Wirefly helps you save on cell phones and plans by offering innovative comparison tools so consumers can make educated choices. Start saving today with Wirefly!
Wirefly helps you save on Internet service by offering innovative comparison tools to compare Internet providers in your area.
Technology is wonderful but when it becomes glitchy, fixing the issue can drive your blood pressure through the roof. If your iPhone or iPad’s Touch ID fingerprint scanner isn’t working, follow along and you can get this biometric feature working again.
Touch ID was released to the public years ago. Every version since has seen an improvement, but issues can still arise. Finger placement, debris on the scanner, sweat, and software glitches are all reasons Touch ID may not be working.
The initial fingerprint calibration could be the reason Touch ID isn’t working. While your Apple device may tell you the fingerprint calibration was successful, it’s possible that’s not true. Try this if you need to recalibrate: hold your iPhone as you would normally. Refrain from holding it in the most optimal way. Now, do a recalibration of your fingerprint.
During the calibration process, make sure all parts of your finger are scanned, including tips and edges. Also, your finger needs to touch the metal ring around the iPhone’s “Home” button. Ensure your case or screen protector isn’t covering the button or the metal ring. If it is, take the screen protector or case off and recalibrate again. Moving forward, this will help when you use Touch ID to unlock your iPad or iPhone.
Related: Face ID Not Working on iPhone and How to Fix It
Use a clean cloth to clear any debris from the Home button and then try recalibrating.
Always remember to apply less force to the home button when signing on to your device. Less is always better.
Keeping your fingers clean and dry will ensure that Touch ID works as designed.
Moisture can wreak havoc on Apple’s Touch ID. Make sure your fingers and the Home button are dry. Moisture on either can keep Touch ID from working properly.
If your screen protector or protective case is covering the Home button, Touch ID will not work.
When signing onto your iPhone or iPad, ensure your finger touches the metal ring around the home button. Also, take care to ensure the finger doesn’t move at the moment of authentication.
From your home screen, you will tap on the Settings icon. Then, scroll down the options and tap on the Touch ID and Passcode option. Now, enter your passcode. In the Touch ID and Passcode section, turn the iPhone Unlock and iTunes & App Store toggles to the off selection. Next, you need to do a restart by simultaneously pressing the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button on your device.
After the device has restarted, once again launch Settings and scroll to Touch ID and Passcode. Now you will re-enter your passcode and turn on iPhone Unlock as well as the iTunes & App Store option. Now, touch the Add a Fingerprint option and follow the steps to add your fingerprint.
If Touch ID is still not working, you will need to enable the Rest Finger to Open option. To do this, tap on Settings and then Accessibility. Under Accessibility, touch the Home Button option and then enable Rest Finger to Open.
If the previous solutions have not resolved your Touch ID issues, make sure you iPhone or iPad are running the latest iteration of iOS. Aside from making your device run smoother, this can remove any other issues affecting your device. To run the newest version of iOS, you will tap on Settings, then General and finally Software Update. Once your update is complete, check to see if Touch ID is working. If Touch ID is not working, you will need to contact Apple Support for further help.
Hopefully, the steps outlined above have resolved your Touch ID issues. For most users, the steps outlined will be sufficient. If you’ve discovered other fixes for issues with Touch ID, please reach out and share your solutions with us.
Wirefly offers great deals on a large selection of smartphones, cell phones, tablets, mobile hotspots, and other wireless devices for the nation's most popular carriers. Use Wirefly’s innovative cell phone and plan comparison tools to ensure you are getting the best deal on the market. Shop with confidence knowing that Wirefly wants to help you find the best prices on cell phones, cell phone plans, TV, and Internet service.