A software bug made some iPhone 18 Pro models freeze and restart when Face ID failed. Apple fixed it in iOS 27.0.1 on 28 September. If Face ID still fails after updating, follow the steps below.
iPhone 18 Pro uses a redesigned Face ID system that allowed Apple to shrink the Dynamic Island. Early owners discovered a bug in how it handled failed attempts.
What happened
- When Face ID failed — particularly when unlocking a locked app — some phones froze, stopped responding to touch and restarted.
- Some users saw 'Face ID is Not Available' during setup.
- Others had trouble with the 'Require Attention for Face ID' setting.
How Apple fixed it
iOS 27.0.1, released on 28 September 2026, fixes the issue where iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max could unexpectedly restart when Face ID fails to authenticate. Some reports suggest a few setup problems persisted, so if yours still misbehaves, try the steps below.
Fix Face ID not working: step by step
- Update to iOS 27.0.1 or later (Settings › General › Software Update).
- Restart the phone.
- Clean the top of the display and remove any screen protector that covers the sensor area — the new sensors sit beneath the display near the status bar.
- Check Settings › Face ID & Passcode, and confirm Face ID is enabled for the action you're attempting.
- Tap Reset Face ID, then set it up again in good, even light.
- If 'Face ID is Not Available' persists after updating and resetting, contact Apple Support — it may need hardware diagnostics.
Sources
- MacRumors: Apple releases iOS 27.0.1 with Face ID fix
- Tom's Guide: Apple confirms iPhone 18 Pro Face ID bug
- Digital Trends: iOS 27.0.1 may not have patched everything
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