Fix iPhone Face ID Issue: “There's is an Issue with Your iPhone’s Ability to Use Face ID”

Many iPhone 11,12,13,14 & 15 Prox max users, especially after updating to iOS 26, have reported the frustrating error with FaceID not working on their iphone:
“There is an issue with your iPhone’s ability to use Face ID.”

The iPhone users reported the issue after liquid drop on the iPhone and this seems to be a major root cause.

If you’re seeing this message on your iPhone 11 Pro, 12 Pro, 13 Pro Max, or even newer models, you’re not alone. This problem may appear suddenly after a software update, a minor drop, or even dust on the front camera. Let’s go through the possible causes and fixes.

Why Face ID Says “There is an Issue with Your iPhone’s Ability to Use Face ID”

Software Updates – New iOS releases sometimes introduce temporary bugs.
Hardware Issues – Drops, exposure to liquids (like water or tea), or damage to the TrueDepth camera system can break Face ID.
Dust or Smudges – Even a thin film of dirt or fingerprints on the sensor can block Face ID.
Random Glitches – Sometimes Face ID malfunctions without visible damage.

How to fix “There is an Issue with Your iPhone’s Ability to Use Face ID”

1. Clean the Face ID Camera

Wipe the front-facing camera gently with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Dust, smudges, or even invisible residue can block the sensor.

2. Restart Your iPhone

A simple restart can reset Face ID functionality.
If it doesn’t work, try a hard reset (force restart).

3. Reset Face ID

Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Reset Face ID.
Re-register your face and test again.

4. Update iOS

Sometimes Apple releases quick fixes after a buggy update.
Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check.

5. Try the “Tap Trick”

Some users have reported success by gently tapping the area around the front camera. It seems odd, but for some, it temporarily restores Face ID functionality, suggesting a loose hardware connection.

When to Seek Repair

If cleaning, resetting, and updating don’t help, the issue may be hardware-related:

Dropping the phone in liquid (even tea or water) may damage Face ID sensors despite water resistance.
Older devices like the iPhone 11 Pro and 12 Pro are especially prone to this if they’ve taken a hit.

In such cases, the best option is to book a repair with Apple Support or visit an authorized service center. If your device is under warranty or AppleCare+, it may be replaced or repaired at low cost.

Final Thoughts

Face ID problems can be caused by both software glitches and hardware faults. Start with the simple fixes—cleaning the camera, resetting Face ID, or updating iOS. If nothing works, hardware repair may be the only option.

For those who bought refurbished devices, check if your seller offers repair or replacement, as many (like BackMarket) provide warranty coverage.

Until Apple pushes more stable updates, these steps should help you keep Face ID working.