Face ID Not Working on Apps Like WhatsApp, Banking, or PayPal? Here’s the Fix

If Face ID isn’t working on apps like WhatsApp, PayPal, or your banking app, you’re not alone. Many iPhone users face this issue after iOS updates, app changes, or security restrictions.

The good news? It’s usually a quick fix. This guide explains why Face ID stops working in third-party apps and how to restore it — step-by-step.

1. Check If Face ID Is Enabled for That App

Apple gives each app its own Face ID permission.

If Face ID stopped working after an update, it might simply be turned off.

Here’s how to fix it:

1. Go to Settings → Face ID & Passcode.
2. Enter your passcode.
3. Scroll to Use Face ID For and ensure Other Apps is enabled.
4. Tap Other Apps → make sure WhatsApp, PayPal, or your banking app is toggled on.

✅ Try reopening the app — Face ID should now prompt correctly.

2. Update iOS and the App

Outdated software can cause Face ID to malfunction or lose permissions.

To update:

• Go to Settings → General → Software Update.
• Tap Download and Install if an update is available.
• Also, open the App Store → tap your profile icon → Update All.

🔄 Many Face ID bugs disappear after updating both iOS and the app.

3. Reset Face ID and Re-Register Your Face

Sometimes Face ID data becomes corrupted or less accurate.

Reset Face ID:

1. Go to Settings → Face ID & Passcode.
2. Tap Reset Face ID.
3. Tap Set Up Face ID to scan your face again.

💡 Tip: Scan your face in good lighting and hold your phone at eye level.

4. Check for App-Specific Face ID Settings

Some apps, like PayPal or banking apps, have internal security settings that override iPhone’s Face ID toggle.

For example:

• WhatsApp: Go to Settings → Privacy → Screen Lock → Use Face ID.
• PayPal: Open Settings → Login and Security → Face ID.
• Banking Apps: Check Settings → Security or Biometric Login.

If Face ID is off inside the app, toggle it back on.

5. Disable and Re-Enable Face ID Permissions

If Face ID still doesn’t work, reset the connection between the app and Face ID.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Other Apps.
2. Turn off Face ID for the affected app.
3. Restart your iPhone.
4. Re-enable Face ID for the app.

This often clears cached permission conflicts.

6. Check for Security or Region Restrictions

Certain banking apps or corporate versions of PayPal may restrict Face ID for security compliance reasons.
If this happens only on one app, check the developer’s help page or contact customer support.

7. Still Not Working? Try a Full Settings Reset

If none of the above works, your iPhone’s settings might be corrupted.

Reset All Settings:

1. Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset All Settings.
2. Enter your passcode and confirm.

⚠️ This doesn’t erase your data, but it resets preferences (Wi-Fi, Face ID, etc.). After rebooting, re-enable Face ID in the affected apps.

Common Causes of Face ID Issues on Apps

• iOS update bug or Face ID calibration issue
• App permissions revoked after reinstalling
• Biometric data corruption
• App-specific Face ID toggle turned off
• Device orientation or lighting during scan

How to Prevent Future Face ID Problems

• Keep both iOS and your apps updated.
• Periodically reset Face ID for accuracy.
• Avoid using Face ID in direct sunlight or dark environments.
• Enable Auto Updates for security patches.

FAQ: Face ID Not Working on Apps

1. Why does Face ID work for unlocking my iPhone but not for apps?

Because apps manage Face ID permissions separately. Check Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Other Apps.

2. Does Face ID work for all apps?

Only apps that support Apple’s Face ID API — some banking apps disable it for security reasons.

3. Will reinstalling the app fix Face ID issues?

Yes, it can. Deleting and reinstalling forces Face ID permission to refresh.

4. Can Face ID fail after iOS updates?

Yes. Some iOS updates reset app permissions or cause temporary Face ID glitches — re-enable it manually.

Related Articles on iPhoneErrors.com

• 🔗 The Complete Guide to Fixing Face ID Not Working on iPhone and iPad (2025 Edition)
• 🔗 Face ID Not Working After iOS Update
• 🔗 Face ID Not Working with Mask

Conclusion

When Face ID stops working on apps like WhatsApp, PayPal, or your bank app, it’s almost always a permission or settings issue — not a hardware failure.

Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have your Face ID back up in minutes.

👉 Explore more iPhone troubleshooting and security guides at iPhoneErrors.com — your trusted resource for fixing iPhone issues, fast.