How to Turn Off Face ID on Your iPhone

You can disable Face ID in Settings, or turn it off temporarily without deleting your face data

Face ID stops working the moment you turn it off in Settings — you won't need to set it up again if you change your mind later. The process takes about 30 seconds. If you want to keep Face ID but stop it from unlocking your phone in specific situations, you have other options that don't require disabling it entirely.

The reason to disable Face ID varies: you might want to use a passcode only, troubleshoot a problem, or prevent someone else from unlocking your phone with their face. Whatever the reason, your face data stays on your device and remains encrypted — turning off Face ID doesn't delete it.

Key Takeaways

Open Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode, enter your passcode, and toggle off "iPhone Unlock" to stop Face ID from unlocking your phone.
Disabling Face ID does not delete your face data, so you can turn it back on later without setting it up again.
You can keep Face ID on for apps and payments but turn off iPhone Unlock if you want only your passcode to unlock the device.
If Face ID stops working correctly, try disabling and re-enabling it before assuming there's a hardware problem.
An emergency SOS button press or five rapid passcode attempts will temporarily disable Face ID and force a passcode entry.

Disable Face ID completely in Settings

Go to Settings on your home screen. Scroll down and tap Face ID & Passcode. You'll be asked to enter your passcode — this is a security step to prevent someone else from changing your Face ID settings without permission.

Once you're in the Face ID menu, you'll see several toggles. To turn off Face ID entirely, toggle off iPhone Unlock. This stops Face ID from unlocking your phone. If you also want to disable Face ID for Apple Pay and other apps, toggle off Other Apps as well. After you toggle these off, Face ID will no longer work for any of those functions.

Your face data stays stored on your phone and remains encrypted. If you decide to turn Face ID back on later, go back to the same menu and toggle iPhone Unlock back on — you won't need to scan your face again.

Turn off Face ID for unlocking only, but keep it for apps and payments

If you want to use your passcode to unlock your phone but still use Face ID for Apple Pay, banking apps, or password managers, you can disable just the unlock feature. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode, enter your passcode, and toggle off iPhone Unlock only. Leave Other Apps toggled on.

Now your phone will require your passcode to unlock, but Face ID will still work when you're paying with Apple Pay, confirming a purchase in the App Store, or signing into apps that support Face ID. This is useful if you want the security of a passcode for device access but the convenience of Face ID elsewhere.

Temporarily disable Face ID without changing settings

If you need Face ID to stop working right now — for example, if someone is trying to unlock your phone — you have two quick options that don't require going into Settings.

Press and hold the side button and either volume button at the same time until the Emergency SOS slider appears. Release the buttons. Face ID will be disabled immediately, and your phone will require your passcode to unlock. This effect lasts until you unlock your phone with your passcode.

Alternatively, enter your passcode incorrectly five times in a row. After the fifth wrong attempt, your phone will disable Face ID and require your passcode. This also lasts until you successfully unlock with your passcode.

What happens when Face ID is disabled

Once Face ID is off, your phone will only unlock with your passcode. You won't see the Face ID prompt on the lock screen — the phone will go straight to asking for your passcode or showing the keypad.

If you disabled Face ID for unlocking but left it on for other apps, those apps will still recognize your face when you open them. Banking apps, Apple Pay, and password managers will continue to use Face ID if they're set up to do so. Only the device unlock function stops working.

Your face data is not deleted when you disable Face ID. It remains encrypted on your phone. If you turn Face ID back on, it will work immediately without requiring you to scan your face again.

Re-enable Face ID if you change your mind

Go back to Settings > Face ID & Passcode, enter your passcode, and toggle iPhone Unlock back on. Face ID will start working for unlocking your phone right away. If you also want to enable it for apps and payments, toggle Other Apps back on as well.

You don't need to delete and re-add your face data. The face scan you set up before is still there, encrypted and ready to use. The entire process of re-enabling takes less than a minute.

Troubleshoot Face ID problems before disabling it

If Face ID isn't working correctly — it's slow, keeps asking for your passcode, or fails to recognize you — try disabling and re-enabling it before assuming there's a hardware issue. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode, toggle off iPhone Unlock, wait a few seconds, and toggle it back on. This often fixes temporary glitches.

Make sure your face is fully visible and not covered by sunglasses, a hat, or a mask. Face ID works best in good lighting and when your phone is held at a normal viewing distance. If it still doesn't work after re-enabling, the issue may be with your camera or face recognition hardware, and you may need to contact Apple Support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does disabling Face ID delete my face data?

No. Your face data stays on your phone, encrypted and secure. When you turn Face ID back on, it will work immediately without requiring you to scan your face again.

Can I disable Face ID for unlocking but keep it for Apple Pay?

Yes. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode, enter your passcode, and toggle off only iPhone Unlock. Leave Other Apps toggled on. Your phone will require a passcode to unlock, but Face ID will still work for Apple Pay and other apps.

What's the fastest way to stop Face ID from working right now?

Press and hold the side button and either volume button until the Emergency SOS slider appears, then release. Face ID will be disabled immediately and your phone will require your passcode. This lasts until you unlock with your passcode.

If I disable Face ID, will I still be able to use my passcode?

Yes. Your passcode always works, whether Face ID is on or off. Disabling Face ID just removes the face recognition option — your passcode remains your primary way to unlock your phone.

How do I know if Face ID is actually disabled?

Lock your phone and try to unlock it by looking at the screen. If Face ID is disabled, your phone will not recognize your face and will show the passcode keypad instead. You'll need to enter your passcode to unlock.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.