Face Unlock on the OnePlus 13 is designed to make unlocking your phone quick and effortless. But if it stops recognizing your face or fails to work entirely, it can be annoying and inconvenient. Fortunately, several simple fixes can get it running again.
Why Your OnePlus 13 Face Unlock Might Not Be Working
- Poor lighting or camera obstruction.
- Dirty or smudged front camera lens.
- Face data not registered properly.
- Software bugs or outdated OxygenOS version.
- Screen lock type or Smart Lock interfering.
Clean the Front Camera.
Face Unlock relies on the front camera, and even a small amount of dust or smudge can affect detection accuracy.
- Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe the camera area.
- Make sure there are no screen protectors or cases blocking the sensor.
Try unlocking again after cleaning to see if the issue is resolved.
Check Lighting Conditions.
The OnePlus 13’s Face Unlock uses the front camera and ambient light for recognition. Poor lighting can make it difficult to detect facial features accurately.
- Move to a well-lit area with even lighting.
- Avoid direct sunlight or harsh shadows when testing Face Unlock.
Better lighting helps the phone recognize your face faster and more accurately.
Re-register Your Face Data.
Sometimes, your original face data may not have been captured clearly. Re-registering helps the phone store a better reference image.
- Open Settings, and then tap Security & privacy.
- Tap Face Unlock, and then select Delete face data. After that, tap Add face data and follow the on-screen instructions.
This refreshes your stored face information and usually restores functionality.
Disable Screen Brightness Compensation.
In low-light conditions, the OnePlus 13 may try to adjust screen brightness to illuminate your face. If this feature glitches, it can cause detection delays.
- Open Settings, and then tap Security & privacy.
- Tap Face Unlock, and then turn off Assistive lighting if it’s enabled.
You can enable it again later after testing Face Unlock stability.
Update OxygenOS.
Software bugs or outdated versions of OxygenOS can interfere with Face Unlock. Installing the latest update can fix these issues.
- Open Settings, and then tap About device.
- Tap OxygenOS, and then tap Check for updates. Download and install if an update is available.
Restart your phone afterward and test Face Unlock again.
Reset App Preferences.
If system permissions or app settings have been changed accidentally, Face Unlock may not work properly. Resetting app preferences can help restore normal operation.
- Open Settings, and then tap Apps.
- Tap App management, and then tap Reset app preferences. Confirm when prompted.
This won’t delete your data, but it resets permissions and system app defaults.
Face Unlock is one of the easiest ways to secure and access your OnePlus 13. With these steps, you can quickly fix most detection problems and restore smooth, instant unlocking.
FAQs
Why does my OnePlus 13 say “Face not recognized”?
This usually happens in poor lighting or when the front camera is dirty. Clean the lens and ensure you’re in a bright area.
Can Face Unlock work when I’m wearing glasses or a mask?
It may struggle with masks, but it can recognize you with glasses if your face data includes them. Re-registering while wearing glasses can improve accuracy.
Does Face Unlock work in complete darkness?
No. The OnePlus 13 relies on the front camera and ambient light, so it needs at least a dim light source to detect your face.
