How to Fix Touch ID Issues on an iPhone or iPad

Touch ID is Apple's fingerprint identity sensor. It allows you to unlock your device, log in to apps, use Apple Pay, and make purchases from the App Store and iTunes by touching and briefly holding your finger against the sensor.

Unfortunately, it doesn't always work. This guide aims to help you resolve any issues you have with the Touch ID not working.

1. Hold down the lock/power button.
2. Slide to power off when prompted.
3. Wait until the phone is off.
4. Hold down the lock/power button until you see the Apple logo.

If you have a case or screen protector, make sure it doesn't cover the Home button or the surrounding ring.

Make sure your finger is dry. It should cover the Home button completely. While Touch ID is scanning do not move your finger around.

Make sure your Home Button is free of dust and debris. You can use a Q-tip and a small amount of alcohol to clean it.

To check and see if updates are available for your iOS device:

1. Select Settings.
   
2. Select General.
   
3. Select Software Update.
   
4. Your iOS device will perform a search for available iOS updates.
   
   • If no update is available, it will display your current version of iOS and inform you that your software is up to date.
     
   • If an update is available, it will be displayed.
     
     
     • Select Download and Install to begin the update process.
     • If prompted, enter your passcode to proceed.

1. Select Settings.
   
2. Select Touch ID and Passcode.
   
3. If you have a passcode you'll be asked for it. Enter it here.
   
4. Select Add a Fingerprint.
   
5. Rest your finger on the home button.
6. Lift and rest it repeatedly until the fingerprint is complete.
   
7. Select Continue.
   

1. Select Settings.
   
2. Select Touch ID and Passcode.
   
3. If you have a passcode you'll be asked for it. Enter it here.
   
4. Choose the fingerprint you want to delete.
   
   
5. Select Delete.
   

1. Select Settings.
   
2. Select Touch ID and Passcode.
   
3. If you have a passcode you'll be asked for it. Enter it here.
   
4. Select Add a Fingerprint.
   
5. Rest your finger on the home button.
6. Lift and rest it repeatedly until the fingerprint is complete.
   
7. Select Continue.
   

1. Select Settings.
   
2. Select General.
   
3. Select Reset.
   
4. Select Erase All Content and Settings, and enter your iPhone's passcode (if prompted).
   
5. You will receive a confirmation prompt offering to Backup Then Erase or Erase Now. If you would like to back up your device's information before erasing, select Backup Then Erase. Otherwise, select Erase Now.
   

Your iPhone will now wipe all data and reset back to factory defaults. When completed, you will be presented with the Welcome screen you saw when you took your iPhone out of the box for the first time.