Fix Sony Xperia 1 III Face Unlock Not Working With Poweradd Pilot Pro 20000

If you have a Sony Xperia 1 III and you rely on the Poweradd Pilot Pro 20 000 to keep it running during long trips or work sessions, you probably expect a seamless experience. The battery backup is impressive, but many users have reported that the Face Unlock feature stops working when the phone is powered by this particular power bank. The problem can feel frustrating, especially when you’re trying to unlock the phone quickly. This article walks you through why the issue happens, what to check on both the phone and the power bank, and step‑by‑step solutions to restore Face Unlock functionality.

What Happens When Face Unlock Stops Working

Face Unlock on the Xperia 1 III relies on a combination of hardware sensors (the front camera and infrared module) and software routines that process the image data. When the phone is connected to an external power source, the device’s power management system can change the voltage levels and current draw of the sensors. Some power banks, especially those with high capacity and advanced USB‑C power delivery, may deliver power at slightly different voltage or provide additional features such as data transfer mode. If the power bank’s output is not perfectly matched to the phone’s expectations, the sensors can receive a voltage that is too low or fluctuates, causing the Face Unlock algorithm to fail.

The Poweradd Pilot Pro 20 000 is a popular choice because it offers 20 000 mAh, fast charging, and a USB‑C PD (Power Delivery) profile that can supply up to 100 W. However, its internal power conversion circuitry can introduce noise or voltage drops that interfere with low‑power sensor operations. When the phone is not on its internal battery or the external battery has a slightly different chemistry, the sensor’s reference voltage can shift, and the Face Unlock routine may refuse to start.

Key Differences Between the Phone’s Internal Battery and the Power Bank

• Voltage Regulation – The Xperia 1 III’s internal battery regulator supplies a stable 3.7 V nominal to the power rails. The Poweradd uses a buck‑boost converter that can output 5 V, 9 V, or 15 V depending on the PD negotiation.
• Current Supply – The phone expects up to 5 A of peak current for quick charging. The Pilot can deliver 3 A at 5 V or 5 A at 9 V.
• Power Quality – USB‑C PD can include a small amount of EMI (electromagnetic interference) that is filtered out by the phone’s power management IC. A poorly filtered power bank can let a small ripple reach the camera subsystem.
• Ground Reference – When the phone’s battery is removed or is at a low state of charge, the ground reference changes. The Face Unlock sensor’s ground might shift slightly, leading to a false reading.

Understanding these differences helps you pinpoint whether the problem lies with the power bank, the phone’s firmware, or the connection itself.

Common Symptoms

• Face Unlock prompts appear but do not respond to the user’s face.
• Face Unlock sometimes works intermittently when the phone is not connected to the power bank.
• The phone remains locked and the user must fall back to PIN, pattern, or password.
• The status bar shows “Charging” but the screen remains dark until manual unlock.

If you see any of these symptoms, proceed with the troubleshooting steps below.

Step 1 – Verify the Power Connection

1. Use the Official USB‑C Cable – Sony recommends using the cable supplied with the device or a high‑quality USB‑C cable rated for at least 3 A. Cheap or damaged cables can introduce voltage drops.
2. Switch USB‑C Ports – If your Xperia 1 III has multiple USB‑C ports (e.g., one for charging, one for data), try connecting the power bank to the other port.
3. Test the Power Bank on Another Device – Connect a different phone or laptop to the Poweradd to ensure it outputs consistent voltage and current.

If the connection seems stable and the power bank works on other devices, move on to the next step.

Step 2 – Calibrate the Power Bank’s Output

The Pilot Pro 20 000 allows users to switch between 5 V/3 A, 9 V/3 A, and 15 V/3 A profiles. Some phones automatically negotiate the best profile; others may default to a lower voltage.

• Set to 5 V/3 A – For Face Unlock, a lower voltage is less likely to cause sensor drift.
• Disable Quick Charge (QC) – If the power bank offers a Quick Charge mode, turn it off.
• Check the Battery Level of the Power Bank – If the power bank’s battery is below 30 %, it may reduce output to protect itself, affecting sensor performance.

After making changes, unplug and reconnect the power bank, then test Face Unlock.

Step 3 – Update Phone Firmware and Software

Sony periodically releases updates that address sensor calibration and power management bugs.

1. Open Settings > System > Software Update – Ensure your device is on the latest firmware.
2. Check for Security Patches – Sometimes Face Unlock is tied to biometric security modules that require patches.
3. Install Any Pending Updates – After installation, reboot the device and try Face Unlock again.

If updates are unavailable, you may still benefit from a manual reset of the biometric sensor.

Step 4 – Reset the Face Unlock Settings

1. Open Settings > Biometrics – Tap on Face Unlock.
2. Clear All Registered Faces – Delete all saved face data.
3. Re‑Enroll Your Face – Follow the on‑screen prompts to capture a new face image.
4. Enable Face Unlock for All Situations – Make sure it is active for both power bank and battery mode.

After re‑enrollment, the Face Unlock algorithm will use fresh calibration data that may align better with the power bank’s output.

Step 5 – Disable “Smart‑Charging” Features on the Phone

Sony’s Smart‑Charging system can alter the voltage supplied to the camera module during charging. Disable it to see if Face Unlock recovers.

