You’re all set for a day of productivity or leisure, but instead of swift and secure access via Touch ID, you’re met with frustration. Whether it's failing to recognize your fingerprint or not responding at all, various factors can contribute to Touch ID malfunctions on your MacBook®.
We’re here to help you get past your tech roadblocks. At uBreakiFix® by Asurion, we know tech. From computer tune-ups to cleanups, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what to do when the Touch ID isn’t working on your Mac®.
Common causes of Touch ID issues
Understanding why Touch ID might not be working on your MacBook is crucial for finding the right fix, whether it’s a sensor issue or a software glitch. Touch ID issues on a MacBook can stem from various sources. The most likely culprits are:
A dirty or damaged sensor.
Moisture or oils on fingers.
Software glitches.
Recent software updates.
Worn or altered fingerprints.
Hardware malfunction.
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How to troubleshoot MacBook fingerprint not working properly
Encountering issues with your MacBook's fingerprint sensor can be inconvenient. Let's go through some troubleshooting tips to get the Touch ID working properly again.
Ensure your fingers are clean and dry
The sensor's accuracy depends on clear, dry contact with your finger. Make sure your fingers are clean and dry before using Touch ID. If one finger isn’t recognized, try another.
Clean the Touch ID sensor
A clean sensor is key for accurate fingerprint reading. If your Touch ID sensor needs a good cleaning, use a soft, microfiber cloth to gently wipe the Touch ID sensor. Avoid using liquids or abrasive cleaning materials.
Restart your MacBook Pro
A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches. Here’s how to do it:
Go to the Apple® menu.
Select Restart. Then try using Touch ID again after your MacBook reboots.
Check for macOS updates and install them
Staying updated can resolve many software-related issues—including anything related to your Touch ID sensor. Follow these steps to install any available updates:
Go to the Apple menu.
Click About This Mac.
Click Software Update to check for available updates. Install any macOS® updates.
If you've tried these steps and still need a little help, we're right around the corner. Schedule a repair at the nearest uBreakiFix® by Asurion store and our certified experts can get your device back up and running as soon as the same day.
The Asurion® trademarks and logos are the property of Asurion, LLC. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Asurion is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any of the respective owners of the other trademarks appearing herein.
Make sure that you have the latest version of macOS. Make sure that your fingers and the Touch ID sensor are clean and dry. * Use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe off any dirt or debris on the Touch ID sensor. Your finger should cover the Touch ID sensor completely.
Make sure that you have the latest version of macOS. Make sure that your fingers and the Touch ID sensor are clean and dry. * Use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe off any dirt or debris on the Touch ID sensor. Your finger should cover the Touch ID sensor completely.
Click Login Options, then make sure Automatic login is off. Choose Apple menu > System Settings (or System Preferences), click Touch ID & Password, then turn on the setting to use Touch ID to unlock your Mac. Try to add a different fingerprint.
Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode and make sure that iPhone Unlock or iTunes & App Store is on, and that you've enrolled one or more fingerprints. Try enrolling a different finger.
* Moisture, lotions, sweat, oils, cuts or dry skin might affect fingerprint recognition. Certain activities can also temporarily affect fingerprint recognition, including exercise, showering, swimming, cooking or other conditions or changes that affect your fingerprint.
Ensure that the fingerprint reader, and your finger, is dry and clean. Use a lint-free cloth to clear away anything interrupting the fingerprint reader. Sometimes, even a little water or sweat can make it hard for your iPhone or iPad to read your fingerprint.
To do that, go to System Settings > Touch ID & Password and hover over the first fingerprint.When the 'x' appears, click it and type in your password, then click Delete.
If you need to force restart your new MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, just press down on the Touch ID sensor until you feel a click.Hold that until the computer restarts. If you need to force restart your new MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, just press down on the Touch ID sensor until you feel a click.
On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Touch ID & Password in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.) Click Add Fingerprint, enter your password, then follow the onscreen instructions. If your Mac or Magic Keyboard has Touch ID, the sensor is located at the top right of your keyboard.
If you damage the Touch ID hardware, it can only be replaced by Apple. If the connector doesn't pry up easily, use a hair dryer or iOpener to heat and soften the adhesive securing the connector, and then try again.
Booting your Android device in safe mode can help identify if a third-party app is causing the issue. If the fingerprint sensor works in safe mode, consider uninstalling recently added apps.
Ensuring your MacBook Pro is running the latest version of macOS can fix many Touch Bar issues. Click on the Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update or Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update, depending on your software version. Then, install any available updates.
If your laptop is shut down or stays in sleep mode for a long time, it cannot be unlocked by fingerprint. To use fingerprint, you need to press the power button to wake up the laptop first. If you have problems with the Windows Hello PIN, you may encounter a fingerprint unlock failure accordingly.
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