FAQ
TL;DR: iPhone X Face ID relies on 3 components; if any is damaged, it fails. "3 elements are responsible." This FAQ helps DIYers and repair shops troubleshoot Face ID not working after a display swap. [Elektroda, RafalB, post #18358990]
Why it matters: Avoid turning a routine screen swap into a costly Face ID failure.
Quick Facts
- iPhone X uses an OLED screen, not LCD; order OLED‑compatible parts. [Elektroda, olo14012012, post #19960214]
- Face ID depends on three elements; damage to any one breaks it. [Elektroda, RafalB, post #18358990]
- Display “programming” copies True Tone only; it does not restore Face ID. [Elektroda, blahfff, post #18354499]
- The earpiece/speaker module on the display is part of Face ID and is easy to damage. [Elektroda, JacekJbk, post #18359979]
- Not every replacement display supports True Tone data copy; it depends on the part. [Elektroda, bogdan2491, post #18354488]
Why did Face ID stop working after my iPhone X display swap?
The earpiece/speaker module is part of the Face ID assembly and sits on the display. It is easy to damage when moving it. Any damage there disables Face ID immediately. [Elektroda, JacekJbk, post #18359979]
Why doesn’t Face ID work even after refitting the original screen?
Screen changes do not disable Face ID. Damage to the TrueDepth flex or one of its parts is the usual cause. The flex is delicate and can tear or lift components during handling. [Elektroda, blahfff, post #18354499]
Will programming the new screen bring Face ID back?
No. "Programming the display only affects TruTone functions." Face ID depends on the original TrueDepth hardware, not display data. [Elektroda, blahfff, post #18354499]
Who can copy True Tone data to the new screen?
A capable service center can copy True Tone from the old screen to the new one. They use display programmers to clone the data. Ask for this after any screen replacement. [Elektroda, staś pytalski, #18354405]
Can I install Face ID from another iPhone to fix it?
No. "Only an authorized Apple service center can do this," and they replace the entire front assembly. Cross‑device modules will not pair with your logic board. [Elektroda, blahfff, post #18354564]
Is the earpiece/speaker flex really part of Face ID?
Yes. The “speaker module” you unplug is a Face ID element on the display. Mishandling it during swaps commonly breaks Face ID. [Elektroda, JacekJbk, post #18359979]
Which parts must remain original for Face ID to function?
Face ID relies on three elements. "3 elements are responsible for the correct operation of FaceID and none can be damaged." The IR camera and dot projector must stay original. [Elektroda, RafalB, post #18358990]
Can I just replace the Face ID tape/flex?
No. Replacing only the tape does not fix Face ID. Transfer the original Face ID components onto a new flex with microsoldering. Precision and sensor alignment are required. [Elektroda, blahfff, post #18357234]
After replacing the tape I see "Face ID is unavailable." What should I do?
This indicates a break in the Face ID chain. The IR camera or dot projector may be non‑original or damaged. Face ID remains unavailable until those original parts work again. [Elektroda, RafalB, post #18358990]
Can Face ID still fail after the flex is replaced correctly?
Yes. Users report "Face ID is unavailable" even after flex replacement. That outcome signals damage beyond the flex, such as sensors or their bonding. [Elektroda, Dawkobor, post #18369562]
How do I restore True Tone after a screen replacement?
- Read calibration data from the original display using a programmer.
- Write the data to the replacement display.
- Restart the phone and verify True Tone in Settings. [Elektroda, djjack, post #18354206]
Do all replacement displays accept True Tone data?
No. Some aftermarket displays do not accept programming. Success depends on the replacement’s compatibility and copying the old display’s data. [Elektroda, bogdan2491, post #18354488]
Why did TrueDepth stop working after a flex replacement?
Flex replacement can disturb delicate TrueDepth elements. Once damaged, those parts are hard or impossible to repair. Face ID will not initialize in that state. [Elektroda, RafalB, post #18358990]
Does the iPhone X have OLED or LCD?
iPhone X uses OLED, not LCD. Use OLED‑compatible parts when ordering replacements and planning calibrations. [Elektroda, olo14012012, post #19960214]
