Solved: Samsung Face Recognition Not Working in 7 Ways

Troubleshooting Samsung face recognition not working in 7 Ways ! You will get another useful tip to save you from tedious job now!

Author Avatar Roger Smith Last Updated: Aug. 29, 2025

A lot of users try to unlock their Samsung mobile and find that its face recognition feature is not responding. Usually caused by glitches in firmware, this issue can be a problem for those who rely on a fast and secure way to access their phone. Regardless of whether the problem started after an update or out of nowhere, fixes are available.

This guide will walk you through 7 clear and effective solutions that have helped other users solve the Samsung face recognition not working problem. Plus, it will also introduce you to a robust tool to unlock your mobile if the face lock doesn’t work and you no longer remember the backup PIN or password.

Part 1. Why Is My Samsung Face Recognition Not Working?

When the face lock suddenly stops working, it is linked to settings, lighting, or hardware issues that are easy to overlook. When you know these causes, it helps apply the right fix without wasting time. The following are the five most common reasons behind the Samsung face recognition not working dilemma:

  • Poor Lighting Conditions: Face recognition depends on your phone’s front camera. When the area is too dark or too bright, it struggles to detect your facial features accurately.
  • Obstructed or Dirty Front Camera: A smudged or dusty lens can block key details of your face. Without being able to properly scan your face, the unlocking function will not work.
  • Significant Changes in Your Appearance: Glasses, hats, beards, or makeup can confuse the system. When the face looks different from when it was first registered, recognition may fail.
  • Outdated Software or System Bugs: Older firmware versions can be home to a large number of accumulated bugs that can cause the issue. These glitches can easily be the cause of the face lock not working.
  • Incorrect Facial Data Setup: When the face wasn’t scanned properly during setup, the feature may not work consistently. Re-registering your face with better alignment often helps.

Part 2. How to Fix Samsung Face Recognition Not Working?

With the reason behind this problem identified, the next step is to apply the right solution. Detailed below are 7 practical ways to fix Samsung face recognition not working, each one targeting the most common causes:

Fix 1. Clean the Front Camera

Since a dirty or smudged camera lens can block key facial features, use a soft microfiber cloth to gently clean the targeted area. Here, avoid using harsh chemicals or excessive pressure to not damage the lens. Once cleaned, try unlocking your phone again to see if the Samsung face recognition not working issue is gone.

Fix 2. Disable and Re-Enable Face Unlock

Sometimes, toggling on and off the face unlock switch can fix hidden bugs or memory issues in the system. This refresh resets the function without deleting your saved facial data. Follow these steps to fix the Samsung face recognition not working problem with this technique:

Step 1. Get into the mobile settings and access the Security and Privacy tab. On the following screen, opt for the Biometrics option in the Additional Security Settings section.

Tap Security and Privacy to Select Biometrics

Tap Security and Privacy to Select Biometrics

Step 2. Within the Biometrics tab, choose the Face Recognition option and toggle the Face Unlock button off and on.

Tap Face Recognition and Enable Face Lock

Tap Face Recognition and Enable Face Lock

Fix 3. Remove the Accessories

Wearing things like hats, sunglasses, or masks can interfere with face detection. These items may cover key points on your face, making it harder for the system to match your features correctly. So, remove if you are wearing any, and check if the Samsung face recognition not working dilemma is resolved.

Fix 4. Software Update

An outdated firmware on your mobile can cause the Samsung face recognition not working error due to compatibility or security issues. Not updating the system software can even cause the biometric lock to become extremely slow. Employ the following guide to get the firmware of your phone to its latest iteration:

Instructions: Access the Software Update tab in the mobile settings and tap the Download and Install option. Lastly, hit the Install Now button to commence the firmware upgrade operation.

Install Now in Software Update

Install Now in Software Update

Fix 5. Re-register Face and Remove any Facial Data

When the initial face scan wasn’t done properly or your appearance has changed, the system may struggle to recognize you. Deleting the old data and registering your face again under good lighting can improve accuracy. Use these steps to fix the Samsung face recognition not working issue:

Step 1. As you move to the Security and Privacy tab in settings, opt for Biometrics to proceed. Here, tap the Face Recognition button to access the related menu.

