How to Fix Touch ID Issues on an iPhone or iPad

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

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.

2. Restart

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

3. Clean the Home Button

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.

iOS device with home button being cleaned

4. Update

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

Select Settings.

Select General.

iOS Settings highlighting the general option.

Select Software Update.

iOS general settings menu highlighting software update.

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.

iOS Software update menu displaying update status.

If an update is available, it will be displayed.

iOS Software update menu displaying an available update, highlighting download and install.

Select Download and Install to begin the update process.
If prompted, enter your passcode to proceed.

5. Try Enrolling a Different Finger

Select Settings.

Select Touch ID and Passcode.

iOS settings with touch id and passcode highlighted

If you have a passcode you'll be asked for it. Enter it here.

Select Add a Fingerprint.

Rest your finger on the home button.
Lift and rest it repeatedly until the fingerprint is complete.

iOS image showing how to create a fingerprint

Select Continue.

6. Introduction

We're going to walk you through resetting your Touch ID settings. This involves deleting and then adding them again.

7. Delete Touch ID Settings

Select Settings.

Select Touch ID and Passcode.

iOS settings with Touch ID and passcode selected

If you have a passcode you'll be asked for it. Enter it here.

Choose the fingerprint you want to delete.

iOS Touch ID settings with Fingerprint 1 selected

Select Delete.

8. Add Touch ID

Select Settings.

Select Touch ID and Passcode.

If you have a passcode you'll be asked for it. Enter it here.

Select Add a Fingerprint.

Rest your finger on the home button.
Lift and rest it repeatedly until the fingerprint is complete.

Select Continue.

9. Factory Reset

Select Settings.

Select General.

Select Reset.

General settings with Reset highlighted.

Select Erase All Content and Settings, and enter your iPhone's passcode (if prompted).

iOS Reset menu highlighting erase all content and settings.

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.

iOS Erase all content and settings confirmation prompt.

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.