Updating to a new version of iOS is usually exciting – new features, polished design touches, and a sense of freshness for your iPhone. But for many users, iOS 26 has introduced a frustrating surprise: Face ID, Apple’s hallmark biometric authentication system, simply stops working after the update. 
This problem has already been widely reported on community forums, social media, and tech sites, sparking irritation among iPhone owners who rely heavily on Face ID for everyday use.
When Apple first rolled out iOS 26 in beta form earlier this year, testers noticed a handful of small bugs, but nothing devastating. One user recounted how their iPhone 15 Pro Max stopped ringing for calls during the summer – a serious inconvenience, but one quickly resolved with a patch. Yet when the so-called stable iOS 26 release reached the public, another critical issue emerged: Face ID simply refused to function. For many, this meant reverting back to the passcode system, which feels outdated and clunky compared to a glance-based unlock.
Living without Face ID feels like a step backwards
Anyone who has spent years relying on Face ID knows how much it streamlines the iPhone experience. Unlocking the device, approving App Store purchases, verifying Apple Pay, and accessing banking apps all happen seamlessly with a glance. When Face ID breaks, the experience shifts dramatically. Suddenly, every secure action demands tapping in a passcode. It’s not just inconvenient – it feels like technology regression.
Some users, including one writer’s wife with an iPhone 16 Pro Max, never embraced Face ID at all, preferring the manual passcode method. But for most, Face ID is woven into daily use. Losing it overnight is a genuine disruption.
What makes fixing Face ID so tricky?
Apple added a security layer in iOS 26 called Stolen Device Protection. When this feature is enabled, highly sensitive actions such as resetting Face ID require biometric verification itself. That means if Face ID is broken, the user cannot simply disable and re-register it. Instead, they’re met with a frustrating loop of prompts asking to “try again later.”
One user described restarting their phone, attempting resets, and being blocked repeatedly. At one point, they even admitted resorting to some hand gestures directed at Siri – a humorous moment highlighting the sheer exasperation the issue creates. Apple has promised that Siri will gain more contextual screen awareness in a future update (possibly iOS 26.4), but for now, she remains blissfully unaware of such moments of frustration.
You are not alone
The Face ID bug is not limited to isolated cases. The Apple Community Discussions forum is filled with posts from users describing the same issue. On X (formerly Twitter), a known leak account suggested that Apple may release iOS 26.0.1 soon, with build number 23A35_, possibly addressing the bug. Meanwhile, the first beta for iOS 26.1 is also expected to drop shortly, raising hopes that relief is on the way.
How to fix Face ID on iOS 26 right now
While we wait for Apple’s official fix, there is a workaround that many users have found effective. A simple restart does not always help, but a forced restart can often break the cycle and allow you to reset Face ID successfully. Here’s the process:
- Press the volume up button quickly.
- Immediately press the volume down button.
- Hold the side button until the power slider appears at the top of the screen.
- Swipe the slider to turn the device off, then power it back on.
After the forced restart, head to Settings and try resetting Face ID again. In most cases, users report that the system will now allow the biometric profile to be re-registered. Once it’s confirmed to be working again, don’t forget to re-enable Stolen Device Protection for maximum security. You’ll find it under Settings > Privacy & Security > Stolen Device Protection.
Why biometrics matter more than ever
Some may brush off the inconvenience, arguing that passcodes are sufficient. But in 2025, when smartphones hold digital wallets, health data, private messages, and access to critical accounts, biometrics provide an extra layer of security that passwords simply can’t match. Face ID works by mapping unique facial features using advanced sensors, while alternatives like Touch ID rely on fingerprints. These methods are extremely difficult to replicate, making them a cornerstone of modern smartphone security.
Without biometric protections, a stolen iPhone becomes far more vulnerable. Criminals with enough time could guess or shoulder-surf a passcode. But duplicating your face or fingerprint remains significantly harder. That’s why ensuring Face ID is up and running isn’t just about convenience – it’s about protecting your digital life.
The bigger picture for Apple
Apple is well aware that breaking a feature as central as Face ID damages trust. The company has built its reputation around security and seamless experiences, so even temporary glitches draw headlines. The quick fix method described above is helpful, but long-term, iPhone owners expect stability from an operating system upgrade. All eyes are now on iOS 26.0.1 and iOS 26.1 to see whether Apple can patch this embarrassing bug and restore full confidence in its biometric technology.
Until then, if Face ID has stopped working on your iPhone after the iOS 26 update, a forced restart and reset is your best bet. It may not erase the annoyance of having been locked out in the first place, but it does get Apple’s signature security feature back where it belongs – front and center of your iPhone experience.