Fixed: Face ID Not Available Try Setting Up Later

When you reach the Face ID setup screen on your iPhone, you expect the camera to scan your face and move on. Sometimes, instead of scanning, you get a message that leaves you stuck:“Face ID is not available. Try setting up Face ID later”. Sometimes, you may see this message when unlocking your iPhone with Face ID. Don’t worry. This guide will show you how to fix the iPhone Face ID not available error, whether it’s caused by dust on the camera, a software glitch, a faulty hardware, etc.

And if Face ID refuses to work at the iPhone lock screen and you’ve also forgotten your passcode, we’ll show you how to unlock your iPhone completely using Passixer iPhone Unlocker.

Fix “Face ID Not Available Try Setting Up Later” Caused by Personal Mistakes

The most common reason for Face ID refusing to set up is because of personal oversights that are usually easy to fix. So before diving into advanced fixes, let’s begin with what people often miss.

Personal Mistakes

For instance, if the TrueDepth system can’t clearly map your facial features, it’ll throw errors. Here are a few common things that people overlook while creating a Face ID:

• A low-quality glass screen protector often blocks the Face ID sensors.
• The TrueDepth camera is covered or dirty.
• Dust, oil, or fingerprints on the lens can stop the infrared mapping.
• Your face is partially blocked by hair, scarf, thick-rimmed glasses, or even angle.
• You’re holding the phone too close or too far.

How to Fix

Now that you know the common mistakes that can interrupt setup, let’s make sure your iPhone has the best chance to map your face correctly. So you can complete the setup and make Face ID a reliable unlock method from the start.

Fix 1: Uncover and Clear TrueDepth Camera

Start by carefully removing any screen protector from your iPhone, especially if it’s a thick or low-grade one. And do it gently to avoid cracking the glass beneath.

Then, take a lint-free microfiber cloth and wipe the entire top front of your iPhone. Even a light smudge or fingerprint oil spots can throw off the sensors. So, clean around the notch area carefully, as it houses the entire Face ID module.

Once it’s clean, you can try to set up Face ID again.

Fix 2: Ensure Your Face Is Within Face ID Scanning Range

There’s a sweet spot when it comes to positioning your iPhone. Apple recommends holding the device at about arm’s length or roughly 10 to 20 inches (25 to 50 centimeters). This is the ideal distance for the TrueDepth system to build a 3D model of your face without distortion.

Fix 3: Make Sure That Your Face Is Visible to TrueDepth Camera

The Face ID system relies on seeing key facial regions—eyes, the nose, and the mouth. These parts should be visible clearly within the frame,  because the dot projector and IR camera in the TrueDepth camera depend on these areas to study your facial geometry.

Also, turn your head more slowly and show every angle of your face while scanning.

Fix “Face ID Not Available Try Setting Up Later” Caused by Software Issues

Personal setup issues aside, iPhone’s software also play a major role behind the unavailable Face ID scene. And during setup, if even one of these software components fails to respond correctly, you will get the “Try Setting Up Later” message. iOS glitches can also cause this issue  even if you have already set up a Face ID.

Software Issues

For example, here are some common software-level causes this error:

• Glitches in system services or hung processes (often after a recent update).
• Older iOS versions missing the latest biometric patches.
• Partial updates where parts of the OS fail to apply completely.
• Miscommunication between the Secure Enclave and TrueDepth module.

How to Fix

Clearing up the Face ID setup error caused by software is about performing good practices for keeping your iPhone running smoothly. Let’s start with the most effective one:

Fix 1: Force Restart iPhone

A force restart isn’t a regular shutdown but it’s a cold boot, which cuts power at a hardware level. So, it will clear all hung system services from memory, which includes the biometric programs responsible for Face ID setup.

Here’s how to do a force-restart on all Face ID-supported iPhones:

• Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
• Do the same with the Volume Down button.
• Then, press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

You’ll be asked for your passcode once the system boots up.

Fix 2: Update iOS

Keeping your iPhone on the latest version of iOS is a good habit. And it’s the most recommended fix to instantly deal with the “Try Setting Up Face ID Later” error.

To update your iPhone:

• Open Settings > tap General.
• Choose Software Update.



• If an update is available, you’ll see two options: Update Now or Update Tonight. Pick whichever suits you and let iOS do the rest. Once done, you can set up the Face ID or your Face ID will work as usual.