1. Open Settings > Battery > Battery Optimization – Search for “Smart‑Charging.”
2. Toggle Off – This forces the phone to use a consistent charging profile.
3. Test Face Unlock – If it now works, you may want to keep Smart‑Charging disabled while using external power banks.

Step 6 – Test with a Different Power Bank

To confirm the problem is specific to the Poweradd Pilot Pro, try another high‑capacity USB‑C power bank such as the Anker PowerCore 20 000 or the RAVPower 20 000.

• If Face Unlock Works – The issue is likely with the Poweradd’s internal circuitry.
• If Face Unlock Still Fails – The problem may be deeper in the phone’s firmware or the way Sony’s software interacts with PD power banks.

Step 7 – Examine the Phone’s Power Settings

Sony allows users to customize how the phone behaves while charging.

1. Open Settings > Battery > Power Mode – Select “Standard” instead of “Fast” or “Eco.”
2. Turn Off “Battery Saver” – Battery Saver can limit sensor performance.
3. Disable “Always on Display” – This feature uses the front camera continuously and can interfere with Face Unlock.

After adjusting, reconnect to the Poweradd and test.

Step 8 – Hardware Inspection

If software tweaks fail, consider a hardware check.

• Inspect the Front Camera – Look for dust or scratches that could affect face detection.
• Check the USB‑C Port – Loose connections can cause intermittent power delivery.
• Look for Overheating – When the phone charges from a high‑capacity bank, it may heat up, and the system may throttle sensor performance.

If you notice any physical defects, consider a professional repair.

Step 9 – Contact Sony Support

When all else fails, reach out to Sony’s customer support.

• Explain the Issue – Mention the specific power bank model.
• Provide Firmware Version – Let them know the exact build number.
• Ask for a Firmware Update – Sony may have a special patch for PD compatibility.

Often, support can provide a more targeted solution or suggest a firmware roll‑back if the latest update introduced the problem.

Step 10 – Use a Dedicated Power Bank Feature

Some power banks include a “USB‑C PD Mode” toggle. If the Poweradd Pilot has a button or app that allows you to switch between “Standard” and “USB‑C PD,” try toggling it.

• Standard Mode – Delivers 5 V/3 A continuously.
• PD Mode – Negotiates 5 V, 9 V, or 15 V based on the phone’s request.

When the phone requests 5 V, the power bank should default to Standard. If the phone is still not unlocking, force the power bank to Standard by holding the toggle for a few seconds.

Preventive Measures for Future Use

• Keep Firmware Updated – Regularly check for updates to stay protected against bugs.
• Use Certified Cables – Avoid low‑quality cables that can introduce voltage noise.
• Enable “Low‑Power Mode” for Sensors – Some phones allow disabling certain sensors when battery is low.
• Monitor Temperature – Keep the phone in a cool environment while charging from a high‑capacity bank.
• Maintain a Backup Unlock Method – Keep a PIN or pattern handy as a fallback.

By following these guidelines, you’ll reduce the likelihood of Face Unlock issues when using external power sources.

Why This Happens – A Deeper Technical Look

Sony’s Face Unlock algorithm relies on precise RGB and depth data captured by the front camera and infrared sensor. The sensor receives a reference voltage from the power management IC (PMIC). When a power bank supplies a slightly different voltage or introduces noise, the reference voltage shifts. This shift can cause the sensor’s internal ADC (Analog‑to‑Digital Converter) to misinterpret the depth map, leading the software to reject the face as a false negative.

The power bank’s internal power conversion can generate ripple voltage, especially if the converter is switching at a high frequency. This ripple can be coupled into the camera’s supply line if the phone’s shielding is not perfect. Sony’s internal PMIC includes a low‑dropout regulator to smooth the supply, but when the input voltage is close to the output voltage, the regulator’s headroom decreases, making it more sensitive to ripple.

In addition, the phone’s firmware may treat the power source as “fast charging” mode, which can disable certain low‑power features to prioritize current delivery. Face Unlock might be considered a non‑essential feature in this mode, and thus the system may temporarily disable the sensor to reduce power draw. This is why disabling “Smart‑Charging” or “Fast Charging” often restores functionality.

Real‑World Test Cases

Several users on community forums have reported similar experiences. Here’s a quick summary of the common fixes that worked:

These anecdotes confirm that the root cause often lies in the interaction between the power bank’s output profile and the phone’s sensor power management.

Summary

The Face Unlock issue on the Sony Xperia 1 III when using the Poweradd Pilot Pro 20 000 is typically caused by voltage mismatches, power‑management settings, or firmware bugs. By systematically verifying the cable, adjusting the power bank’s output, updating the phone’s software, resetting the biometric data, and disabling aggressive charging modes, most users can restore Face Unlock functionality.

If you still experience problems, the most reliable course of action is to test with an alternative power bank or contact Sony support for a firmware update specifically targeting PD compatibility. Following the preventive measures above will help keep your phone unlocked and your battery life optimal while you’re on the go.

By keeping an eye on firmware updates, using certified cables, and understanding the nuances of power delivery, you can enjoy the convenience of Face Unlock even when you’re relying on a high‑capacity external power source.