Face Recognition in Biometrics

Face Recognition in Biometrics

Step 2. On the following screen, press Remove Face Data and confirm this action by tapping Remove.

Remove Face Data via Remove

Remove Face Data via Remove

Step 3. Afterward, reboot the phone and make your way to the Face Recognition tab again. Here, press Register Face and tap Continue to follow the on-screen instructions.

Register Face

Register Face

Fix 6. Enable Brighten Screen

In an environment with really low light, your phone might struggle to scan your face accurately. Enabling the “Brighten screen” option lights up the display during scanning, helping the camera see your features more clearly. Here is how to fix the Samsung face recognition not working problem:

Step 1. Approach the Security and Privacy tab using the Settings app and choose the Biometrics option.

Choose Biometrics

Choose Biometrics

Step 2. When you tap Face Recognition, make sure the Brighten Screen switch is enabled on the following screen.

Toggle on Brighten Screen

Toggle on Brighten Screen

Fix 7. Reset All Phone Settings

When none of the other solutions work, restoring all mobile configurations can clear hidden conflicts without deleting your personal data. This resets system defaults for features like biometrics, connectivity, and display. Opt for these steps for solving Samsung face recognition not working:

Step 1. Get access to the Settings app from the home screen and navigate the General Management tab to select the Reset button

Choose Reset in General Management

Choose Reset in General Management

Step 2. Following that, press Reset All Settings and hit the Reset Settings button before providing the mobile lock code to complete the action.

Reset Settings

Reset Settings

Part 3. Bonus. Remove Face Recognition When It Is Unavailable – DroidKit

When the face recognition continues to fail despite all attempts, it might be time to consider an alternative method to access your phone. It becomes necessary when the screen stays locked due to no backup lock code. In such a situation, a tool like DroidKit-Android Screen Unlocker can help you bypass the issue safely and securely.

DroidKit by iMobie is a powerful Android solution designed to fix various phone problems, including screen locks and system errors. It allows you to remove face recognition and other lock types without needing the password. That makes it perfect for cases where you face the Samsung face recognition not working problem. With a dynamic design and step-by-step process, even new users can unlock their Samsung phone with it.

DroidKit – Unlock Phone without Password

  • Unlock all types of screen locks on an Android phone in minutes.
  • Unlock 20,000+ models of Android phones & tablets.
  • No technical knowledge is required; No need to root your device.
  • Bypass Samsung FRP lock if forgot Google account password.

Free Download100% Clean & Safe

Free Download100% Clean & Safe

Free Download * 100% Clean & Safe

Detailed Guide to Remove Face Lock from Samsung Devices Using DroidKit:

Step 1. Run the latest version of DroidKit on the computer and select the Screen Unlocker option.

Select Screen Unlocker Mode

Select Screen Unlocker Mode

Step 2.  Connect your device to the computer > Click Start.

Connect Your Android Device

Connect Your Android Device

Step 3. When DroidKit prepares a configuration file for your device > Click Remove Now.

Click Remove Now Button

Click Remove Now Button

Step 4. Confirm your device brand > Tap on Next.

Confirm your Device Brand and Continue

Confirm your Device Brand and Continue

Step 5. Follow the on-screen instructions to put your device into recovery mode and wipe cache partition on your phone.

Remove the Screen Password

Remove the Screen Password

Step 6. After that, DroidKit will start to unlock your locked phone till you see the Lock Screen Removal Completed page.

Conclusion

In summary, facing the Samsung face recognition not working issue can disrupt your routine. That is really the case when it limits quick access to your phone. Luckily, the reason comes down to small glitches or setting conflicts that can be fixed. From cleaning the camera to updating the software, each method targets a specific cause to restore normal working.

And if nothing else works, tools like DroidKit offer a last-resort option to regain access without hassle. Try each fix patiently, and you’ll likely restore smooth face unlock in minutes.

Free Download

Free Download

* 100% Clean & Safe

Free Download * 100% Clean & Safe

Author Avatar
Roger Smith Twitter Share Facebook Share

Roger Smith is a senior technical writer with years of experience in providing Android solutions. He loves to help users solve various problems such as Android unlock, Android data recovery, and Android system repair.

Back to Top Icon