Fix 3: Reset Face ID

If your Face ID stops working suddenly and you receive the message “Face ID not available. Try setting up later”, try to reset Face ID. Here’s how to do:

• Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
• Tap Reset Face ID.
• Confirm the action. This will erase all stored facial data. It’s a good idea to restart your iPhone after this step. 
• Once the phone is back on, return to the same menu and tap Set Up Face ID to enable this feature again.

Fix “Face ID Not Available Try Setting Up Later” Caused by System Settings

Minor tweaks in how iOS is configured can sometimes interfere with system-level features like Face ID. So if you’ve already ruled out camera obstructions and software bugs, it’s worth glancing at your system settings.

System Settings

One of the common user-reported system settings that could interfere with Face ID setup is enabled Dark Mode.

How to Fix

Apple hasn’t officially confirmed any link between Dark Mode and Face ID issues. Still, several Reddit users have noted that the setup process fails or Face ID stops working suddenly when the phone is in dark mode. So, it’s definitely worth trying.

To switch off Dark Mode:

• Open Settings.
• Tap Display & Brightness.
• Under Appearance, switch from Dark to Light option.

Once applied, your Face ID should work again.

Fix “Face ID Not Available Try Setting Up Later” Caused by Hardware Problems

In many cases, your iPhone will show a clearer message like:

“A problem was detected with the TrueDepth Camera. Face ID has been disabled.”

And that’s when you know the chances of hardware failure are high. However, even if you’re still seeing just the vague “Try Setting Up Later” message, it doesn’t rule out a hardware issue.

Hardware Problems

Here are things that point to a hardware reason for stopping Face ID from setting up or working. For instance:

• iPhone was dropped.
• iPhone was exposed to moisture and water.
• A recent screen replacement, especially done by a third-party repair shop.

All these point to a hardware failure.

How to Fix

Face ID diagnostics isn’t a DIY job. Plus, it is better not to take it to a third-party technician for anything involving the TrueDepth system. So, the only fix is to let Apple handle it.

Contact Apple for Repair

At this stage, a technician needs to take a look.

If your iPhone is out of warranty, the typical repair cost for Face ID or TrueDepth module issues is around US$ 99.

If you’re covered by AppleCare+, the repair is far cheaper, usually just a US$ 29 service fee (typical and will vary by region).

And you can either:

Book an on-site appointment (usually takes 1–3 business days), or request a mail-in repair through Apple Support.

How to Unlock iPhone Without Unavailable Face ID or Forgotten Passcode

When you’ve already set up Face ID and it stops recognizing you at the lock screen and the passcode slips from memory too, it feels like you’re stuck. However, that’s not really the case. Passixer iPhone Unlocker can help you remove any screen lock from your device without delay.

Passixer lets you wipe both Face ID and passcode from your iPhone. Whether Face ID isn’t working due to a hardware failure, or whether you have a six-digit code, a custom password, or a simple four-digit PIN, it works just the same.

Passixer supports all iPhone and iPad models with Face ID. And once the lock screen is removed, you can set up your device like new and create a fresh passcode as usual.

Key Features:

• Delete Apple ID from iPhone or iPad without password.
• Remove Screen Time passcode instantly without erasing.
• Bypass MDM and iCloud Activation Lock on managed or secondhand devices.
• Consistently deliver a high success rate across iPhone and iPad.

Steps to Remove Face ID or Passcode from iPhone with Passixer

Step 1. Open Passixer iPhone Unlocker on your Mac or Windows computer and choose the Wipe Passcode option. Now, plug in your iPhone using a stable USB cable.

Step 2. Passixer will automatically recognize the locked iPhone model. Then, check the device info and click Start to download the firmware for iPhone unlocking.

Step 3. Type 0000 and click Unlock to confirm and start removing iPhone screen lock. You’ll see a success message once the unlock is complete.

After the reboot, you can set up your device again like a brand-new iPhone. And your passcode has been removed.

Wrap up

That’s how you fix the “Face ID Not Available, Try Setting Up Later” error on iPhone. Whether it was caused by simple setup mistakes or software bugs, you now know what to do.

And for those moments when you’re locked out of your iPhone entirely, Passixer iPhone Unlocker gives you a way back in. It also helps when you’re stuck at the iCloud lock screen, facing a disabled Apple ID, or locked behind a Screen Time passcode.