Why is Face ID Not Available: Factors Causing and 3 Ways to Fix It

Hi! I was excited this morning because I received the new iPhone that my dad had bought for me. I set it up based on my preference and tried to customize it. I also set up a Face ID as my iPhone lock screen password. However, the screen says, “Face ID Not Available Try Setting Up Later.” Can you tell me what is happening? Thank you in advance!

Suppose the Face ID is unavailable. It only indicates that the lock type cannot be set up on your iPhone. The first thing you should do is to fix the Face ID issue. This article explains the top reasons why it happens and the 3 most reliable techniques to fix it.

Part 1. What is Face ID

The iPhone is secure when it contains a lock screen password. Face ID is one of iPhone's top pick lock types because it is the most secure. This lock is a biometric type that scans your face when unlocking the iPhone. In this case, the iPhone will not be unlocked without your permission or presence.

On the other hand, the Face ID is way more strict than the other iPhone's lock types. When unlocking or setting it up, you must remove your makeup, save accessories, have enough lighting, and more. If the requirements are unmet, the unlocking procedure will be more complicated than you thought.

Part 2. Possible Reasons Why Face ID Not Available

The Face ID might face minor and significant issues, so it is unavailable on your iPhone. The Face ID Is Not Available Try Again Later; an error message will be shown once the lock type is unavailable. This issue is caused by countless factors affecting the iPhone system or features.

The first reason why the Face ID is unavailable is that it is switched off. You need to set up the Face ID settings and activate it to make it accessible. Also, not all versions of iOS support the Face ID lock screen type. Your iPhone might be outdated and needs an update to its iOS version.

Finally, to set up an alternate Face ID, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Set Up an Alternate Appearance and follow the on-screen instructions. This will allow you to test whether Face ID still works on your iPhone. If the issue persists, proceed with further troubleshooting.

Part 3. How to Fix Face ID Not Available by Rebooting iPhone

The Face ID Is Not Available Try Setting Up Face ID Later error message can be caused by iPhone system bugs and glitches. A simple reboot will fix the malfunction if it is the leading cause. Please note that the iPhone has 3 ways of rebooting iPhone procedures, depending on its model or available buttons. Please determine your iPhone model and follow the instructions below for the reboot procedure.

Part 4. How to Fix Face ID Not Available by Updating iOS Version

The Face ID lock screen password is only available for the latest versions of iOS. When the Face ID unavailable issue is faced, you can try to update the iPhone iOS version. In this case, you will get the latest updates from Apple and fix the Face ID malfunction. See how below.

Go to Settings. Then, tap the General button and choose Software Update. The iPhone will scan if there are updates for its iOS version. If there’s any, tap the Install Now button. Alternatively, you can tap the Update Now button.

Part 5. How to Fix Face ID Not Available with FoneLab iOS System Recovery

Simple troubleshooting techniques are convenient. However, their success rate is not 100%. You can use FoneLab iOS System Recovery as an alternative because it can fix minor and major iPhone malfunctions. It includes disabled iPhones, charge issues, battery drain, loop restart, and more. This tool supports all iPhone models and versions, including iPhone 18, iPhone 16, and iPadOS. It is user-friendly and recommended for novices. Please imitate the steps below to learn how to fix an iPhone says Face ID not available.

Step 1Download, set up, and launch the software. After that, click iOS System Recovery at the top right of the screen. Later, plug your iPhone into the computer using a USB cable.

Step 2Click Start at the bottom right. Then, choose between Standard Mode and Advanced Mode. Please read their functions under their names. Click Confirm to continue.

Step 3Choose Repair or Optimize on the following interface. Then, the fixing procedure for the iPhone Face ID malfunction will begin.

Part 6. FAQs about How to Fix Face ID Not Available

In conclusion, the Face ID Not Available Try Again Later error message on your iPhone indicates a malfunction on the said lock type. This article has shown you the 3 proven and tested ways to fix it. FoneLab iOS System Recovery is suggested as the leading software for repairing the Face ID, which is not unavailable. If you have more questions about the topic, leave them at the end of this post, where the comment section is located. Thank you!