Although the entry-level iPad has Touch ID, the iPad Air and iPad Pro models have switched to Face ID for user authentication. It’s a convenient biometric method, most likely sitting comfortably, to unlock the iPad with your Face ID. However, many have complained that Face ID not working for iPad issues.
You’re back to using a six-digit PIN if Face ID isn’t working on your iPad. Let’s check some factors behind the error and fix Face ID not working on iPad.
1. Hold your iPad in portrait orientation
Most users hold their iPad in landscape mode. If you prefer the same orientation, face the left or right side (where the front camera is located) instead of the top to unlock the iPad. iPadOS also gives you an indicator to look in the appropriate direction to unlock it.
2. Remove the screen protector
A thick, poor-quality screen protector can cause problems with Face ID authentication on iPad. You need to remove the screen protector and try your luck with Face ID again. If Face ID works as expected, replace the screen protector with a new one that has enough cutouts for the front camera and other sensors on the iPad.
3. Make sure your iPad case doesn’t cover the front camera
Some users may use a durable thick case to protect their iPad. Face ID authentication won’t work on iPad if your case covers a small portion of the front camera. You need to replace the iPad case with one of the offerings from Apple or other popular brands.
4. Clean front camera
Face ID may not work as expected if your iPad camera is filled with dust and dirt. You should clean the iPad front camera regularly and try face authentication again.
5. Adjust your position
If you’re sitting far from your iPad, Face ID won’t work. For successful authentication, you need to move your face close to the front camera.
6. Enable iPad unlocking for Face ID
Have you accidentally turned off the option to unlock iPad for Face ID? In this case, Face ID only works for Apple Pay purchases, App Store downloads, Password AutoFill, and other apps. You should enable Face ID to unlock iPad from Settings.
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPad.
Step 2 Scroll to Face ID & Passcode. Enter your passcode to access the menu.
Step 3: Turn on the “iPad Unlock” toggle in the “Use Face ID for” menu.
You should lock your iPad and try to unlock it with Face ID. If it still doesn’t work, continue with the following tricks.
7. Set up an alternative appearance
Apple offers an option to set up an alternate appearance for Face ID on iPad. If you frequently wear glasses or have a beard, you must set up Face ID with an alternate appearance for successful authentication.
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPad.
Step 2 Scroll to Face ID & Passcode. Enter your passcode to access the menu.
Step 3: Tap on “Set up an alternate appearance” to open the front camera and set up another Face ID profile.
Step 3: Turn your iPad to portrait mode and follow the on-screen instructions to set up another Face ID appearance.
8. Reset Face ID
If none of the tricks solve Face ID issues on iPad, reset it and set it up from scratch.
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPad.
Step 2 Scroll to Face ID & Passcode. Enter your passcode to access the menu.
Step 3: Tap Reset Face ID.
Step 3: The iPad will not ask for confirmation and will erase the previous Face ID data.
You can set up Face ID again and use it to easily unlock your iPad.
9. Disable Face ID requires attention
The Face ID feature uses a TrueDepth camera that requires your attention for authentication. It’s an extra layer of security to verify that you’re looking at the iPad before authenticating. You can turn off the option to unlock your iPad with Face ID without even looking at it.
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPad.
Step 2 Scroll to Face ID & Passcode. Enter your passcode to access the menu.
Step 3: Turn off the “Require Face ID attention” toggle.
10. Update iPadOS
An outdated or buggy iPadOS build can cause Face ID not working on iPad. Apple regularly releases new operating system updates to add features and fix bugs.
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPad.
Step 2: Tap General on the left sidebar and Software update on the right panel. Download and install the latest iPadOS update.
Enjoy the convenience of Face ID on iPad
Aside from unlocking iPad, Face ID lets you complete purchases with Apple Pay, secure sensitive apps like a password manager, and autofill passwords. What troubleshooting method worked for you to fix Face ID not working on iPad issue? Share your findings in the comments below.
