iPhone 18 Pro Face ID Loop: Symptoms and Fixes
Some iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max users have reported a Face ID-related problem where the device freezes and restarts after an unsuccessful Face ID authentication.
The problem is different from an ordinary Face ID failure. Instead of simply asking for the passcode, the iPhone can become unresponsive and reboot.
iPhone 18 Pro Face ID Loop Symptoms
The reported problem can appear as a sequence of events:
- An app or feature requests Face ID authentication.
- Face ID fails to recognize the user.
- The iPhone becomes unresponsive.
- Touch input may stop responding.
- The device restarts.
If your iPhone only fails Face ID and immediately provides a passcode option without freezing, you may be experiencing a normal Face ID recognition problem instead.
Why Is the iPhone Restarting After Face ID Fails?
The reported freeze-and-restart behavior has been associated with a software problem in iOS 27 affecting the Face ID authentication process on the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.
Apple has confirmed that a software update is being prepared to address the issue.
Because the problem is being addressed through software, repeatedly changing Face ID settings or replacing the device should not be the first response to this specific behavior.
Workaround Until the Fix Arrives
If Face ID repeatedly triggers the freeze-and-restart behavior, avoid deliberately repeating the failed authentication sequence.
When the affected app offers another authentication method, use your iPhone passcode instead.
The passcode workaround does not repair the underlying bug. It simply avoids the Face ID authentication path that can trigger the reported problem.
Install the iOS Fix
The permanent solution is to install the iOS update containing Apple's fix once it is available.
Open:
Settings > General > Software Update
Allow the iPhone to check for updates.
If an update is available, install it and follow the instructions displayed on the screen.
If there is no update yet, check again later.
What to Do If the iPhone Freezes
If the iPhone becomes completely unresponsive, perform a force restart.
On an iPhone with Face ID:
- Quickly press and release Volume Up.
- Quickly press and release Volume Down.
- Press and hold the Side button.
- Keep holding the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
The phone should restart normally.
Do Not Confuse This With Normal Face ID Problems
A Face ID sensor can fail to recognize a face without causing a reboot.
For a normal Face ID recognition problem, check that:
- The Face ID sensor area is clean.
- Nothing is blocking the sensors.
- Your face is visible to the device.
- Face ID is enabled for the feature you are trying to use.
- The iPhone is running the latest available iOS version.
If Face ID is unavailable or continues failing after updating iOS, further troubleshooting may be necessary.
When to Contact Apple
Contact Apple or an authorized service provider if the iPhone continues restarting after the relevant software update has been installed.
You should also seek support if:
- The iPhone repeatedly restarts when Face ID is not being used.
- Face ID reports a hardware-related error.
- The device cannot complete a normal restart.
- The problem continues across multiple iOS updates.
Bottom Line
The reported iPhone 18 Pro Face ID loop involves more than a simple failed Face ID attempt. The device can freeze and restart following failed authentication.
Until Apple's software fix is installed, use the passcode when possible instead of repeatedly triggering the failed Face ID process.
Then check Settings > General > Software Update and install the relevant iOS update when it becomes available.
Originally published on Qevra
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