FoneTool Unlocker > iPhone Unlock Tips & Tricks > 10 Fixes! Your Passcode is Required to Enable Face ID

10 Fixes! Your Passcode is Required to Enable Face ID

Why does the iPhone keep saying your passcode is required to enable Face ID? How to fix it and what to do if you forget your password? Top 10 ways here to fix it.

Scarlett by Scarlett Updated May 16, 2025
Share this:
   
   
   
  
On almost a daily basis, for apparently no reason whatsoever, I try to unlock my iPhone and I get a message saying I must enter the passcode to enable Face ID. Why does that happen? How can I fix it?       

- Question from Reddit

   

Unlocking an iPhone/iPad through Face ID can easily unlock your devices with a glance, most Apple users set up a Face ID under normal circumstances. However, many Apple users encounter the “Your Passcode is Required to Enable Face ID” situation. It is inconvenient to unlock your iPhone.

So if you want to know why this issue happens and how to fix it with or without password. Please read this guide below.

Your passcode required to enable Facee ID

Why does my Face ID keep asking for password?

Why does it say your passcode is required to enable Face ID? Because your devices may fail to recognize your face, then you need to enter your password again. But there are also some other reasons for this issue:

  • Wearing a mask but you don’t set up Face ID with a mask.
  • Mechanical damage or dirt on the device or camera.
  • Malicious code on the device.
  • The device is been powered off and entered into Emergency SOS mode.
  • The device has received a remote lock command.
  • The device has just been turned on or restarted.
  • The device hasn’t been unlocked for more than 48 hours.
  • The device hasn’t been unlocked with passcode in the last 6.5 days and with Face ID in the last 4 hours.

10 fixes iPhone keeps asking for passcode to enable Face ID

Tired of entering password to enable Face ID? After knowing the reasons why passcode is required to enable Face ID, you can check the 10 ways below to fix your Face ID and passcode. If you forget your password and want to enable your Face ID, you can directly check “What to do if you forget the password required to enable Face ID?”

Fix 1. Restart iPhone

Restarting your iPhone can sometimes fix iPhone keep asking for passcode to enable Face ID, so you can restart your iPhone first. If you want to Force Restart your iPhone but Force Restart not working, you can check this guide.

Fix 2. Reset Face ID

It is possible that your iPhone Face ID can’t match your face because your appearance has changed. So, resetting Face ID can be a useful and easy step to fix this issue. Here’s detailed guidance for resetting Face ID:

Step 1. Go to Settings > Click Face ID & Passcode.

Step 2. Enter your passcode to proceed.  

Step 3. Scroll down and tap on Reset Face ID.

Reset Face ID

Fix 3. Set up Face ID with a Mask

If you are wearing a mask and want to unlock your Face ID, you must enable Face ID with a Mask. The issue of Face ID not working with a mask sometimes happens.

Here are the steps for setting up Face ID with a Mask:

Step 1. Go to Settings app on your iPhone > Click Face ID & Passcode.

Step 2. Locate and turn on Face ID with a Mask.

Turn on Face ID with a Mask

Step 3. Choose Use Face ID & with a Mask > Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Note: This feature is available on Phone 12 and later with iOS 15.4 or later.

Fix 4. Set up an Alternate Appearance

By adding an alternative appearance to Face ID, you can enhance the system’s ability to recognize you under various conditions, thereby fixing your password is required to enable Face ID.

Step 1. Go to Settings on your iPhone > Face ID & Passcode and enter your password to confirm.

Tap on Face ID & Passcode

Step 2. Tap on Set Up an Alternate Appearance and follow the instructions.

Click Set Up an Alternate Appearance

Fix 5. Check your Face ID settings

It might be due to certain issues or settings with the Face ID settings that need to be solved. You can go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode to make sure that your iPhone Unlock is on and the features you need are turned on.

Check your Face ID settings

Fix 6. Keep the TrueDepth Camera clean

As we mentioned in the reasons, you need to keep the TrueDepth camera clean. When you are going to use the feature of Face ID, you must make sure that your TrueDepth is not covered by anything.

