Trying to fix Face ID not working in landscape mode on iPhone?
With the release of the iPhone X, Apple also introduced its face unlock feature and called it the Face ID. While the company wasn’t the first to enable users to unlock their device without entering a passcode or even using a fingerprint, it included additional features that took the tech world in a swirl. And with each passing year, they’re improving the feature to their best ability.
For instance, in the pandemic years, Apple enabled users to set up their Face ID even with a mask on. Recently, they’ve also added the Face ID in landscape mode feature, preventing you from rotating your device to unlock it. However, the feature isn’t working for all.
Usually, a software bug is to be blamed for such errors. But that’s not always going to be the case when you’re experiencing Face ID not working in landscape mode on your iPhone. Device compatibility, TrueDepth camera, and occasional glitches are suspected of having caused this particular issue.
So let’s take a look at what you need to do to resolve the matter.
1. Ensure Your Device Compatibility.
Before you try to fix the Face ID not working in landscape mode on iPhone, make sure that your device supports the feature in the first place. For starters, your device needs to be running on iOS 16. If you’re still on the Beta version, immediately install the iOS 16 stable version available, as this could be why you’re experiencing such glitches.
Besides that, your device could have the iOS 16 but still not be compatible with the Face ID in landscape mode feature. Let’s take a look at the iPhone models that support the stated feature.
They are as follows:
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
If your device is listed above, move to the following methods in this guide.
2. Clean Your Front Camera Lens.
Face ID functionality relies on the TrueDepth camera, located in the notch or pill of your iPhone. The camera scans your facial details to authenticate and give access to the device. If any dirt or debris finds its way around the camera, its functionality will be hindered, and you will experience issues with the Face ID.
In such a case, clean the front camera lens and the area around it using a microfiber cloth. Afterward, try unlocking your iPhone in landscape mode and see if it works now. Otherwise, continue to the next method.
3. Remove Screen Protector.
Not all screen protectors fully support your iPhone’s Face ID, though they claim otherwise. Irrespective of the cost and brand, screen protectors tend to become unresponsive to touch and even obstruct facial recognition with time. Therefore, you should try removing the screen protector and see if that gets the Face ID back to work.
4. Reset Face ID.
If Face ID has been a target of a system glitch, resetting it mostly resolves the issue. You can set it up again and check if that also works for you.
Follow the steps below to do it:
- To get started, launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
- From there, go to Face ID & Passcode.
- Then, enter your device passcode to access further options.
- Scroll and choose Reset Face ID.
- When it’s done, tap on Set Up Face ID.
- Continue following the instructions to complete the process.
5. Restart Your Device.
Temporary glitches are also eliminated by simply restarting your iPhone. So if resetting the Face ID was no help, try hard resetting your device. This will delete all cache and restart the services and features, hopefully fixing the issue of Face ID not working in landscape mode on iPhone.
Here’s how to do it:
- From the Settings app, go to General.
- Scroll down and select Shut Down.
- Swipe the power-off slider to the right.
- After a few seconds, long-press the Side button to restart your iPhone.
6. Create an Alternative Appearance.
Since Face ID is based on machine learning, it will continuously learn as users change for improved authentication. But if you wear glasses every now and then or wear headgear of any sort, etc., we recommend you set up an alternate appearance so that your iPhone recognizes you in all states.
Follow the steps below to do it:
- Launch the Settings app and go to Face ID & Passcode.
- Enter your device passcode, then tap on Set Up an Alternative Appearance.
- Continue following the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
7. Disable Require Attention for Face ID.
Require Attention for Face ID is a feature associated with Apple Face ID that demands you to stare at your iPhone to authenticate your identity. The TrueDepth camera recognizes this action and then unlocks your device. If you have the feature enabled, either face the camera when unlocking your iPhone or disable it for your ease.
To do the latter, follow these steps:
- Open iPhone Settings and go to Face ID & Passcode.
- Enter your passcode when prompted.
- Finally, turn off the toggle for Require Attention for Face ID.
8. Update Your iOS.
Since outdated software versions contain several bugs and glitches, it causes several errors, including the Face ID not working in landscape mode on iPhone. For this reason, keep checking for any updates and never keep them pending.
Here’s how to update your iOS when a new version is available:
- To start, go to the Settings app.
- Then, select General.
- From there, go to Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap on Download & Install to begin the process.
9. Get Help.
If you’re unable to fix Face ID not working in landscape mode on your iPhone issue, your last option is to refer to a professional technician. Since the faulty repair, modification, or use of fake Apple components may damage your iPhone further, we only recommend getting help from the official Apple Support team.
This wraps up our guide on how to fix Face ID not working in landscape mode on iPhone. Hopefully, you’ve successfully eliminated the error by now. For more questions, use the comment section below. We’ll respond to you as soon as possible.
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