Fix Iphone XR Face ID Not Working & Fingerprint Issues — Causes & Solutions

Fix Iphone XR Face ID Not Working & Fingerprint Issues — Causes & Solutions

Iphone XR with Face ID (face recognition) or fingerprint sensor not working is a common issue for many high-end smartphones like iPhone, Samsung, Oppo, Xiaomi, and more. When Face ID or the fingerprint sensor fails, it can cause inconvenience and slow down daily use. So, what are the causes? Can you fix it yourself? Let’s break it down below.

1. Signs That Iphone XR Face ID or Fingerprint Is Not Working

• Unable to set up or add a new face or fingerprint.
• Error messages like: “Face ID is not available” or “Unable to activate Touch ID.”
• Face ID does not recognize your face, or works intermittently.
• The fingerprint sensor does not respond or shows an error when placing your finger.
• Face ID works poorly in low light or when the TrueDepth camera is blurry.

2. Causes of Iphone XR Face ID & Fingerprint Sensor Not Working

• Dirt or scratches on the sensor:
  Dust or dirt covering the TrueDepth camera or fingerprint sensor can cause failed scans.
• Drops or impacts:
  Physical drops may damage cables or the Face ID camera module.
• Moisture or water damage:
  Water exposure can short-circuit or corrode the sensor components.
• Faulty security IC:
  The chip that handles secure Face ID or Touch ID signals may be damaged, shorted due to incorrect repairs or poor-quality screen replacements.
• Software errors:
  System conflicts, bugs, or jailbreaking (for iPhone) can disable Face ID or Touch ID features.

3. Temporary DIY Solutions for Face ID & Fingerprint Issues

• ✅ Clean the sensor:
  Use a soft cloth to gently wipe the front camera (TrueDepth) or the fingerprint sensor area.
• ✅ Restart Iphone XR:
  Restart the device to clear any temporary software glitches.
• ✅ Check for OS updates:
  Go to Settings → Software Update and install the latest patches.
• ✅ Delete and re-register Face ID/Fingerprint:
  Remove existing face or fingerprint data and set it up again.

4. Repair Diagram & Workflow for Iphone XR Face ID & Fingerprint

If the temporary fixes don’t solve the problem, then Iphone XR likely has a hardware fault. A professional technician typically follows this workflow:

• Inspect the sensor module:
  Open the device, check the Face ID or fingerprint sensor connections, and test with a new module if needed.
• Check the TrueDepth camera system:
  For iPhone, Face ID involves the infrared camera, flood illuminator, and dot projector — check the schematic to measure voltage and signals.
• Test the security IC:
  Use the mainboard diagram to locate the Face ID/Touch ID IC and measure input/output voltages.
• Repair or replace ICs:
  If the IC is faulty, a technician may replace it or bridge lines based on the schematic diagram.

5. Tips When Repairing Face ID & Fingerprint Issues

• Face ID and Touch ID are security features with encryption — don’t replace parts carelessly, as it may permanently disable the function.
• Do not disassemble Iphone XR without the right tools and skills.
• Choose a trusted repair center with proper equipment for testing and micro-soldering.
• Always ask for a clear repair plan, cost estimate, and warranty policy before agreeing.

Conclusion

Iphone XR with Face ID or fingerprint sensor failure is not uncommon, but fixing it incorrectly can permanently disable these features. If cleaning, restarting, or updating doesn’t help, visit a trusted repair center where technicians can check the issue properly with a schematic and the right process.

📌 Tip: You can find more schematics, repair diagrams, and technical discussions for free at the community forum it.vtivi.com — a place for sharing repair knowledge for phones and laptops.