Why isn't Face Unlock unlocking my Mac?
The usual causes: macOS always wants your password after a restart; Face Unlock needs a Touch ID re-authorization every 7 days by default; changing your Mac password means setting Face Unlock up again; and dim or uneven light makes the scan fail. Check Settings → Lock Screen for a prompt telling you which one it is.
Step by step
- Just restarted? Type your password once — Face Unlock works from the next lock.
- See “Authorize with Touch ID”? Do it — Face Unlock can't type your password until you do. “Re-authorize Every” sets the interval (1–30 days).
- Changed your Mac password? Remove Face Unlock and set it up again.
- Lid closed? Connect a USB webcam — the built-in camera can't see you.
- Still failing to recognize you? Try “Match Strictness” → Balanced or Relaxed, and turn on “Scan on Wake”.
Good to know
If Notchy restarted itself after two crashes in a row, it turns Face Unlock off for safety — switch it back on in Settings → Lock Screen.
After an update that improves recognition, Settings may ask you to set Face Unlock up again.
See also
Updated
Didn't solve it?
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