iPad Pro M4. Was running iOS 26.2 and everything worked perfectly normal this morning. Get noticed for 26.2.1 update before lunch break, pressed update now and went out for lunch. When getting back, update is done, and my FaceID is totally busted.
1. When trying to unlock iPad using FaceID, it keeps saying the "camera is covered".
2. Followed all the instructions from https://support.apple.com/en-gb/118243.
3. I can't set a new FaceID now.
4. Tried many "folk remedies" found on YouTube including turning on/off FaceID attention feature in Accessibility and turning on/off ScreenTime and reboot. Nothing works.
I'm not idiot and I started using FaceID whenever it's available, and I've set FaceID for myself on at least 3 iOS devices and help my family setting their FaceID on at least 5 other devices. I know how it works and now this iPad just won't do the setup.
So now my FaceID is totally bricked. For my experience of 20+ years in embedded system programming, I'd say either the facial recognition function or TrueDepth sensor fail to work after 26.2.1 update, for some unknown reason. I can't imagine any kind of "hardware damage" would happen to an iPad sitting on the desk in a locked, air conditioned office room, within 30 min, while all I did is clicking "Restart Now" when being prompted for 26.2.1 update.
This is the most Microsoft hours for me on Apple products for nearly three decades. Now I can only set a longer delay before requiring password to unlock iPad.
1. When trying to unlock iPad using FaceID, it keeps saying the "camera is covered".
- No it's of course not covered. I don't use any case or keyboard accessory or screen protector. Just vanilla, "naked" iPad Pro hold in my left hand.
- Tried to clean the whole camera and sensors area with slightly dampened cloth and wipe dry with another microfiber cloth, not working.
- Yes I know I have to type passkey for first time login after reboot, I'm not idiot, thank you.
2. Followed all the instructions from https://support.apple.com/en-gb/118243.
- It's just updated to 26.2.1.
- FaceID settings looks normal to me and most options were enabled.
- TrueDepth camera is not covered and cleaned, as mentioned above.
- No I'm not wearing any mask nor do I have any scars or makeup, and I'm buzzcut. And it worked just 30 min ago.
- Yes I stared at the camera. Not working.
- Done soft reboot from Settings → General and force reboot by volume up → volume down → lock button for multiple times. Not working.
- Reset FaceID, and now it failed when initializing FaceID setting procedure. Details described below.
3. I can't set a new FaceID now.
- It keeps saying "face out of view" while my face is 100% within the range.
- Tried different distances between face and iPad, from 1m to 20 cm. Not working.
- Tried different environmental lighting condition. Not working.
- Tried different color of top wear. Not working.
- Tried different backgrounds: sitting on office chair, meeting room, stand against the wall. Not working.
4. Tried many "folk remedies" found on YouTube including turning on/off FaceID attention feature in Accessibility and turning on/off ScreenTime and reboot. Nothing works.
I'm not idiot and I started using FaceID whenever it's available, and I've set FaceID for myself on at least 3 iOS devices and help my family setting their FaceID on at least 5 other devices. I know how it works and now this iPad just won't do the setup.
So now my FaceID is totally bricked. For my experience of 20+ years in embedded system programming, I'd say either the facial recognition function or TrueDepth sensor fail to work after 26.2.1 update, for some unknown reason. I can't imagine any kind of "hardware damage" would happen to an iPad sitting on the desk in a locked, air conditioned office room, within 30 min, while all I did is clicking "Restart Now" when being prompted for 26.2.1 update.
This is the most Microsoft hours for me on Apple products for nearly three decades. Now I can only set a longer delay before requiring password to unlock iPad.
