iPhone XS Face ID failing in bright conditions

[maerz001]

In recent times it started that face ID fails while I’m outside in the sun or in bright conditions.

inside it mostly works.

so i tried to reset FaceID outside, but it doesn’t even recognize my face according to the message in the process.

what i can see is that there is some dust under the front facing camera. Even if the XS was never opened. Still selfies look perfectly fine.

but maybe there is also dust under the scanner. Does someone have experience with cleaning that?

 

[LFC2020]

No issues here in direct sunlight, I’d have apple look at it, worse case scenario you get a replacement and away you go. ?

 

[maerz001]

No issues here in direct sunlight, I’d have apple look at it, worse case scenario you get a replacement and away you go. ?

Out of warranty $500

 

[LFC2020]

Out of warranty $500

Stuff that, phone isn’t even 3 years old yet, I’d try my luck at a apple store, you might get someone who’s willing to offer you a replacement phone.

 

[BugeyeSTI]

Out of warranty $500

I've always had issues in direct bright sunlight with my iPhone X. Everywhere else it works as designed even in a pitch black room..

 

[Apple_Robert]

I've always had issues in direct bright sunlight with my iPhone X. Everywhere else it works as designed even in a pitch black room..

I have had a problem 2 - 3 times in direct sunlight with my 12 mini.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Out of warranty $500

Your phone is probably fine. The problem was the direct sunlight on your phone, which can cast light as a bright prism making it almost impossible for the sensor to properly read your face at that moment.

 

[maerz001]

Your phone is probably fine. The problem was the direct sunlight on your phone, which can cast light as a bright prism making it almost impossible for the sensor to properly read your face at that moment.

Well it was working fine outside for the last years. Just recently it started.
It makes no difference if The phone is in direct light or Just my face.
And we are still in winter sun...

 

[Apple_Robert]

Well it was working fine outside for the last years. Just recently it started.
It makes no difference if The phone is in direct light or Just my face.
And we are still in winter sun...

With this information, it sounds like you may have a problem. Have you tried redoing Face ID or setting up as new? Usually with Face ID failure, you get an onscreen warning message.

 

[maerz001]

Well yes. As stated above if i reset and try to do it outside it doesn’t even recognize my face. Just inside i can to the scan.
Thats why i asked about the cleaning process.

i mean i would go to an apple store. But atm i’m stuck in Croatia with no stores here. The next are in Italy. But boarders crossing to Italy require an negative PCR test costing 100€. And now they have lockdown anyway

 

[maerz001]

ok so I opened it up today. as you can see on the pictures it was a looooot of dust inside covering all the sensors.
used pressured air to clean it out and voila FaceID works again

this is after cleaning. yes water resistance isn't anymore...

 

[Apple_Robert]

You should be able to buy some new phone seals from ifixit.com Good job removing all the dust.

 

[hkoksalk]

ok so I opened it up today. as you can see on the pictures it was a looooot of dust inside covering all the sensors.
used pressured air to clean it out and voila FaceID works again

View attachment 1750300

View attachment 1750301


this is after cleaning. yes water resistance isn't anymore...

View attachment 1750303

View attachment 1750302

It is shamefull that this much dust can get inside a dust/water resistance device.

anyways, I have exactly the same problem, I can see the dust just by looking at it. Faceid works perfect indoor, perfect in shady/dark outdoor setting, and almost impossible to get it to work when outside on a shiny day.

I have a 3 y/o Iphone XS, without any repair history. I’ve just got out of Apple Store 2 mins ago. They said they’d either need to change the screen (around 360€), or change the phone (around 650€). I said, I understand that my device is out of warranty, but it is also apparent that the cause is not misuse, and the seals of the phone failed to keep the dust out, why do I have to pay such a high cost? They said they understand my reasoning but there’s nothing they can do because warranty period is over.
Frustrated as hell.

Thanks for sharing the photos, I think I’ll try the same.

 

[maerz001]

It is shamefull that this much dust can get inside a dust/water resistance device.

anyways, I have exactly the same problem, I can see the dust just by looking at it. Faceid works perfect indoor, perfect in shady/dark outdoor setting, and almost impossible to get it to work when outside on a shiny day.

I have a 3 y/o Iphone XS, without any repair history. I’ve just got out of Apple Store 2 mins ago. They said they’d either need to change the screen (around 360€), or change the phone (around 650€). I said, I understand that my device is out of warranty, but it is also apparent that the cause is not misuse, and the seals of the phone failed to keep the dust out, why do I have to pay such a high cost? They said they understand my reasoning but there’s nothing they can do because warranty period is over.
Frustrated as hell.

Thanks for sharing the photos, I think I’ll try the same.

Yes im wondering what apples aim is. Money of course but with billions on the account it will get boring.

They do a lot of green washing.
and fail to offer service which was for me 10min of work.

 

[vibhu.gurjar]

ok so I opened it up today. as you can see on the pictures it was a looooot of dust inside covering all the sensors.
used pressured air to clean it out and voila FaceID works again

View attachment 1750300

View attachment 1750301


this is after cleaning. yes water resistance isn't anymore...

View attachment 1750303

View attachment 1750302

Bro same prblem with me . My phone camera doing great but having some dust particles in it face id works very well at night or in room but in light it doesn’t work please tell me what to do

 

[maerz001]

Try ifixit for opening instructions. And as said air to blow the dust out. Cotton sticks (Q-tip we call them here) can help.
No liquids