Touch ID Not Working on iPhone/iPad? Try These 10 Fixes

Touch ID, a fingerprint identity sensor, makes it easy for iOS users to unlock devices, download apps, or make purchases without entering a passcode. However, many users complained that Touch ID is not working after screen replacement or iOS update.

If you're experiencing issues with Touch ID on your iPhone or iPad, read this guide to learn what you can do to fix this issue and get Touch ID to work again. These solutions apply to the following:

• iPhone: iPhone 5s to iPhone 8 and iPhone SE (all versions).
• iPad: iPad 5 or later; iPad Air 2 or later; iPad mini 3 or later; and iPad Pro.

Why Is My Touch ID Not Working on My iPhone?

Touch ID can malfunction for a number of reasons because it depends on both hardware (sensors) and software (like iOS) to function. These include:

• Your fingers and the Touch ID sensor are not clean and dry.
• Your finger does not cover the Touch ID sensor completely.
• You're pressing down on the sensor or moving your finger too hard (or too softly).
• You're using a phone case or screen protector, which may interfere with the scanner.
• Your iOS or iPadOS version is outdated or have some software issues.

Fortunately, the following solutions can help you fix an iPhone Touch ID that is not working. Let's check them out.

Tip 1: Keep Your Finger and Home Button Clean and Dry

The most immediate cause of Apple ID malfunction is the home button and your finger. Check whether the Home button is full of dust, or check whether there is sweat on your finger as well. If necessary, take a clean and dry cloth to wipe the Home button and your hands, then try again.

Tip 2: Properly Scan Your Fingerprint

Due to Touch ID's sensibility, you need to use this button correctly. Press the Home button lightly to allow the iPhone a few seconds to recognize your fingerprint. Make sure your entire finger is on the reader, and do not move it when scanning.

If you don't like the "Press Home button to unlock" feature, you can turn it off and enable "Rest Finger to Open" to unlock your iPhone without pressing the Home button.

To do that, go to Settings > General > Accessibility > Home Button and toggle "Rest Finger to Open" to ON.

Tip 3: Remove Case/Screen Protector from iPhone

If your iPhone is protected with a case, the fingerprint scanner may sometimes be blocked. Besides, the case traps too much heat, which may prevent the Touch ID sensor from reading your fingerprint properly. So, you'd better remove your case or screen protector when Touch ID is not working on your iPhone.

Tip 4: Force Restart Your iPhone

If the Touch ID is still not working, you can force restart your iPhone. Follow these steps to do it:

• For iPhone 8: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button. After that, press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

• For iPhone 7: Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power button at the same time until the Apple logo appears.

• For iPhone 6S: Press and hold the Power button and the Home button at the same time until the Apple logo appears.

Tip 5: Turn Off All Touch ID Features Then Back On

If you are still having this issue, try to turn off and turn on the Touch ID for Apple Pay, iPhone Unlock, iTunes/App Store, etc. Here are the steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Click on "Touch ID & Passcode" and deactivate all of the options.
3. Restart your iPhone or iPad, and then enable the functions you want to turn on.

Tip 6: Delete and Add New Fingerprint

Another feasible way is to delete the Touch ID fingerprints from Settings and then add a new one.

• Delete Fingerprint: To do so, go to Settings, scroll down to click on "Touch ID & Passcode." Choose one Fingerprint that you set before and select "Delete Fingerprint" to remove it.

• Add A New Fingerprint: Still, go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode, and click "Add a Fingerprint" to reset the fingerprint when prompted.

Tip 7. Check for iOS Update

After releasing the new Face ID feature, problems with Touch ID frequently occur. To solve the Touch ID not working issue, Apple has updated the new iOS version.

So you can head to Settings > General > Software Update to update your iPhone to the latest iOS version and check out whether this strategy is useful or not.

Tip 8. Reset Network Settings

After resetting network settings, all the saved WiFi passwords, added Bluetooth devices, and cellular data settings will be erased. However, the personal data on your iPhone, such as photos, videos, and app data, will be kept.

1. Open iPhone Settings and click on General.
2. Select Reset > Reset Network Settings (or Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings, depending on the iOS version).
3. Confirm to reset network settings by typing into the device's passcode.

Tip 9. Factory Reset Your iPhone (Data Loss)

If you've tried all of the above solutions but the Touch ID is still not working, you can do a factory reset. This will completely erase all the software and give your device a fresh start.

To do that, navigate to Settings > General > Reset (or Transfer or Reset iPhone) and choose "Erase All Content and Settings. All of your apps, photos, videos, etc, will be deleted after reset. So, make sure to back up your important iPhone data before doing this.

Tip 10. Fix iPhone Touch ID Not Working without Data Loss

It is very common to encounter the issue of Touch ID not working after an iOS update. This kind of issue could be fixed with the method above or with a professional iOS repair tool.

FoneGeek iOS System Recovery is a professional tool with powerful features for fixing various iOS system issues. It can also repair common issues without data loss.

Core Features of FoneGeek iOS System Recovery:

• Two repair modes are supplied with the program that enables you to repair iOS issues with the highest success rate.
• A large number of iPhone issues can be repaired, including the iPhone stuck in reboot loop, Apple logo, Recovery/DFU mode, iPhone black screen, etc.
• It is 100% secure to use the program. No data will be disclosed or lost.
• Compatible with all iOS versions and iPhone models, including the latest iOS 17/16 and iPhone 15/14/13.
• Recommended by Filehorse, All PC Worlds, GetDroidTips, Lera Blog, Webku, TechTricksWorld, and many other media sites.

How to Fix Touch ID Not Working on iPhone/iPad without Data Loss

Step 1. Install and launch the FoneGeek iOS Repair tool on your computer. Then click on "Standard Mode" from the main interface.

Step 2. Then, connect your iPhone to the computer with a USB cable. When the device is detected, click "Download" to get the matching firmware.

Step 3. When the download is complete, click on "Fix Now," and the program will start repairing your iPhone.

The Bottom Line

If the Touch ID is not working on your iPhone or iPad, you can follow the solutions in this article before taking it to a local Apple Store for repair. If you have followed all of these tips but still have issues with your Touch ID, it is possible that your device has suffered a hardware problem. In this case, you need to consider contacting Apple for more professional support.