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An iPhone with Face ID not working can be sold for cash, and it is priced as a phone with a functional fault, which lowers the offer compared with a fully working phone of the same model and condition. Face ID depends on the TrueDepth camera system at the top of the display, and drops, liquid exposure or a screen replacement that disturbs the system are common causes of failure. Repairing Face ID through Apple often means replacing major parts, so for most models selling with the fault declared returns more than repairing first. Declare the fault on Sell Broken iPhone for Cash for an accurate quote.
- Common message: "Face ID is not available. Try setting up Face ID later."
- Main causes: drop damage, liquid, and display or TrueDepth repairs.
- Sale result: a fault offer, priced separately from cosmetic condition.
- Before selling: sign out with the passcode and Apple Account password, then erase.
Why does Face ID stop working?
Face ID stops working when part of the TrueDepth camera system fails or cannot be verified. The system has 3 main components: a dot projector that casts more than 30,000 invisible dots, an infrared camera that reads them and a flood illuminator that lights the face in the dark. The table lists the common causes of failure.
| Cause | How it affects Face ID |
|---|---|
| Drop or impact | Damages the dot projector or its connection |
| Liquid exposure | Corrodes the TrueDepth components or the logic board |
| Display replacement | Can damage the TrueDepth flex cable during the repair |
| Non-genuine or unpaired TrueDepth parts | Face ID is disabled when parts cannot be verified |
| Software issue | Rare; usually fixed by an iOS update or a restore |
Apple's Face ID security guide describes the TrueDepth system and the secure pairing between its components and the Secure Enclave.
How do I check whether Face ID is really broken?
Check whether Face ID is broken in 5 steps:
- Clean the top of the display, where the TrueDepth camera sits, and remove any screen protector that covers it.
- Update to the latest iOS version.
- Open Settings > Face ID & Passcode and tap Reset Face ID, then set it up again.
- Note whether the message "Face ID is not available" appears.
- Test Portrait mode with the front camera, which also uses TrueDepth data on many models.
When setup fails after these steps, the fault is almost always hardware. A software restore rarely fixes it.
How much does a Face ID fault lower the offer?
A Face ID fault lowers the offer by a fault-specific amount that depends on the model, because the cost to repair or replace the TrueDepth system differs by model. No single percentage applies. The fault is priced separately from cosmetic grade, so a phone in Like New condition with failed Face ID still earns more than a heavily worn phone with the same fault. The table shows how the 2 factors combine.
| Cosmetic grade | Face ID working | Face ID not working |
|---|---|---|
| Like New | Highest offer | Fault offer for a clean phone |
| Good | Slightly lower | Fault offer, slightly lower |
| Fair or Poor | Lower | Fault offer, lower |
How Much Is a Broken iPhone Worth? Fault-by-Fault Guide compares Face ID with other faults.
Is repairing Face ID worth it before selling?
Repairing Face ID is rarely worth it before selling, for 3 reasons:
- Repair scope: Apple pairs TrueDepth components with the logic board, so a Face ID repair often requires replacing major parts or the whole device.
- Repair cost: out-of-warranty Face ID repairs on recent models can approach the cost of a replacement phone.
- Third-party limits: independent shops cannot always restore Face ID, because of part pairing.
Repair is worth considering when the phone is under warranty or AppleCare+, which covers accidental damage for a service fee. Check coverage at checkcoverage.apple.com. Does AppleCare+ Increase iPhone Resale Value? explains coverage.
Can I sell an iPhone without using Face ID?
An iPhone with failed Face ID can still be prepared for sale, because the passcode unlocks it. Turn off Find My and sign out of the Apple Account with the account password, then erase the phone in Settings. Face ID is not needed for any of these steps. How to Prepare Your iPhone to Sell: 9-Step Checklist covers each step.
Does a Face ID fault mean other parts are damaged?
A Face ID fault after a drop or liquid exposure often comes with other damage, such as a cracked screen, a cracked back or a failed front camera. Testing checks every function, so declare every known fault in the quote form. A phone with several faults is priced on the combined result. Where to Sell a Broken iPhone for Cash explains how buyers handle multiple faults.
Does a screen replacement cause Face ID problems?
A screen replacement can cause Face ID problems when the TrueDepth flex cable or the components attached to the display are damaged during the repair. On recent models, iOS also reports a replaced display in Settings > General > About under Parts and Service History. A display marked "Unknown Part" is treated as non-genuine. Selling an iPhone With an Unknown Part Message: Does It Lower the Price? explains that message.
Which models have Face ID?
Face ID is on every iPhone with a notch or Dynamic Island, from the iPhone X onward. Within the models most buybacks accept, every iPhone 11 and later model has Face ID, except the iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation, which use Touch ID in the Home button. A Touch ID fault on an iPhone SE is priced the same way as a Face ID fault.
How does testing check Face ID?
Testing checks Face ID by attempting enrollment after the phone is erased and set up for inspection. A phone that enrolls and unlocks passes. A phone that shows "Face ID is not available" or fails enrollment is graded with a Face ID fault. Technicians also check the front camera, the proximity sensor and the parts history, because these share the same area of the display.
