Face ID failing after an iOS update, a new hairstyle, glasses, makeup, or a different viewing angle? Here’s how to fix iPhone Face ID with Alternate Appearance, attention settings, and Apple’s official troubleshooting steps—plus today’s iOS 26.2.1 and Face ID headlines.
Face ID is supposed to be the “it just works” feature on an iPhone—until the day it doesn’t. One moment your iPhone unlocks instantly; the next, it fails repeatedly and demands your passcode. That whiplash has become a common complaint, especially when your appearance changes (makeup, glasses, facial hair), when you’re holding the phone at an odd angle, or after an iOS update.
The good news: Apple includes a lesser-known iOS option designed specifically for inconsistent recognition—“Set Up an Alternate Appearance.” Several outlets have highlighted that this setting can noticeably improve Face ID accuracy by giving your iPhone a second full face scan to compare against, rather than relying on just one enrolled look. ( mint)
Below is a detailed, practical guide you can publish today—plus the latest Face ID and iOS 26 update news for January 13, 2026.
Key takeaways
- Start with “Alternate Appearance” if Face ID struggles after appearance changes or when unlocking from different angles. ( mint)
- Don’t ignore the basics: clean the TrueDepth camera area, update iOS, and confirm nothing is blocking your eyes/nose/mouth. ( Apple Support)
- Attention settings can matter: “Require Attention for Face ID” is more secure, but adjusting it may help some users with accessibility needs. ( Apple Support)
- Today’s iPhone software chatter: Apple is reportedly preparing iOS 26.2.1 (a minor bug-fix/security update) ahead of iOS 26.3 later this month. ( MacRumors)
- Today’s Face ID headlines include security and hardware: requiring Face ID for App Store actions, and fresh rumors about Face ID’s role in Apple’s 2026 iPhone roadmap. ( The Mac Observer)
Why iPhone Face ID suddenly stops working properly
Apple’s official troubleshooting guidance points to a few recurring culprits:
- Obstructions over the TrueDepth camera (smudges, screen protectors, cases, dirt). ( Apple Support)
- Your face being partially blocked (mask placement, sunglasses that interfere with infrared, hats/scarves). ( Apple Support)
- Angle and distance issues: Apple notes Face ID works best when the TrueDepth camera can see your face clearly at a typical selfie distance—roughly an arm’s length or closer (Apple references about 10–20 inches). ( Apple Support)
- Settings or enrollment mismatch: if Face ID was set up under one “look,” dramatic changes (heavy makeup, beard growth, new glasses) can increase failures—especially early on before the system “learns” your updated appearance. ( Apple Support)
This is exactly where Alternate Appearance can help.
The “hidden” iOS fix: What Alternate Appearance actually does
The Alternate Appearance option lets you enroll a second, full Face ID scan under different conditions. Instead of relying on one facial map, your iPhone can compare against two complete scans, which can improve unlock success across a wider range of angles and looks. ( mint)
One important limitation: outlets reporting on the feature emphasize it’s meant for your own regularly changing appearance, not as a way to “share” Face ID with another person. ( mint)
How to set up an Alternate Appearance on iPhone
Use this when Face ID fails with makeup, glasses, headwear, changing hairstyles, or when you often unlock from a particular angle (for example, your iPhone on a desk stand).
