TrueDepth Camera on the iPhone X, iPhone XS, and iPhone XR

Image via Apple
In the newest iPhones of today, you know what is in the notch. The notch serves its own purpose: to house the frontal sensors and its TrueDepth camera inside it. All of the newest iPhones, from the X to the XR, have a TrueDepth camera. Let’s dig a little deeper into the notch of your iPhone!

Functions and Specifications 

To begin this article, the TrueDepth camera in your iPhone depicts of many different features it can do. One of its functions is Face ID, which involves the dot projector to work together with the TrueDepth camera to unlock your iPhone with your face. The 7 MP camera takes beautiful and stunning selfies on your iPhone and captures 1080p videos with a f/2.2 aperture. 3D information is taken for the purpose of Animoji, Memoji and Face ID.

There’s many specifications about the TrueDepth camera module. There’s a dot projector for Face ID, and a flood illuminator to shine the infrared light to your face to unlock your iPhone. The camera has several stunning features, such as Retina Flash, wide color capture, and frontal Portrait Mode. Image stabilization and body/face detection are the other minor features of the TrueDepth camera.

TrueDepth Camera Issues and Problems


When the TrueDepth camera is blocked by a case of screen protector, it won’t be able to detect anything. Dust and debris can also be factors that the TrueDepth camera is covered. The TrueDepth camera can work regardless if you wear sunglasses, glasses, a hat or a beard. The iPhone’s software uses machine learning to detect every facial changes that can happen anytime, so if you get your eyebrows done or a Botox injection, your iPhone will ask for a passcode to update your Face ID data. But if you have significant facial changes such as plastic surgery or dark sunglasses (they shouldn’t have coatings blocking infrared light), you have to register a new face.

How to Register a New Face for Face ID 

Registering another face to Face ID is the same process as registering your first one. But the steps in the beginning are slightly different. Here’s how it works:
  1. Go to Settings > Face ID and Passcode, then enter your iPhone passcode. You’ll need to remember it or else you have to reset your iPhone!
  2. In the Face ID page, tap “Set up an Alternative Appearance.” Then look at your iPhone’s TrueDepth camera, and roll your head around the circle on the screen! If you’re unable to move your head during the process, tap on Accessibility Options and you’ll be given alternative instructions.
  3. Once you’re done registering your face, tap Continue. Then repeat Step #2 one more time. After you registered your face, tap Done. You’re all set.

Hardware Failures of the TrueDepth Camera 

Not only obstruction or facial changes can mess up with the TrueDepth camera’s functionality, but the camera module may malfunction or fail. If all of the above solutions don’t work, the try resetting Face ID. This can be done by going to Settings > Face ID and Passcode, and by tapping Reset Face ID. Otherwise, if you can’t use Face ID, you must’ve restarted your iPhone or not enter your passcode for 2.5 days without 4 hours of Face ID usage. This can also happen if you didn’t unlock your iPhone for 2 days or more. This can be solved by using your iPhone’s passcode.

Malfunction of the TrueDepth camera module can be caused by unauthorized repair of the iPhone, injury to the upper extremity of the iPhone screen or a faulty part. If you check Settings on your iPhone, there will be an error message on the Face ID settings. This means that the iPhone’s software shuts down Face ID, Animoji/Memoji, FaceTime and any other TrueDepth camera features. If you see this, you have to see an Apple Genius. You can reserve an appointment for the Genius Bar via your iPhone on the Apple Support app, on the Apple website, or by calling your local Apple Store. Your Genius will recommend you for resection of the TrueDepth camera.

Conclusion 

The TrueDepth camera module serves many purposes for the security of your iPhone and for taking pictures. Hence the similarities of its issues to the solid-state Home button of the iPhone 7 and 8, it’s still a sensitive part of the iPhone. Hardware malfunction of the TrueDepth camera module requires a replacement from Apple. Most TrueDepth camera issues are easy to fix, but the upper impact of the iPhone can maim the TrueDepth camera module. Never cover the notch of your iPhone, and don’t drop your iPhone too hard to prevent these issues from happening in the future!

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