If you’ve ever opened your iPhone’s Settings app only to find the Face ID & Passcode option missing, you’re not alone. This critical security feature missing can be confusing and frustrating, especially if you’re trying to change your passcode or Face ID settings. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why Face ID and Passcode is not in Settings and walk you through how to fix it step by step.
Whether you’re using an iPhone 16, 15, 14, 13, or an earlier model that supports Face ID, the methods below will help you restore the missing option and regain full control of your device’s security settings.
Before jumping into solutions, it’s helpful to understand why your iPhone is not showing the Face ID and Passcode section in Settings. Here are the most common reasons:
1. Screen Time restrictions: Certain content and privacy settings can disable or hide this option.
2. Mobile Device Management (MDM): If your iPhone is controlled by an organization, MDM profiles can block access to this option.
3. Microsoft Exchange email accounts: Some work or school email accounts impose device restrictions.
4. Software glitches: Occasionally, a jailbreak or bug in iOS can cause features to disappear or behave abnormally.
The most common reason the Face ID & Passcode option is missing in Settings is due to Screen Time restrictions. This feature is typically used by parents or administrators to limit access to certain parts of the iPhone.
1. Open the Settings app and tap Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
2. Tap Passcode Changes and if prompted, enter your Screen Time passcode, then select Allow.
If Face ID & Passcode was restricted, it should now be visible again in the main Settings menu. If you forgot your Screen Time passcode, see how to reset Screen Time passcode.
If your iPhone was provided by an employer or school, or you installed a profile for VPN or app management, it may be under Mobile Device Management. MDM allows administrators to configure restrictions—including not showing the Face ID & Passcode settings.
1. Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
2. If you see a Mobile Device Management or MDM profile, tap it.
3. Read the profile details to check what restrictions are in place. If the profile restricts passcode or biometric settings, you’ll either need to remove the profile or contact the organization that manages your device.
Some users unknowingly trigger this issue by adding a work or school email that’s linked to a Microsoft Exchange account. These accounts can impose device policies that disable the Face ID & Passcode option.
1. Open Settings > Mail > Accounts.
2. Tap on any work or school email accounts (usually Exchange) and choose Delete Account.
3. Restart your iPhone and check if Face ID & Passcode has returned.
If this works, you can try adding the email account back and checking if the restrictions return.
If the Face ID & Passcode option is still not in Settings, try resetting all settings.
1. Go to Settings > General.
2. Tap Transfer or Rest iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.
3. Enter your passcode and confirm.
This resets all settings (Wi-Fi, VPN, preferences) but doesn’t delete your data. Once done, check to see if the Face ID & Passcode option is back in the Settings menu.
If none of the above methods work and Face ID & Passcode is still not showing in your iPhone's Settings, the issue might be rooted deeper in iOS. A safe and effective way to fix iOS system problems—without data loss—is to use iSumsoft iOS Refixer. This professional iOS repair tool can fix system glitches that may cause certain settings missing, including Face ID & Passcode.
1. Download and install iSumsoft iOS Refixer on your PC, then launch the program.
2. Connect your iPhone to your computer via USB cable, then unlock your iPhone and tap Trust if prompted.
3. Select the System Repair option.
4. Select Standard Mode and click Start to confirm your selection.
5. Click Next to let the program recognize your iPhone.
6. Click Download to download the firmware package needed to fix iOS.
7. Once the firmware download is complete, click Repair to start fixing your iPhone.
8. When prompted with a success repair, unlock your iPhone and open Settings and you should see the Face ID & Passcode option.
In most cases, the above method should have solved your problem, and the “Face ID and Password” option should now reappear in your Settings menu. However, if it hasn’t or you don’t want to use a third-party solution, performing a factory reset is the last resort. This method resolves the issue by wiping all data and settings and reinstalling a clean version of iOS.
1. Open Settings and tap your Apple ID name at the top, then tap Find My > Find My iPhone to turn off Find My iPhone.
2. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable and tap Trust on your iPhone if prompted.
3. Open itunes on your computer (or Finder if you're on a Mac) and click the Restore iPhone button.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to begin the restoration and wait for it to complete.
5. Once done, set up your iPhone as new and check for the Face ID & Passcode setting in Settings.
The Face ID & Passcode option missing from iPhone Settings can be a confusing problem, but it's usually caused by restrictions or configuration issues. By following the step-by-step solutions above, you can often restore access.
Whether it’s disabling Screen Time restrictions, removing MDM profiles, or using a repair tool like iSumsoft iOS Refixer, the key is to identify what's blocking the setting and resolve it accordingly. In rare cases, a factory reset may be needed, but that should always be the last resort.
If you’ve tried everything and the setting is still missing, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further assistance. They can help you diagnose if it’s a hardware issue or an internal software corruption.