
The message indicates that your iPhone has detected a problem with one or more components within the TrueDepth camera system. The front camera is not just failing to recognize your face. Instead, it is unable to make the initial setup process. The problem can be due to hardware malfunctions, iOS bugs, software conflicts, and more.
When the TrueDepth camera system can’t identify your face successfully, it may prompt the message. Various factors may lead to the Face ID not available issue.
The most common cause is physical damage. If one or more essential components within the TrueDepth are damaged, it will affect the overall functionality of the Face ID. Also, if your iPhone is water or liquid damaged, it may damage the sensitive electronics and optics of the TrueDepth system.
Besides internal hardware failures, software glitches or corrupted firmware can cause the Face ID not working problem. Some iOS updates occasionally introduce bugs that interfere with hardware drivers, including those controlling the TrueDepth system. A software crash during an iOS update or a hardware fault will prevent the Face ID setup. Moreover, if you set up Face ID in a poor lighting environment, you may see the message. Dirt, debris, or other blocking the sensors could cause the TrueDepth system to fail initialization.
When your Face ID is not available or working correctly, use the powerful iPhone Unlocker to remove it and the associated device passcode from your iPhone. The software is specially designed to wipe the forgotten device password, Face ID, and Touch ID. It also lets you safely remove your Apple ID and passcode, bypass the Screen Time restrictions, get rid of the iCloud lock, and more.
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If your iPhone has been exposed to water or physical damage and the issue is hardware-related, it’s best to take it to a nearby Apple Store for professional repair.
If Face ID is unavailable, try setting it up again. If a message suddenly appears with no reason, try restarting or force-restarting to clear temporary glitches. After that, set up your Face ID again to check if the issue is fixed.
If your Face ID is not working properly, check for dirt or debris on the front camera area and any physical obstructions. Clean the TrueDepth camera and remove any screen protector or case. Then, try setting up Face ID again.
Tap General > Software Update in the Settings app to check for iOS updates. Install any available update.
If the problem is still there, you need to reset all settings of your iPhone. Sometimes, you can choose to perform a factory reset using the Erase All Content and Settings feature.
If the Face ID is not available suddenly and you have already set it up, try resetting the current Face ID. Go to Face ID & Passcode from Settings, find and tap the Reset Face ID option, and then proceed with your operation.
Open the Apple Support app on your iPhone. You can find the iPhone under My Devices. Tap it to access the main interface. Choose Device Performance and then Help with Face ID or Touch ID. Check related articles to troubleshoot the issue or directly contact Apple Support by tapping Chat.
Why is the Face ID on my iPhone temporarily unavailable?
The Face ID on your iPhone can become temporarily unavailable for several common reasons. In most cases, the issue is caused by a minor software glitch or background process conflict. You can easily fix it through a restart. The Face ID may not be available due to obstruction or dirty sensors. The TrueDepth camera system fails to recognize your face. Sometimes, when you want to unlock your iPhone through Face ID in complete darkness or extremely bright sunlight, the Face ID may not work correctly. Moreover, if you wear sunglasses, heavy makeup, or face coverings, that might cause temporary issues.
Why does an iPhone say unable to activate Face ID?
Your iPhone may show the Unable to Activate Face ID message for various reasons. Similarly, the obstructed sensors can be a leading cause. Dust, oil, or a screen protector might block the TrueDepth camera and trigger the issue. Drops, impacts, or other physical damage may affect components and cause the problem. Temporary iOS errors and software glitches can disrupt Face ID. Generally, you can restart your iPhone and try activating Face ID again.
Can a TrueDepth camera be damaged by water?
Yes, the TrueDepth camera system on an iPhone can be susceptible to water damage. Most newer iPhone models have IP ratings (IP67/IP68), meaning they have basic resistance to water under specific conditions. However, they are not waterproof. The TrueDepth system contains multiple delicate components. Water intrusion may cause various damage to it. Another thing you should know is that Apple’s standard warranty does not cover liquid damage. It can be expensive to repair a water-damaged TrueDepth camera.
Conclusion
Face ID gives a secure and convenient way to unlock your iPhone and authenticate purchases seamlessly. Your action will be accurately verified with just a glance. It can be frustrating when you are suddenly confronted with the message saying that “Face ID is not available. Try setting up Face ID later.” After learning possible causes of the problem, you can follow the potential solutions above to bring your Face ID back to normal.
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