Keep the TrueDepth Camera clean

You can softly clear the camera lens to clean the dirt on your camera.

Fix 7. Disable Require Attention for Face ID

When you disable the Require Attention for Face ID setting, it allows Face ID to unlock your device without needing you to look directly at the camera. This can be useful in situations where you might be wearing a hat or a mask.

Step 1. Navigate to Settings > Face ID & Passwords.

Step 2. Tap on Require Attention for Face ID and close the feature.

Disable Require Attention for Face ID

Fix 8. Disable Raise to Wake

When you disable the Raise to Wake, your iPhone will not automatically wake up and attempt to use Face ID w unlock it whenever you lift it. Disabling Raise to Wake can prevent these unnecessary password attempts.

Step1. Go to Settings > Display & Brightness on your iPhone.

Step 2. Scroll down and select Raise to Wake to turn it off.

Turn off Raise to Wake

Fix 9. iOS system update

iOS system updates often include improvements and bug fixes that can solve various issues, including those related to Face ID. So you can update your system on your devices to fix this issue.

iOS system update

Step 1. Tap on Settings > General.

Step 2. Choose Software Update.

Step 3. Tap Download and Install to update your iOS version.

Unable to check for updates? Please check:

  • Software glitch.
  • Device’s settings or restrictions.
  • Your device’s storage.

Fix 10. Adjust require password

By setting a longer interval for requiring the passcode, you can reduce the number of times you need to enter it, making the use of Face ID more seamless.

Adjust Require password

Step 1. Go to Settings > Face ID &Passcode.

Step 2. Click Require Passcode and choose After 4 hours.

What if you forget the password required to enable Face ID?

If you forget your password and can’t enable your Face ID or can’t unlock your iPhone, you can try this powerful third-party tool, FoneTool Unlocker, to safely remove your Face ID and passcode with ease. Then you can reset your password and Face ID, then fix the issue.

   
★Highlights of FoneTool Unlocker:
  • Easily remove all passwords without technical skills.
  • Safe and stable process protects your data from leakage.
  • Powerful features offer you a high success rate.
  • Bypass Activation Lock without Apple ID.
  • Compatible with the latest iOS devices and versions.

Now free download it and follow the steps below to complete the process easily:

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Tip: All your data will not be lost if Find My feature is off.

Step 1. Launch FoneTool Unlocker and connect your device to PC via a USB cable.

Step 2. Go to Remove iOS Screen Passcode > Remove Now.

Click Remove Now

Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions > Click Next.

Click Next

Step 4. Select the correct Firmware File > Download.

Click Download

Step 5. Once Firmware Files are downloaded > Tap Remove Now.

Tap on Remove Now

Once the process is finished, you can reset your password and Face ID.

FAQs about Face ID on iPhone

Q1. How to bypass your passcode is required to enable Face ID?

You can use a safe and efficient third-party tool, FoneTool Unlocker to bypass it. Please use this method legally. Want detailed guidance, please check here.

Q2. How can I turn off Face ID on iPhone?

Turning off Face ID on your iPhone is a straightforward process. You can go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and enter your password > Turn off iPhone Unlock, iTunes & App Store, Password AutoFill and Other Apps to disable Face ID on your iPhone.

Conclusion

This guide explains why your passcode is required to enable Face ID and how to fix it with 10 easy methods. You are suggested to use FoneTool Unlocker to bypass the passcode if you forget it. If you have other related questions, welcome to leave a comment.

FoneTool Unlocker - 1-Click iPhone Unlock Software

Easily unlock all passcodes and restrictions on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.

  • iOS 18 Compatible
  • iPhone 16 Supported

Best iPhone Unlock Software

  • Unlock iOS Any Type of Screen Lock
  • Remove Apple ID Without Password
  • Bypass Screen Time Passcode
  • Remove iTunes Backup Encryption
  • Unlock iPhone Without Data Loss
Downloading.com Rating
Android
Free iPhone Data Transfer Software

Quickly transfer photos, music, videos from iPhone to PC or any iOS/Android, perfect for upgrading iPhone.

Learn More