What should I declare in the quote form?
Declare 3 facts in the quote form for a Face ID fault: Face ID does not work, the cause if known, such as a drop or a screen repair, and any other faults. Accurate answers keep the paid amount equal to the quote. When a fault is found during testing that was not declared, the buyback sends a revised offer, which the seller can accept or decline for a free return.
Can a Face ID fault be fixed by a restore?
A restore fixes Face ID only when the cause is software, which is uncommon. Try a restore through recovery mode after backing up, and set up Face ID again. When the "Face ID is not available" message remains after a clean restore, the fault is hardware. How to Put an iPhone in Recovery Mode (Every Model) lists the steps.
Is it better to sell to a buyback or privately?
A buyback is usually the better route for a phone with a Face ID fault, because private buyers often expect a fully working phone and many decline faulty ones or offer very little. A buyback prices the fault directly and pays by PayPal, Zelle or bank transfer 1–2 business days after testing. Private listings must disclose the fault, and buyers can return phones with undisclosed faults on most platforms.
Does Face ID matter to the next owner?
Face ID matters to the next owner because it secures the phone and authorizes Apple Pay and app sign-ins. Refurbishers that buy faulty phones either repair Face ID with Apple-supported service or resell the phone with the fault disclosed, or recover usable parts. That is why the fault lowers the offer without making the phone worthless.
What if Face ID fails after water exposure?
Face ID that fails after water exposure often signals liquid damage inside the phone, which can cause further faults over time. Dry the phone, do not charge it while wet, and declare liquid exposure in the quote form. Can You Sell a Water-Damaged iPhone? explains how liquid damage is priced.
Which Face ID symptoms point to which fault?
Face ID symptoms point to different faults. The table lists common patterns.
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| "Face ID is not available" on setup | Dot projector or TrueDepth hardware fault |
| "Move iPhone a little lower or higher" repeats | Partial TrueDepth fault, or a dirty or covered sensor |
| Face ID fails only in some light | Flood illuminator or infrared camera fault |
| Face ID works, but Portrait selfies fail | Front camera fault |
| Face ID stopped after a screen repair | Damaged flex cable or unverified parts |
Does a Face ID fault affect Apple Pay?
A Face ID fault does not stop Apple Pay, because payments can be confirmed with the passcode instead. Remove Apple Pay cards before selling either way, or let the sign-out and erase remove them. How to Remove Apple Pay Cards Before Selling an iPhone covers both methods.
Can I sell several phones with Face ID faults?
Several phones with Face ID faults can be sold together, with a separate quote for each phone. Businesses and repair shops with groups of 10 or more faulty phones can request a bulk quote. Sell iPhones in Bulk explains the process.
Does the fault appear in Parts and Service History?
A Face ID hardware fault itself does not appear in Parts and Service History. That section lists replaced parts, such as a display, battery or camera, and shows whether each part is genuine. A phone with a replaced display and failed Face ID shows the display entry, which helps explain the cause.
How fast is a sale with a Face ID fault?
A sale with a declared Face ID fault follows the same timeline as any mail-in sale: a quote and prepaid label by email, 2–4 days of transit, inspection within 1–2 business days of arrival and payment 1–2 business days after testing. A declared fault avoids a revised offer, which keeps the timeline short.
Frequently asked questions about selling an iPhone with Face ID not working
Can I sell my iPhone if Face ID does not work?
An iPhone with Face ID not working can be sold for cash. It is priced as a phone with a functional fault, which lowers the offer by an amount that depends on the model. Unlock it with the passcode, turn off Find My, sign out of the Apple Account and erase it before shipping.
How much less is an iPhone worth with broken Face ID?
A broken Face ID lowers the offer by a model-specific amount, because repair cost differs by model. The fault is priced separately from cosmetic grade, so a Like New phone with failed Face ID still earns more than a worn phone with the same fault. Request a quote with the fault declared to see the exact figure.
Is it worth fixing Face ID before selling?
Fixing Face ID before selling is rarely worth it, because TrueDepth components are paired with the logic board and repairs often require replacing major parts at a cost close to the phone's value. Repair makes sense mainly under warranty or AppleCare+, which covers accidental damage for a service fee. A free quote with these details shows the exact offer, which stays valid for 14 days.
Why does my iPhone say Face ID is not available?
The message "Face ID is not available" usually means part of the TrueDepth camera system has failed or cannot be verified, often after a drop, liquid exposure or a display repair. Reset Face ID and update iOS first. When the message remains after a restore, the fault is in the hardware.
Can I erase an iPhone without Face ID?
An iPhone can be erased without Face ID, because the passcode unlocks the phone and the Apple Account password turns off Find My. Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings, enter the passcode and the account password and wait for the Hello screen.
Sources and references
- Apple Support: about Face ID advanced technology, and if Face ID is not working on your iPhone.
- Apple Platform Security Guide: Face ID and the Secure Enclave.
- Apple Support: iPhone parts and service history.