iPhone: 5S through 8 and iPhone SE (all versions).iPad: 5 and later; Air 2 and up; Mini 3 and newer; and Pro.MacBook: Air (2018 and newer), Pro (2016 and later).
Why Is My Touch ID Not Working?
Because Touch ID relies on both software (e.g., iOS) and hardware (sensors) to work, failures can come from a variety of sources, including:
The sensor – or your finger – is dirty.You’re moving your finger or pressing on the sensor too hard (or too softly).A case or screen protector is interfering with the scanner.You mis-scanned your fingerprint when you originally set up Touch ID.Your version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS is out of date.
How to Fix Touch ID Problems
A number of things have to be just right for Touch ID to work, and only one thing has to be off to cause problems. Follow the steps below in order, completing the easier things first before moving on to the more complex directions. Try Touch ID again after each step to see if it works.
What to Do if You Can’t Activate Touch ID
If Touch ID won’t activate, and you’re getting an “Unable to complete Touch ID setup.” error, or Touch ID is greyed out, then you’ll have to try some other options. Use a lint-free cloth to clear away anything that’s interrupting the fingerprint reader. Sometimes, even a tiny bit of water or sweat can make it hard for your iPhone or iPad to read your fingerprint. If the Home button has lots grime, clean with a circular motion around the edge of the Home button, and then do it in reverse to clear out as much as possible. For example, to unlock your phone with Touch ID, iPhone Unlock needs to be on, and to use your fingerprint to download apps from the App Store, the iTunes & App Store option needs to be toggled on. For whatever reason—be it an issue with the cable, overheating, or the iOS software—some users have had luck fixing Touch ID activation problems by simply removing the iPhone or iPad from power or from the computer’s USB port. When you disable the passcode, you’re giving your device a chance to do a soft reset of the security settings. You’ll have to re-enable the passcode again in order to use Touch ID, but during the process, things behind the scenes will do a sort of power cycle, which might be enough to fix Touch ID. To do that, go to Settings, tap your name at the top, and then choose Sign Out at the bottom. Follow the on-screen steps and then log back in when that option is available.
