How to Fix MLB The Show 26 Face Scan Not Working

Since launch on March 13, 2026, many players have run into issues with the face scan feature in MLB The Show 26. The most common problem is the “Processing Failed” error, along with scans that never upload or don't appear in-game.

These issues are mostly tied to app compatibility, device differences, and scanning conditions. Below is a clear breakdown of what's causing the problem and how to fix it.

How to Use Face Scan

In MLB The Show 26, the face scan feature continues to be accessible through the MLB The Show Companion App. This tool allows you to upload a photo of yourself to create a custom player for Road to the Show.

1. Download the App: Install the official MLB The Show Companion App on your mobile device.
2. Link Your Account: Log in and link your console account (PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch) to the app.
3. Capture Your Face: Use the "Face Scan" feature in the app's menu. Lighting: Ensure you are in a well-lit area to avoid "two-tone" skin glitches or dark neck areas reported by some users. Expression: Keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes looking directly at the camera.
4. Upload and Apply: Once the scan is processed and uploaded, go to the Road to the Show creator in-game to apply the scan to your ballplayer.

Recent Updates and Community Feedback

• Performance and Fixes: Recent patches, such as Game Update 2 (March 15, 2026), have targeted face scan errors and connectivity issues.
• Player Accuracy: While the feature for created players remains popular, fans often debate the accuracy of professional player scans, noting that some stars have outdated models while others received significant updates in the 26 edition.
• Common Issues: Some players have reported that the 26 face scan may look different from previous years' versions, with some users preferring to re-scan rather than sync old data to ensure the best lighting and jawline alignment.

1. Update the Companion App First

The most important step is making sure your companion app is fully updated.

San Diego Studio released version 6.1.6 to fix a major issue with newer devices, especially the iPhone 17's camera sensor. Older versions of the app may fail to process scans entirely.

What to do:

• Go to the App Store or Google Play
• Search for the MLB The Show Companion App
• Install any available updates

If your app is not updated, other fixes may not work.

2. Try a Different Device

If you are using a newer phone and still getting errors, device compatibility may be the issue.

Many players have reported that:

• Newer phones (like iPhone 17) sometimes fail to process scans
• Older devices (like iPhone 14 or 15) often work more reliably

What you can try:

• Log into your account on a different phone
• Complete the scan and upload from that device

This is currently one of the most consistent workarounds.

3. Improve Your Scanning Setup

Even when the app works correctly, poor scanning conditions can cause failures.

Follow these best practices:

Lighting

• Use natural light near a window
• Avoid direct sunlight on your face
• Avoid yellow or dim indoor lighting

Face Position

• Remove glasses, hats, or anything covering your face
• Keep your hair away from your forehead
• Use a neutral expression (no smiling or teeth showing)

Movement

• Turn your head slowly when prompted
• Move from center → left → center → right
• Avoid sudden or fast movements

Bad lighting or fast motion is a common reason scans fail.

If you still have trouble getting a clean scan, it may take a few tries to get the lighting and movement right. Small adjustments can make a big difference, so take your time and test different setups. And if you prefer to spend less time on setup and more time building your team, some players choose to buy MLB The Show 26 stubs Nintendo Switch through services like U4N, as a simple way to move forward without relying entirely on in-game grinding.

4. Restart the App and Console

Sometimes the scan actually uploads but doesn't appear in-game.

If your scan says:

• “Queued for processing”
• Or it doesn't show up at all

Try this:

• Close and reopen the companion app
• Restart your console
• Wait a few minutes and check again

This helps sync your data properly.

5. Be Aware of Known Visual Bugs

Even if your scan works, the result may not look perfect.

A common issue right now is the “two-tone skin” bug, where:

• The face looks normal
• The neck appears noticeably darker

This is a known visual glitch and not caused by your scan setup. It will likely require a patch from the developers.

6. Current Status of the Issue

The face scan problem is not fully resolved yet. While the latest app update fixed some major compatibility issues, players are still reporting:

• Occasional processing failures
• Inconsistent results across devices
• Visual glitches after successful scans

This means some cases may not have a complete fix right now.