Face ID Required for Data Transfers? Here’s What Apple Didn’t Tell You

Apple’s latest iOS update just changed how you back up your data — and not everyone is happy about it.

Starting with iOS 18, Face ID is now required to connect your iPhone to a computer for backups, data transfers, or even to restore a device. That’s right — if your Face ID isn’t working or your face can’t be verified, you might be completely locked out of transferring your own data.

And there’s more.

iCloud Isn’t Optional Anymore

If you can’t authenticate via Face ID, your only other option for data backup is iCloud. But what if you don’t have enough space? You’ll either have to:

• Buy a storage upgrade
• Delete existing backups, photos, or files
• Risk losing important data

This forced reliance on cloud services is a major shift — especially for users who’ve always preferred local backups via iTunes or Finder.

User Experiences and Concerns

The update has sparked discussions among users, particularly regarding the challenges faced when Face ID fails. Some users have reported being unable to disable features like Stolen Device Protection without a functioning Face ID, leading to further complications. A Reddit user expressed their frustration

“I literally woke up this morning and my Face ID doesn’t work… It tells me that I can’t reset it because my stolen device protection is turned on. But you can’t turn it off without Face ID.”

These experiences underscore the importance of having alternative authentication methods and the potential drawbacks of relying solely on biometric security.

What You Can Do?

If you’re stuck, don’t panic. At Repair Logix in Belleview, FL, we can help you:

• Fix non-functioning Face ID systems
• Retrieve and back up your data
• Avoid unnecessary iCloud upgrades

Come by or contact us today. Don’t let a failed Face ID keep you from your files.