The iPad Pro 11 inch with the M4 chip unlocks with Face ID, a camera system in the top bezel that maps your face, and when it will not recognize you, shows a message to move the iPad or keeps asking for the passcode, the cause is usually the camera's view, the way you hold the iPad or a setting, and rarely a fault. Face ID on the iPad works in portrait and in landscape, but it needs a clear view of your face: it will not work if a case flap, a keyboard folio edge, a finger or a protector blocks the TrueDepth camera, and in landscape many people cover the camera with a hand without noticing.
The checks in more detail
A message that says Face ID cannot be used or to move the iPad down points to this. Clean the camera area at the top bezel with a soft cloth, remove a case or protector that covers it and hold the iPad so that you look at it naturally. Check the settings. Open Settings, Face ID and Passcode, enter the passcode and make sure iPad Unlock is on, along with the other uses you want, such as Apple Pay and App Store purchases.
Face ID needs Require Attention for the best security, and that setting can stop it recognizing you if your eyes are covered by sunglasses that block infrared; turn it off only if you need to, knowing it lowers security. If recognition is poor, tap Reset Face ID and set it up again in good light, completing both scans, and consider Set Up an Alternate Appearance if you often change your look, for example with glasses. Masks and heavy scarves can confuse it. Software and restarts matter.
After a restart, an update or several failed attempts, the iPad asks for the passcode and will not use Face ID until it is entered, which is by design. Restart the iPad, update iPadOS and try again. If Face ID says it is not available and a restart does not fix it, the TrueDepth camera may be damaged, and Apple can test it. A drop or liquid damage can cause this. Keep the passcode safe, because it is the real key to the iPad, and contact Apple Support with the serial number if Face ID cannot be set up at all.
Differential
Likely causes of “Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) biometric unlock is not working”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A case or hand covering the camera
What separates it Face ID will not read
How to confirm Uncover the TrueDepth camera, especially in landscape
- 2
A dirty camera area
What separates it Recognition is poor
How to confirm Wipe the top bezel
- 3
Require Attention with blocked eyes
What separates it Face ID refuses with sunglasses
How to confirm Remove them or adjust the setting
- 4
A face scan made in poor light
What separates it Frequent failures
How to confirm Reset Face ID and set it up again
- 5
A damaged TrueDepth camera
What separates it Face ID is not available
How to confirm Apple service
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The message shown
- Whether a case covers the camera
- Whether it works in portrait
- Whether the iPad was dropped
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedUncover the camera
ReversibleIn both orientations.
Wipe the top bezel
ReversibleWith a soft cloth.
Check Face ID and Passcode
ReversibleiPad Unlock on.
Reset Face ID
ReversibleAnd set it up in good light.
Restart and update
ReversibleiPadOS.
Contact Apple
ReversibleIf it is unavailable.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- TrueDepth camera
- Face ID uses the camera in the top bezel.
- Landscape
- A hand often covers the camera.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If Face ID says it is not available after a restart, contact Apple with the serial number
- !Remember the passcode
- !Update iPadOS
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Does the iPad Pro use Face ID?+
Yes.
Does it work in landscape?+
Yes, if the camera is clear.
Why does it ask for the passcode?+
After a restart or failed tries it always does.
Can sunglasses stop it?+
If they block infrared.