Description: Does your iPhone 18 Pro restart when Face ID fails? Apple fixed this specific bug in iOS 27.0.1. Check the affected models and update safely without erasing data.
Apple fixed an unexpected restart on iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max that could occur when Face ID authentication failed. The fix arrived with iOS 27.0.1 on September 28, 2026.[1] Start by checking your installed version rather than resetting the phone.
Recognize the exact symptom
The documented combination is an iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max, an unsuccessful Face ID check, and a full device restart. Being asked for your passcode after a failed scan is different. The same update also fixed a color artifact in some 2x photos on Pro models and a touchscreen freeze involving Notification Center and Control Center.[1] Apple did not specify the internal cause of the reboot or promise to fix every recognition complaint.
Check and update safely
- Open Settings > General > About to check the model and iOS version.
- Back up to iCloud or a computer. Connect to Wi-Fi and power.
- Open Settings > General > Software Update and install an official update containing the iOS 27.0.1 fix.[2]
- Confirm the version afterward and observe normal Face ID use. There is no reason to trigger repeated authentication failures.
| Situation | Next step |
|---|---|
| 18 Pro / Pro Max running iOS 27.0 | Back up and install the corrective update |
| Face ID still struggles after updating | Check camera obstruction, screen protector, lighting and settings[3] |
| Reboots continue | Record the time, model and version; contact Apple Support |
| Another iPhone model reboots | Investigate separately |
Should you reset Face ID or erase the phone?
Apple recommends checking Settings > Face ID & Passcode and removing anything covering the TrueDepth camera.[3] Re-enrolling Face ID changes the stored face setup. Erase All Content and Settings deletes local data and is not a sensible first step for a documented software bug.
Bottom line
An iPhone 18 Pro restarting immediately after Face ID fails matches the iOS 27.0.1 fix. Check the version, back up, update officially and seek support if restarts persist.
Sources (checked October 17, 2026): [1] Apple iOS 27 release notes https://support.apple.com/en-mide/149076 ; [2] Apple update guide https://support.apple.com/en-me/118575 ; [3] Apple Face ID troubleshooting https://support.apple.com/en-tm/118243 .
