Troubleshoot iPhone TrueDepth Camera Not Working

Part 1. What Is Apple’s TrueDepth Camera System

Apple's TrueDepth camera system was introduced with the iPhone X in 2017. It is not just a standard front camera designed to take better selfies. The primary mission of the TrueDepth camera was to enable secure facial recognition, Face ID. It was a revolutionary leap forward in front-facing smartphone technology.

The TrueDepth camera system can capture the unique pattern projected onto your face and make accurate face detection. It can quickly verify your face even in low-light or dark conditions.

When you glance at your iPhone or tap the screen, the TrueDepth camera system will automatically start and complete various complex authority works. It will light up your face with IR light, fire its grid of 30,000+ dots with the Dot Projector, capture your unique facial structure, and then unlock your device when the 3D map is matched with the encrypted mathematical representation stored during your initial Face ID setup.

Part 2. Why Is My iPhone TrueDepth Camera Not Working

Both software glitches and hardware damage could cause your TrueDepth camera to stop working on your iPhone. If you update to a new iOS, the new software might contain an unforeseen bug that interferes with the TrueDepth sensor. App conflicts may also trigger the TrueDepth camera not working problem. Corrupted Face ID settings and temporary sensor confusion are also the main causes.

If your iPhone is dropped or gets other physical impacts, that may damage the TrueDepth camera. This is the most common cause of serious TrueDepth failure. Sometimes, a drop can misalign the incredibly delicate dot projector or IR camera. Liquid damage is another big reason why your iPhone’s TrueDepth camera is not working. Even though model iPhones have water resistance, it is not foolproof. The TrueDepth module might have been damaged in other cases.

Part 3. Learn to Fix the TrueDepth Camera Not Working

When the TrueDepth camera or Face ID is not working, you may see some common symptoms, such as error messages like Face ID has been disabled, Face ID is not available, or Face ID fails to set up. Before any serious repair attempts, you’d better back up your iPhone data first.

Basic Fixes to Troubleshoot the TrueDepth Camera Not Working

When your iPhone’s TrueDepth camera is not working properly, start with the simple fixes. For instance, you can restart the phone to test again. Clean the sensors gently. Check if your Face ID works after cleaning. Also, you should check for iOS updates in the Settings app. Ensure your iPhone runs the latest iOS. System updates often contain bug fixes for software and hardware issues.

Check Face ID Settings and Reset It

Open Settings and tap Face ID & Passcode to check related settings. Turn on the necessary options under the Use Face ID For section. You can also reset your Face ID. After that, try setting up Face ID again carefully.

Repair iOS System to Fix the TrueDepth Camera Issue

FoneLab iOS System Recovery is a reputable tool mainly used to fix various system issues. As mentioned, software issues are a very common cause of TrueDepth camera malfunctions. If your Face ID or iPhone’s TrueDepth camera system is not working due to system bugs, software glitches, corrupted cache, conflicts between apps, and other system-related factors, use the software to resolve it effectively.

Bonus: Remove Your Forgotten Passcode and Face ID

iPhone Unlocker lets you easily wipe your forgotten iPhone password and Face ID. If you are locked out of an old iOS device and need a quick way to unlock it, try using the software to regain access to your iPhone. As an all-featured passcode removal tool, it can also remove your Apple ID and passcode, various restrictions, and even the iCloud Activation Lock safely.

Hardware Repair

If none of the above steps work, the issue is almost certainly hardware damage. This requires professional repair. You can take the iPhone to a local Apple Store for repair.

Part 4. FAQs of TrueDepth Camera Not Working