How to Fix iPhone X Face ID Not Available

With user’s face closing to the screen, the proximity sensor starts the recognition process. The flood illuminater helps the TrueDepth camera system determine how much illumination will be needed for face recognition.

The dot projector projects over 30,000 dots in a known pattern onto the user’s face. Those dots are then photographed by infrared camera for analysis.

A 3D map of user’s face are then completed. The 3D model is then compared against the stored template. The phone authenticates the identity and unlocks or authorizes a payment.

The iPhone X shows an alert that says it is ‘unable to activate Face ID on this iPhone’.

When trying to set up Face ID on the iPhone X, we get the message 'Face ID is Not Available, try setting up Face ID later' .

Judging by this, Face ID relevant circuit has probably malfunctioned. We need to check components on Face ID relevant circuit

We can see that the infrared camera module flex cable is broken.

So the fault is probably caused by malfunction of the infrared camera.

Remove the Face ID parts. We can see clearly that the infrared camera module flex cable is broken.

Scrap off insulating varnish on the cable.

As we all know, the Face ID parts cannot be replaced. So we need to treat the broken flex cable with jumper wiring.

Tin the broken flex cable with solder paste. Once done, clean with PCB Cleaner.

Again, apply Paste Flux to the broken flex cable. Solder the two ends of the wire to the two pins of the broken cable.

Once completed, check again to make sure that there is no shorted pin or pseudo soldering condition. Clean thoroughly with PCB Cleaner afterwards.

Once done, apply some UV Curable Solder Mask to the jumper wiring area for insulation protection. Continue to solidify the flex cable under the UV Dryer Lamp.

Stick High-temperature Tape/Solder Joint Sticker on the jumper wiring area to reinforce.

Face ID can be set up successfully. The screen can be unlocked automatically. Fault cleared.