Step-by-step
- Open Settings
- Tap Face ID & Passcode
- Enter your device passcode
- Tap Set Up an Alternate Appearance
- Follow the on-screen scan instructions (the same “move your head in a circle” process). ( mint)
Tips that make the second scan more effective
- Scan in the conditions that usually break Face ID. If Face ID fails when you wear glasses or makeup—or when you hold your phone at a certain “awkward” angle—enroll your alternate appearance that way. ( mint)
- Mind the distance. LiveMint cites Apple guidance to hold the device about 25–30 cm from your face during setup (roughly 10–12 inches). Apple’s general Face ID guidance similarly notes typical selfie range (about 10–20 inches). ( mint)
Don’t confuse these two toggles: “Require Attention” vs “Attention Aware Features”
When Face ID feels unreliable, many users hunt through settings and flip random switches. Two options that commonly get mixed up are:
1) Require Attention for Face ID
This adds security by unlocking only when your iPhone detects you’re looking at it with your eyes open. Apple explicitly notes requiring attention makes Face ID more secure. ( Apple Support)
What to do:
- If you’re troubleshooting and you have accessibility needs (or difficulty consistently looking directly at the screen), you can experiment with this toggle—just understand the security trade-off. The setting is available under Settings > Accessibility > Face ID & Attention on supported iPhones. ( Apple Support)
2) Attention Aware Features
This is not the same as Face ID unlocking. It’s about iPhone behaviors such as:
- keeping the display from dimming while you’re looking,
- lowering alert volume when you’re looking,
- expanding notifications on the lock screen. ( Apple Support)
Apple’s support guidance describes how to toggle Attention Aware Features in settings (depending on model/iOS version). ( Apple Support)
Bottom line:
If your issue is Face ID unlock failures, Alternate Appearance, cleaning the sensor area, and re-enrolling Face ID usually matter more than Attention Aware behaviors—but it’s worth knowing what each option actually changes.
If Face ID still won’t work, Apple’s official troubleshooting checklist
If Alternate Appearance doesn’t fix it—or if Face ID stopped working after an iOS update—Apple’s own checklist is a strong “next steps” flow:
- Update iOS/iPadOS to the latest version available. ( Apple Support)
- Check Face ID settings (confirm Face ID is set up and enabled for the features you’re trying to use). ( Apple Support)
- Clean and uncover the TrueDepth camera area (no smudges, no case/screen protector blocking it). ( Apple Support)
- Ensure your face isn’t blocked (eyes/nose/mouth visible; be careful with masks and sunglasses). ( Apple Support)
- Restart your iPhone, then try again. ( Apple Support)
- Reset Face ID, then set it up again from scratch if problems persist. ( Apple Support)
- If you can’t enroll Face ID at all (or your camera isn’t working), Apple advises you may need service. ( Apple Support)
Today’s iOS update news: iOS 26.2.1 looks imminent, iOS 26.3 beta continues
While Face ID issues can be “just settings,” software updates matter—especially if your problems started right after upgrading.
iOS 26.2.1: a small update expected before iOS 26.3
According to MacRumors, Apple engineers have begun testing iOS 26.2.1 (spotted via MacRumors visitor logs), and the site expects it to be a minor bug-fix and/or security patch that could arrive this week or next. ( MacRumors)
Separately, Geeky Gadgets reports iOS 26.2.1 is aimed at resolving issues users have associated with iOS 26.2—such as performance slowdowns and battery problems—though Apple itself typically doesn’t pre-announce specific bug fixes until release notes appear. ( Geeky Gadgets)
iOS 26.3: second beta is out for developers
MacRumors also reports Apple seeded the second beta of iOS 26.3 to developers (and iPadOS 26.3), about four weeks after the first beta. ( MacRumors)
Today’s Face ID-related headlines: App Store security & 2026 iPhone roadmap rumors
Beyond troubleshooting, Face ID itself is in the news today—both as a security feature and as a hardware design constraint.
You can require Face ID for App Store downloads and purchases
A MacObserver how-to published today highlights that iPhone owners can tighten App Store actions using Face ID—by enabling iTunes & App Store under Settings > Face ID & Passcode. ( The Mac Observer)
This matters if you share devices in a household or want to reduce accidental downloads—especially while Face ID is otherwise acting up.
Rumors: some 2026 iPhones may lean on Touch ID in certain designs
A Moneycontrol report dated January 13, 2026 claims Apple’s rumored 2026 lineup could include a foldable iPhone, and suggests that space constraints could push Apple toward Touch ID instead of Face ID on a foldable design. (This remains unconfirmed—Apple has not announced a foldable iPhone.) ( Moneycontrol)
What to do right now if you’re locked out often
If you want the quickest, lowest-risk path:
- Clean the sensor area and remove anything blocking the TrueDepth camera. ( Apple Support)
- Set up Alternate Appearance based on your most common “failure condition.” ( mint)
- Restart your iPhone, then test Face ID in good light and at standard distance. ( Apple Support)
- Update iOS, and watch for iOS 26.2.1 if you’ve had broader performance issues. ( Apple Support)
- If Face ID is still failing consistently, reset Face ID and re-enroll. ( Apple Support)
